I have always loved fall. It is my absolute favorite time of the year!
Even when I was a teacher and fall meant back to school, I still loved
it. The cool, crisp air, the beautiful leaves, pumpkin spice lattes,
apple pies, sweatshirts and layered outfits...fall singled that change
was coming.
Fall is definitely here in Russia, but more so the meaning of fall as I
have always known it, is present in our lives. In December, we will be
finishing our Internship with Global Partners here in Russia. Over the
past few months we have prayed fervently for direction as we had to
decided whether to come back to Russia for another 3 years or end our
time after the completion of the internship. After much intentional
prayer and conversations with significant people in our lives, we have
decided to officially return to the United States in mid-December.
Ever since we began our journey with Global Partners in overseas
missions, we have always been open to the Lord's leading and guidance as
he opened doors and remained ever so faithful. In the 4 years we have
been with GP, our family has grown from 2 to 4! We have flown 6 times
internationally with infants, dealt with jet lag to the max, lived in 2
different apartments in Russia, and gone through a summer of intensive
language study, yet through all the transition and changes that have
taken place in our family, we have always felt the Lord's peace at where
we were. We believe with all our hearts that the Lord called us to
Russia for a season, with a great purpose, that we might not even be
aware of. God's leading never leads us down a path of
purposelessness...He always has a plan.
As we transition back to the States in December, we feel a bit
overwhelmed with what lies ahead. We are still wanting to be involved
in full-time ministry, wherever that may be. Right now, we have no idea
what that means, where we will be, or how it will work out. But we do
know that the God we serve has shown himself faithful over and over, and
we don't doubt a bit that He will guide us and provide for us.
My prayer as we head back to "American" living, is to never
forget the need for Jesus Christ not only in Russia, but all over the
world. I don't want to forget the worldview I have gained over the last 2
years of living overseas. I want to always remember that our western
view of everything isn't always the right or best way to do "church" or
share the gospel in different parts of the world...culture, history,
people...it is all different, the world and people out here do not
always think the same way, we as Americans, think. Yet, all these
people were created in the image of God---and the Lord desires for them
to know Him personally.
As we journey through the next 3 months preparing to leave, please pray
for us to focus and finish strong. Also pray for us as Philip seeks to
find employment in ministry....you can keep your ears open for us! We
are excited for this new season in our lives. We truly believe it will
be a season of fruitfulness and encouragement!
Blessings,
Philip, Kara, Adalynn, and Gwen
