It almost feels wrong to say that we are doing well & in such a great place. We have found that often times people believe that missionaries on the field are constantly suffering with feelings of being lonely, misplaced, forgotten, homesick, etc.
That's not the case for us here. But don't get us wrong ... we have had those days!
Back in January, we almost quit. We almost gave up because we were tired, discouraged, & confused by the change in plans.
Once we realized that His plan never changed & we chose to trust Him, we began experience a harvest of blessings like we have never experienced before!
The truth is - we are doing great.
And we are embracing this season with a posture of praise ... He really has proven Himself worthy of our trust & it has changed everything for us.
Maybe you are experiencing a season of discouragement ... we encourage you to dig deep & continue taking daily steps of obedience. Your responsibility is obedience & He is responsible for the outcome. We can speak firsthand on this ... His plans ARE truly for your good!
So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up.
Galatians 6:9
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Josie continues to amaze us with the way she has adjusted. She has embraced her role with the teams that have stayed with us & looks forward to our outreach events/ministry days as much as we do. She has sent both teams off with hand drawn pictures and/or toys that she has decided to part ways with as a way for the team members to remember her. It's just the cutest thing ever. We are so thankful she is a part of our team!
As for us, we have been pulled in multiple directions as we have worked hard to prepare our home for hosting teams, developing ministry plans and schedules for the groups, and working out all of the details that most do not even see.
Daniel continues to work hard to manage the house project we are doing this summer with our teams. It takes a LOT of work to get things lines up for materials, lodging, meals, and transportation for teams on the ground. He has done an amazing job working together with the locals to make progress & continuing to develop the construction plan. Here are some pictures of Daniel working on the project in Ciales, bunkbeds at our home, and loading the trailer with supplies.
Laura has worked hard to make the house feel like a home, establish a routine for our family, & do the 'behind the scenes' work for what is happening here with teams. It takes a LOT of work to get schedules in place, make sure the house is stocked with what the groups need, & host so many at once making sure all needs are met. Here are a few pictures of Laura coordinating the team, working around the house, time just being a mommy, & helping with scripture reading at our church.
Here's a peek at some pictures of the progress on our home!
Thankfully, all of three of us together have been using our strengths and the transition has been easy. We have been surprised with how smooth things have been so far this summer with teams. It has been a joy to open our home here to host. We have grown as a family as we have been stretched beyond our comfort zones ... but it has all been for our good and ultimately HIS glory!
Looking ahead ...
We have a few more months ahead of us ... seems like summer is going to be our busiest time of year!
Here's a peek at what July, August & September look like for us!
We know that there will be days when we are tired & spread thin. It is impossible to do on our own strength!
But instead of looking ahead to these months & allowing ourselves to feel overwhelmed, we are embracing our schedule with grateful hearts.
The Lord has allowed us the blessing of hosting so many people that are willing to serve alongside of our family in PR.
It is truly a gift. We are choosing to thrive in this season and not just survive.
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If you would like to partner with us & the ministry God is starting in Puerto Rico, please visit our giving site: https://yfc.givingfuel.com/32216
If you are interested in bringing a team from your church or joining a team next summer,
please e-mail us for more information.
We would be thrilled to host you in PR!
dpeal@myyfc.org
843-804-0110
