Pain

This week Josh and I were video chatting with Nana (My Mom). It was time to go and I told Josh to say goodbye. My sweet loving boy grabs the ipad, squeezes it in the tightest hug he can manage and then places a kiss on the screen. It's times like these that there is so much pain in my heart and makes me wonder if us being in the DR is the right choice. We live so far away from family and technology can only do so much. We still miss out on family celebrations, birthdays and just actual physical hugs. It can be really hard and we know how hard it is on our families. As hard as it is, we can't deny that God has us here for a season and for a specific purpose. We have seen God's powerful hand moving the Dominican Republic. He has blessed us so abundantly and made it so clear that we are to continue being here. God is a loving God and he understands pain. He knows that He is calling us to something that can cause pain, but if we shy away from pain, then we shy away from a life completely and totally sold out for Him. When Jesus was in the garden before His death he knew the pain that was coming. 

36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch[a] with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” Mathew 26:36-39

I am not suggesting at all that we are experiencing pain even close to what Jesus suffered for us. I am merely saying that at times following God means doing what is painful. 

This month we just want to publicly acknowledge the sacrifices that many people are making so that we can be here. Friends and family are giving up part of their monthly income so that we can do what God has called us to do. Family is missing out on weekly time with Josh. We feel each one of your prayers and appreciate all the time you give towards supporting us. We know, feel and appreciate it all!