The New Beginning

We apologize for not having a new post or updates in December or in early January. It had been a strange transitional time in Ohio with many different feelings. It was somewhat strange to get accustomed to not going to work, or having a set routine, as well as living back with your parents.  There were many times we had difficulty being able to sit and rest; we had grew accustom to meeting with churches, people, and preparing for our big move, that we constantly felt the need to be doing something. When in reality we should be enjoying the time of rest. Furthermore, it was at times hard not having space and consistent driving between parents. It is a peculiar thing to leave your home town for a while and to move back and see people you once knew as a child and now reconnect as an adult, as well as seeing all the changes of the town. 

Yet, with some of these transitional difficulties there were many times of joy and happiness.  As our time in Ohio had came to an end we were able to see why God had sent us home for the past few months.  It was  a blessing to be with family over the holidays. It  had been at least 4 years  since we spent  Thanksgiving with our families. It was also a blessing for Ezra to be able to really spend time with his grandparents ,great grandmas, aunts and uncles,  which that relationship would not had been possible  if we stayed longer in North Carolina. It was such an answered prayer to be able to study the bible with our parents and share what God is laying on our hearts, and to spend time with my brother who has become one of my best friends   Lastly, God had really allowed us to get reconnected with old friends and amazingly with our home church in Ohio. It was the place where we really met Jesus and was discipled as young Christians. After living in North Carolina for 8 years things tend loose touch with people , or they move away themselves. Yet, we were so thankful for the pastors, mission committee, and small groups   at First Friends church who had welcomed us and reconnected us with the church. They have shown us such amazing love and  support for our calling.  Overall it was a blessing to be able to spend that time back in Ohio and I am very thankful for it. 

It is incredibly hard to explain all the emotions that went through our minds and hearts yesterday as we moved from Ohio to Honduras.  Yet we hope by reading this you capture not only the moving experience, but yet the goodness of God and how he brought us to our new home.  

1) Leaving family- It was emotional and harder than I ever thought. Living away for 8 years and only coming home twice a year I thought it would be easy. But it was not, especially after spending quality time with them in the past couple months, and with  Ezra being there it was emotionally challenging to say see you later to our parents, siblings and grandparents.  Please continue praying for our family's as this tough transition for them. 

2) Plane rides with a 6 month old- To say we were anxious about taking Ezra on his first time on a plane is an understatement. We had no idea how he as going to do, or how people around him would respond if he did not do well.  But praise be to God, he answered prayers and Ezra was so amazing during the two plane rides,running around airports, and the one hour drive to Comayagua.  He slept  most of the plane rides and never fussed one second.  We thank all of you who prayed for him during the move because God heard you prayers. 

3) The Travel it self- With the mountain of Luggage, stroller, baby seat, and other bags we took to move our lives to Central America was not the most fun we have had in an airport. Travel it self is stressful because so much can go wrong , and with airlines you never know if bags will be lost, flights delayed  or if you will make it to your connecting flight on time. Furthermore, with all the protest in Honduras during the last month, we were unsure if we were going to be able to make it from the airport in Tegus to our new home in Comayagua (which is about an hour apart).  Yet praise be to our awesome God who made things so smooth the whole trip.  I have had more issues traveling by my self to a city in the States then I did yesterday. 

4) Being welcomed by our new Family- There was too much emotional family stuff for one day  for anyone to handle. Not only did we have to say see you in 10 months to our family in the States, but the welcoming from our new family here was totally over whelming. They had made us signs and greeted us with such love. The effort they put into our house was amazing. We felt so welcomed and loved that we knew that we have such amazing support here. The love they showed Ezra was above and beyond anything I could imagine , Lets just say we will never be with out friends or babysitters.  All of it was such a confirmation that God had prepared the way. 

5) The Unpacking -  Exciting and frustrating all in one. figuring out what goes where and realizing how much stuff we still have  after trying to get rid of so much was crazy. Your so excited to get it done and want it to be done so you can enjoy your new home, yet your so tired from travel it just becomes frustrating.  We did get Ezra unpacked and into his bedroom and many would say that is all that mattered. 

6 The breakdown- Once Kelly and I had a moment to sit and breath as Ezra was sleeping, we took a moment to pray. Then we cried and cried , prayed some more . and cried some more. The emotions of  the day really hit us, and not only the day but also the past 18 months took over. The overwhelming realization of what God did to get us here just overtook us. All the emotions of wondering if we were ever going to make it here, all the traveling sharing out hearts with churches, all the coffee, lunch, and dinners meetings, all the worrying of how our families will handle us taking their grandchild to Honduras , and all the frustrations , concerns , and fears. All seemed to  be released  into one big crying session, and to also  say, God thank you for your goodness, thank you for keeping true to what you called us to do. 

Now we are finally here and ready for this  New Beginning.  The work of  preparation is over and its time to fulfill our Calling.  We woke up this morning filled with a new exciting energy for the new work  to begin to Raise and Equip. We know it wont be easy and there will be ups and downs , learning curves and language to figure out. But we do Know God is with us, and if He is with us, We know that We will not fail . 

Nehemiah 2;20 - I answered them by saying " the God of heaven will give us success." ...