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God continues to keep us in a place where we must trust Him.
On one hand, that can be interpreted as "yes, we have things to be thankful for, but what I'm really sensing right now is the challenges to my faith!" But, even as I write, I must really be thankful not just for specific answers to prayer about "stuff", but the more general prayers of, "Lord, draw me nearer to You! Lord, increase my faith! Lord, show me Your ways!" Why? Because our transitional process into life here in France is accomplishing those three prayers as well. No, it's not quite like relaxing in a comfy chair with a good book and a perfect cup of French coffee with nary a care in the world, but that isn't likely to be the primary activity in which we find ourselves involved while actively living in the Kingdom of God in France!
So, I say, "Thank You Lord for shaking what needs to be shaken in our lives and helping us reach out to you...even if it's in desperation at times."
On some more practical notes, here are some other things that we're thankful for:
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People - God frequently shows His goodness and blessing towards us through the channel of people in our lives. We are richly and abundantly blessed in this way! It's "All Saints Day" today in France, where the focus is actually on the dead and gone. As a contrast here's a focus on some very alive and present saints in our life! Starting on the far side of the Atlantic (and Pacific), we've had some generous gifts recently that have helped us in some tight cash-flow situations caused by the extra moving expenses. Very moving and humbling as people give sacrificially to us every month and for the occasional larger gifts as well. Wow!
Over on that small island with a big heart called the UK, dear, dear friends finished packing our house and loaded it into the moving truck to have it driven over here. We literally could not be here where God wants us without the incredible help of these people who finished the process of moving us out of Scotland.
It doesn't stop there. Here on the continent, we've been so warmly received and helped by the students and staff of the School of Reconciliation, the staff here at the Oasis Center, the mayor, the neighbors, etc. They have literally become our new family. As a bonus, Angela has made contact with some American women in the region, for some great girl time in English. Also, Angela's pen pal in Lyon has agreed to be our "guarantor" for when we find a house to rent. (See our prayer request below.)
And finally, David's parents will be coming over to visit us during the Christmas holidays. Our first visitors in a couple of years!
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Moving - When we left Scotland, we were worried that the truck we rented wouldn't hold all of our furniture, but we failed to sell some of the bigger pieces off. When we arrived, we found that there are no easy storage solutions here, until fellow staff offered us their garage. We didn't think it was big enough. Well, the truck was forty footer, well beyond what we paid for and needed, and all of the furniture fit into the garage with room to spare. Staff and students helped unload, and it couldn't have gone smoother - Hallelujah!
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Language - I'm (David) still making progress and that's very encouraging to see. I have had opportunities to lead worship at the School of Reconciliation; teach on relationships; share in impromptu situations; pray for people in ministry times...all in French. Yes, the challenge is still there, but I can see that I'm not standing still and that makes a big difference. The Lord helps me open my mouth in more and more situations and continues to build layers of confidence in me.
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The other day I was feeling under a lot of pressure with my emotions very close to the surface. It helped me immensely to write down the things that I was carrying in my heart/on my shoulders and re-give them to the Lord. Yes, I sneak back to the alter at times and try to take them back but it works much better if I continue to let God carry these things. So join me in that process!
- Olivia - As in Albertville, she is struggling spiritually and emotionally, routinely getting offended over next to nothing, esp. during our devotional times. It's tempting to take the short-term view and demand that she change her behavior for the moment. Pray for strength to take the long-term view, really taking the time to see what is at the root of these issues by prayer and supplication. Socially, she's a star, and loves spending afternoons with some of the other students here, or kids in the neighborhood.
- Noah - On the other hand, Noah loves the Word and is so soft-hearted. But he still lacks the desire to master this language. We've asked for lots of advice, but everyone says something different. We really need God's wisdom about this blockage - He knows Noah better than anyone else!
- Rachel - This girl continues to amaze us with excellent grades as an 8th grader, despite a very heavy class load. Pray that she will be a shining witness among students who don't even know what a missionary is! How would you define it without using Christian terminology to worldly teenagers? We're all trying to come up with a good answer for her! We are also needing to plan now for her high school years. We would like to spare her from this unbearably stressful system based on passing long and exhausting tests each spring, and allow her to experience American high school life, before attending a college in the US.
- Angela - She is not speaking or hearing nearly as much French as David, as she is not participating in the day-to-day school life. David will soon be passing her up linguistically! She would love to sit in on some of the teaching sessions, but the newly painted lecture room is physically difficult for her to be in. The odor should lighten soon though... Now that she has some belongings from Scotland, camping is much more tolerable, and she is remaining patient for a home. Pray for confidence in ministry in French!
- David - He mostly needs to be able to trust God in all situations and rest in the love of his Heavenly Father.
- Ministry - We will be sharing our testimony and a teaching at a meal for couples on November 14th. Pray for our ability to come together and speak what these couples need to hear. A church has also started meeting at the center here, and we are happily attending there, where we may begin to get more involved.
- House - We are leaning towards renting, and investing our house money until prices come down, but this hasn't made it any easier. Housing ads are usually full of false information. Agencies are susceptible of people without a paycheck stub, and the laws are very protective of the renter once they are in. So proprietors demand a lot of proof that they will get their money up front, including that someone who makes 3x the rent each month co-sign for you (guarantor). The best way to find lodging is by word-of-mouth, so we've gotten the word out, and are still waiting for something to open up.
- Car - Our 10 yr.old (but only 5 months as our car) mini-van needs a new transmission, and replacing it would exceed its value. Being a front-wheel drive automatic American car makes the transmission about as rare and complex as it can get here in France. It's quite drivable now but the problem appears to be progressing, and we may be forced to some sort of a decision soon. Pray for wisdom and provision...and if anyone knows about some good used '93 Dodge Caravan used automatic transmissions laying around in France...well, you know our email address!
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