I apologize for being so bad about posting updates! I really am trying to get better, but I think I may be the worst journaler ever.
January was a good month for us! Somehow I think it was the busiest January we've ever had. Usually the month creeps by, all cold and snowy. Instead we have had rain, rain, wind, sun, rain and wind. Where is the snow???
We completed the next 2 really important steps in our mission preparation for ACM. We had a psychological evaluation with a doctor in Lincoln, IL and we had our physical evaluations and full bloodwork done in Indy. Both doctors cleared us for third-world missions and are sending their recommendations to ACM. We are working on our budget now and will soon be ready to present it to the Financial Board for approval. Once we have that step completed we will be ready to start fundraising. We have also met with Jared and Anna, to discuss the details of their survey trip. We will all 4 (Adam & I and Jared & Anna) be meeting with Tim, the director of ACM next week to talk everything through and will also be going to the ACM Trustees and Missionary meetings in Asheville, NC next month.
God has blessed our family in multiple ways lately and it is reassuring to see His encouragement as we follow Him. My friend Tresa has quoted Psalm 37:4 to me several times. It says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."
Caeley and I started a Mother/Daughter Bible study and a quilting class at church 2 weeks ago. We are really enjoying it! Ethan is getting ready to start soccer again and is excited. I am enjoying Adam's work schedule at Amazon. For the first time in years, he actually gets home at dinner time! I am happy to be able to cook dinner and have it ready for him when he gets home (or shortly after).
Please continue to pray for us as we prepare our bodies and hearts for what God has in store for us. Neither of the kids had many of their shots as babies so they have some catching up to do!
Adam and I are starting a Bible study that we bought at the Missionary Convention and will also be doing some studies together with Anna and Jared as well. We will be meeting more and more frequently as the time gets closer (although Anna and I and the kids all see each other really often with all of our homeschool activities). :) Please pray that God would continue to speak clearly to us as we meet and work to follow His will and direction for our families. There are so many answers that He hasn't given us yet, but I feel His peace assuring us in our obedience to Him. John 14:27 says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." And of course, Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope, and a future."
