It's Official

We have been officially appointed by the IMB as missionaries to the Italian-Brazilian people of Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and surrounding area. It was an amazing week of appointment. There were 72 total missionaries appointed to various parts of the world. 38 of us were appointed in Richmond, VA and the other 34 were appointed in Oklahoma City.

The most enjoyable part of the week for me were the Emeritus that were there for their recognition service. We ate almost every meal with retired missionaries who served in Brazil, and met many others. Oh the stories we heard!!! Hebrews 12:1-2 was swimming around in my head the entire time we were there.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Several shared with us about victories, defeats, cultural differences, hardships we're sure to face and many encouraging words. We were certainly blessed. Another blessing . . . I finally know how to pronounce the word Caxias!!!

An incredible event transpired while we were there. We've known that our timeline would have to change due to the lack of prospective buyers for our house in the current, very challenging economy. God clearly revealed to both Robert and myself that it is His will for us to not delay our timeline, but to be at orientation starting August 4. That is five weeks away!! And assuming all goes well with the very complicated application process for Brazilian visas, we will be in Brazil the middle of October. THAT is exciting!

God's direction is a great relief to us both. I am able to confidently say that I have no anxiety. It is our responsibility to obey God and the details are His. We are doing all we can for the sale of the house (we've lowered the price of our house to the minimum amount we can for payoff and our part of closing, and I've investigated leasing options and management companies). We know that some houses sell before orientation, some houses sell during orientation, and some do not sell. When God leads, we do count the cost - - but no matter the cost, we obey. When it comes time to begin orientation we will be praising God whether our house is sold or not . . . knowing that we're being obedient to Him and His timing.

Please continue praying for our house to sell. Please pray with us also during this time of saying goodbye to those we love, crating all of our things (this will happen July 21st & 22nd), traveling by car with 4 children to Virginia (a long way from Texas) and our children transitioning to communal living (I guess that one goes for all of us!!!)

Please pray also for Pin Oaks. Robert's last Sunday as pastor there will be July 13. Pray for the search team and members to seek God for His guidance in finding a pastor.