You mean.... this isn't vacation??

“...my Word that goes out from my mouth;

it will not return to me empty, 

but will accomplish what I desire

At the city center!

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” 

IS. 55:10-12 - 

DAILY LIFE:

     We celebrated our "monthiversary" on April 24.  It's hard to believe we've been here almost 6 weeks!  It's starting to set in that this is our everyday, normal life here... not vacation, not a temporary place... this is it.  Kind of an overwhelming thought since we've had 8 moves in the last 10 months.  We're not used to being "settled" physically.  We're each struggling a little, in different ways.  We have had so many experiences so far!  From "little" things like... eating out alone, walking in our city and NOT getting lost, to learning how to clean and cook in our own apartment... to "big" things like sharing the BEST news, making new friends and inviting them to our local group... in Spanish... without human assistance. ;)

HOW WE'RE ADJUSTING:

     Grae seems to be doing the best out of everyone!  He runs to Mia every day, kisses her and gives her big hugs!  We're so thankful for our joyful little man.  Aidyn has been struggling with behavior problems more than normal.  I think she's really struggling with the language barrier between her and Mia.  At 3.5 years old, Aidyn has been conversational for 2.5 years... I think it's hard for her to remember a time when she couldn't communicate... and now, we're here...

     Andrew has had some very heavy things to deal with from back home and Joanna has been struggling with depression. Overall, we are trusting that Dad has us right where He wants us and we are looking for the opportunities He is giving us to impact our world for the Kingdom.  

     Andrew is developing a relationship with "Joseph", a young guy that waits by the dumpsters for food.  Andrew takes leftovers to him and they talk a little every night.  It's really interesting for them since Joseph doesn't speak any Spanish, and Andrew knows nothing else!

     It's fun, the relationships we're beginning and the deep conversations we've already had, despite our lack of language.  He is GOOD!

First time touching the Mediterranean!

CELEBRATIONS AND REQUESTS:

• Andrew's mom, Janice is doing REALLY WELL!! What we thought was going to be a biopsy turned into the removal of an entire lobe of her brain.  We're so thankful that she's progressing well, remembering us, loving us.... and oh MAN we love her so much!!!

• We have been in language school for 5 weeks and feel as though we are learning a lot.

• We have been able to share the BEST news with several people so far... and one has continued to show interest!

• Joanna's dizziness has completely subsided.  Guess jet lag can be more intense than we thought!

• We have made new friends in the city who have come to group with us once... and we have been called "crazy" by the local members for being bold!!!

*   *   *   *

• Please continue to remember Janice.  She is healing well, but the doctors said there is a possibility her brain cancer could return. PLEASE ask that Dad would make a mir-cle from her life and that she never struggles with this disease again!

• Please remember us as we still struggle with adjusting to our lives here... especially for Aidyn as she struggles with her behavior and lack of communication abilities.

• Please ask for Joseph to see and hear the Best News from Andrew as they talk by the dumpsters nearly every night.

• Please ask that the people here would continue to think of us as "crazy"... for all the right reasons!  

      You are more precious to us than we could ever say,

                                                                                                      Carrying on....               .               

                                                                                                                                      *  *  *  *

Traviesa!
(Look it up :)

Guapo!