TeamSmithNA: Seriously? Did that... really just happen??

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,

whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that the testing of your fa:th

produces persev-rance. Let persev-rance finish

its work so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything.”

JS. 1:2-4 -

Flowers from some amazing friends!

EXTREME LOWS... AND HIGHS!

This month was the most difficult one we’ve had so far. Not going to minimize it. The kids were in a funk, we were having problems with our language school, we really hit culture shock, experienced our first bouts of really yucky sickness and so many things in the States started to fall apart. At one point, it was easy to wonder why in the world we had moved our family 5,000 miles away from everything that made sense. But then, almost everything that was familiar at home had changed... such a feeling of loneliness and not-belonging. There was a LOT of crying involved.

Then, we got a break. Sunshine broke through the clouds in the form of flowers, phone calls, care packages and letters. Feeling remembered, thought-of and loved by the precious people around us and over the ocean brought so much joy and comfort to our hearts. Made us realize how weak we are... how our only place of true belonging is in Him... and that He definitely has us here for a reason. It’s very humbling and wonderful to be reminded how much we need, crave and depend upon His goodness.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Despite the extremely emotional and difficult month, Dad has shown how He can use broken, imperfect and weak people like us. We both wrote and gave our test-monies in Spanish before our local group. Non-believing friends heard it and we were able to have follow up conversations about the Truth. It was such an amazing experience to be able to share (in another language!) with confidence about the changes Dad has made in our lives.

Andrew’s reputation at the trash cans has spread. He has several guys he talks to on a regular basis now and they have had breakfast together as well! Tonight, Joseph, (with the very little money he has) bought Andrew a gift. We also met 3 other people out and about this week who flat out asked us about the Truth. Andrew was even able to share the G with a taxi driver. Dad is GOOD.

CELEBRATIONS & REQUESTS:

Andrew’s mom, Janice was taken back into surgery for another growth. The mass was removed, but the doctors are still unsure whether it was more cancerous growth or some strange infection. Either way, she is feeling much better now!

We were able to share our test-monies in Spanish, we have met new friends and have been able to talk about the Most Important News in the world.

We have had some serious encouragement from some amazing people around the globe. Very grateful for Dad showing us His love for us in such a physical way.

We have been looking for an apartment (because our lease runs out at the end of July) and we have found a great place!

We have gotten an new language instructor and had more structured lessons lately!

* * * *

Please continue to remember Janice. Please keep asking for healing... and for peace for all of our family.

Please think of our family as we are transitioning to another caregiver for the kiddos. Mia found another job and she is no longer working for us. We’re still glad to be friends!
Please ask for us to be continually remembering Dad’s goodness, especially when things are physically, spiritually and emotionally difficult like they have been lately.

Please ask for Dad to work in the hearts of the people and through the teams coming from the states this summer. Ask for strength, clarity and for Dad to do mighty work!