We are in our last week here in Gresham, running the last bits of our errands before we head over the mountain for some more time with Amy's parents. Then we fly to South Carolina on Friday, the 19th, for one more quick visit with Joel's parents then it's back to Slovenia!!We've been overwhelmed by the generosity, love and support from people during our stay in the states. Thank you, thank you, once again, to all the people who loaned us your baby things for Abigail, decorated the home for Christmas and filled our cupboards with food. We weren't expecting those blessings and greatly appreciate them all!
Some of the highlights of our time here have been...
- Watching Abigail with other babies her own age
- Hearing your stories of what God is doing in your lives
- Taco Bell... Red Robin... Starbucks... Olive Garden... the oh-so-yummy tastes of home
- Shopping!! (for Amy) you know... helping out the economy!
- Seeing Mt. Hood again, although the alps out our front window in Slovenia are pretty nice too!
- Sharing Abigail with Grandparents and friends
- and sharing what God is doing in our little corner of the world and seeing tears in your eyes because your heart is invested over there as well. There will be some wonderful introductions in heaven someday!
Leaders of the Pack
Slovenes are a tragic people. Looking at world suicide statistics, Slovenia has the highest number of suicides among elderly people (above 65 years) in the world, takes third place when it comes to the number of women committing suicide, and ninth place in suicide mortality in general.
What on Earth is making us so miserable? Every foreigner who comes to Slovenia and sees its natural beauty says we live in a paradise - but judging by these statistics, we have a proper hell residing in our souls.
The article ends with talking about what they are doing in Slovenia to change these statistics, including opening a clinic in Ljubljana where people can get counseling for around $5 an hour. That will be helpful but without Christ there will still be hopelessness.
As we head back to Slovenia during the winter months we value your prayers. We feel so filled up spiritually, relationally and personally... please pray that our friends there would see the light of Christ in our lives and be drawn to Him.
1 comment:
i will be keeping you three in prayer as you get ready indeed to head back. it was so nice and kind of you two to remember me. your story had impacted me when you told it @ JP's house back in 2003.. on why you were being called to serve in Slovenia. way cool how God works in all our lives & how His timing is in His hands always. may God be with these three in all they do in their lives for you Lord.. in Jesus' name & your will be done. Amen
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