Fuel shortage, Hindu holidays, and spiritual warfare have been prevalent. More about that in a later post.
Oh- and we're going to live in a new country in 40 days....
As many of you know, we had hoped to return back to the States in December when our BGR term is up in order to re-apply for an Indian visa. As much as we love Nepal, the infrastructure and medical care available is not sufficient for Bret's back issues. Plus, the Lord called us to India 5 years ago, and we just really wanted to try... ONE MORE TIME!
Unfortunately, that is not going to happen. Our leaders have shared with us some news that will make India a very difficult place for us to go right now. We can't go into all the details at the moment, but suffice it to say, they are absolutely right in their decision. So, for now and possibly forever, India is off the table for our family.
So, what does that mean for us?
It means that at the current moment, we have NO IDEA where in the world we will live and serve! We wanted this to be Asia. With all of our hearts we wanted it to be South Asia. As we were processing this with Lorelei, we were reminded of a story:"Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." Acts: 16:6-10
Sometimes, you pack 12 trunks and move across the world only to have doors slammed shut. Honestly, we were devastated. Tears were spilled over the country we so dearly love- one that is so very lost. One that we are not going to live in. But oh, the Lord is so good. Sorrow did not gain much traction in our hearts, because He replaced it with excitement! We may have not seen this coming, but He did! He knew we would not live in India. And to take a step further, He knows where we will go. He knows our "Macedonian man" that longs to hear about Him. And we cannot wait until He reveals the next part of our journey!
So now, we humbly ask you to pray along with us. Our consultant in the States is wanting us to be matched with a job by December 4th. We don't really know what the process of changing affinities (or areas of the world) looks like, but we are hoping and praying that when the right affinity, the right country, the right job comes across our computer screen, a peace will wash over us. Please pray for peace while we wait (because seriously, waiting is the worst), and for discernment when it is needed.
We will try to update our blog with news as we find out new info. We can't wait to tell you where He is leading next :)