Different

Things around here have been different lately. The city that we love has been plagued by monsoon which has resulted in some serious mold problems. If I had my computer I would post a picture of a pile of earthly treasures we had to throw away this week that were ruined by black mold. Not only that, but life has been more difficult. We've learned in our lives that valleys are dark and difficult, but always necessary for what is to come. God never leaves us, and always gives us what we need and always more than we even need to survive. We have the God of the universe listening to our crying hearts. Well, this valley has been hard on us. We have had moments where it felt too hard, this life that we're living. We've counted our blessings and clung to scripture.

I recently had a conversation with some more seasoned Ms. Let's just say that the road here never gets easier. When you graduate from mold and crashing computers, you move on to the college of unmentionable things. I was so encouraged by these other white people who the Lord has given his grace, mercy, and strength to persevere. They did not belittle what we are going through. In fact, they listened and empathized, which was encouraging.

The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thess. 5:16-18

On another note, we've been laying low today because there was sort of a "thing" going on in our city. "Things" like this happen in this country, but in our small city, we felt it best to stay in and wait it out. We enjoyed a sleepover at our dear friends' house, and are back home now. We'll lay low for the next couple of days. Just pray for safety 'round here, would ya?

Justin and J will be heading to a city 4 hours away for their first big "trip." They leave this weekend for 2 nights. When they return, we will go to Delhi for several days for some doctor appointments. Catharine will see a geneticist, and have some genetic testing done. And, we will eat buffalo chicken sandwiches, Subway, McDonald's, and more. :)

Thank you for praying.

Foreigners

Our "white" friends were coming to visit us last night. They had only been to our house once before, and were unsure of how to get to our house. They stopped by 3 or 4 shops in the market and asked where the "foreigners" lived. Each shop keeper pointed in the direction of our house, and before long they found us. That is how much we stick out here. White faces are very rare here, and even if we have never talked to someone before, they know where we live! Crazy, huh?

When it rains...

Yes, it has been about a month since my last post. What has happened since then, you ask? Let me share briefly.

• The Father allowed Justin to make some incredible contacts that have really opened the door to some work here.
• Justin was able to preach at a meeting about 4 hours away where he met and networked with some local believers.
• Our dear friends returned from the States, we missed them a lot :)
• We made a border run to Nepal to "update" our visas and give us six more months---PTL it worked.
  
• Monsoon began which brought MAJOR fog and rains. It has made drying clothes difficult and has presented a mold issue in our apartment.
• Our computer crashed, losing over 7,000 pictures and all of our iTunes account, among everything else.
• Our internet began to be extremely spotty, giving us very little connection.
• Catharine began to show some more unusual symptoms to what we think could be a genetic disorder. Our medical consultant in country found a doctor IN country for her to see, which we are extremely thankful for. We will go as soon as we can get an appointment.
• We found a couple that will help us with translating/language/traveling, etc.
  
• God remained faithful, as always. Even when we felt that we were at the end of our rope, He came through, again.

Thank you for your patience as we are waiting for our computer to be fixed, as well as our internet. We appreciate your continued prayers for Catharine and the work here. Justin is excited about some upcoming traveling opportunities.

Much Love!