Redeeming old coupons
We have a group of people around the church who we always see around. Some neighbors are on a first name basis, some are aloof and never look at you even though you see them every day. Some work here. Some pass by regularly. Some come for a visit. Of course, some people are closer than others. Once a week we have a get-together where we meet in our living room to chat about the week, to pray for each other, to read the Bible and eat something my beautiful wife whipped up. (I think most people come for the baked goods). Last summer we were in full swing with work, school, street festivals, church, and everything else. Our house was once again a meeting place to visit. It was Roberta's birthday that Thursday night in early June. As we gathered, some came bearing gifts and greeting cards. So when Bird had a houseful of company on her birthday, she was surrounded with hugs and well wishes. One of our good friends Carolin, brought a card. In it was a voucher for a surprise weekend getaway for two. No details. Just a couple days to be away from the kids and enjoy some peace and quiet.
We had taken time in the US in July and after we got back, life was back at full-tilt pace. It took some doing, but last weekend it was time to redeem our coupon. It was still a surprise as to where we were going until we got the train tickets in hand.
Carolin took the time to watch our girls from Friday to Sunday afternoon. She told us what track and train to be on which times. When we arrived, after a three hours train tour, we found ourselves in Schwabenland. (Or, Swabia). We were picked up and brought back to her parents place to enjoy a quiet part of the world yet unknown to us. There was no traffic, no airplanes, no kids. They gave a us the freedom to do whatever we like. So, we took a bike tour into a local town filled with timber frame houses that seem so old and well . . . German. We drank coffee, saw the old cathedral, walked around enjoying time together. Saturday, we slept and slept. I read a book part of the time as well. Then we went into Schwäbisch Hall, an ancient city where Dietrich Bonhoeffer's family comes from. Everything was clean and neat. Sunday was our time to take a really long walk and talk. We skipped out on rubbing elbows at church and chose instead to pick wild apples and plums that grow along the fields and country lanes.
In Jeremiah chapter 6 God say to his people: "Stand by the roads and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls."
We've been full of worry over the past few weeks. We're concerned about our future. Fund-raising, communication, getting the news guys into a rhythm, keeping up on our to-do list, etc. Then we had a getaway. A time to rest. Not just our backs, but our souls. We enjoyed being together, but only the Father can give rest for the soul. That is beautiful rest. True rest.
I'm not fretful about what the future holds. I hope and pray we don't have to return home due to lack of funding. But our Papa knows what the future holds and he's got our little family firmly in his hand. Whatever the future brings, I can truly rest in knowing every little thing is going to be alright.
Please continue to pray for our funding. Let your missionary loving friends know about our need.
Peace and love,
Mike
We had taken time in the US in July and after we got back, life was back at full-tilt pace. It took some doing, but last weekend it was time to redeem our coupon. It was still a surprise as to where we were going until we got the train tickets in hand.
Carolin took the time to watch our girls from Friday to Sunday afternoon. She told us what track and train to be on which times. When we arrived, after a three hours train tour, we found ourselves in Schwabenland. (Or, Swabia). We were picked up and brought back to her parents place to enjoy a quiet part of the world yet unknown to us. There was no traffic, no airplanes, no kids. They gave a us the freedom to do whatever we like. So, we took a bike tour into a local town filled with timber frame houses that seem so old and well . . . German. We drank coffee, saw the old cathedral, walked around enjoying time together. Saturday, we slept and slept. I read a book part of the time as well. Then we went into Schwäbisch Hall, an ancient city where Dietrich Bonhoeffer's family comes from. Everything was clean and neat. Sunday was our time to take a really long walk and talk. We skipped out on rubbing elbows at church and chose instead to pick wild apples and plums that grow along the fields and country lanes.
In Jeremiah chapter 6 God say to his people: "Stand by the roads and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls."
We've been full of worry over the past few weeks. We're concerned about our future. Fund-raising, communication, getting the news guys into a rhythm, keeping up on our to-do list, etc. Then we had a getaway. A time to rest. Not just our backs, but our souls. We enjoyed being together, but only the Father can give rest for the soul. That is beautiful rest. True rest.
I'm not fretful about what the future holds. I hope and pray we don't have to return home due to lack of funding. But our Papa knows what the future holds and he's got our little family firmly in his hand. Whatever the future brings, I can truly rest in knowing every little thing is going to be alright.
Please continue to pray for our funding. Let your missionary loving friends know about our need.
Peace and love,
Mike
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