It has been about 6 months since we returned from Bolivia on our scouting trip. God has done so much in us since then and, my, have things changed. The Tisbury twins are here now, and Erin and Chris have their hands full of little blessings. Since returning home we have been able to better connect with the Holmans (missionaries in Cochabamba). Through much thought and prayer, we have been given the opportunity to serve with them for the first few years abroad. And Ashley and I have informed our employers that we will not renew our contracts this year.
We can't wait to get to Bolivia, but there are a few hurdles and roads to walk to get there. We are in the midst of our plan of action and hope we can count on your prayer support. Ashley and I have both submitted our letters of intent not to return to our jobs (in public education) next school year. This is a scary thing for us, a great leap of faith. We both have great jobs in the school system, but know that God is leading us to passionately pursue the vision he has placed in our hearts.
Typically, teachers here do not have to submit their letters of intent until February. However, this year it came much sooner than expected (I think God was testing our faith in his calling). At the beginning of January, we discussed at length when would be the appropriate time to leave our jobs, our security, in order to pursue this dream of foreign missions. We would have moments of fearless excitement at the adventure; then, at times we had feelings of overwhelming consternation at the thought of forsaking conventional wisdom and stepping out in total faith. How would such a move affect our families, our friends, our kids?
Bearing the weight of those thoughts and also feeling responsible for our own provision, our own welfare, our reputations, relationships with friends and family that might not or could not understand was more than we could shoulder. Imagine feeling responsible for walking on water in the midst of a storm entirely through your own strength and ability. It isn't possible. So, we lean on God and his promises. Setting our eyes on him, we were given fresh strength, more zeal, and a grounding confidence that he who has called us will surely make the way.
Going forward, we are so excited to see how God is going to lay our path to missions in Bolivia. We will begin networking, building partners, and raising funds next month and can't wait to do so. I know that God is going to demonstrate his divine sovereignty in every step along the way. We are trusting in him and can't wait to see where and how he leads us.
Be blessed!
Seth
