The trees are beginning to turn here and it is really beautiful. I love autumn! I have to admit though I REALLY miss football games and MARCHING BAND!! When the air turns cool and crisp I want to head out to the game.
One of the recent highlights for me is that my friend Ruth came to visit from England. We had a great time and got to explore Alsace together. The picture is of Ruth and me when we visited Riquewihr. We saw some wonderful little villages and ate a lot of Alsatian food. Ruth and Ralph were my hosts when I lived in England in 97-98 and have been good friends since that time. It was such a blessing to have Ruth come and see where I am and what I'm doing. We spent time praying for Ruth and Ralph as well and she was encouraged I think. Ralph is not able to travel anymore because of a serious health condition. Please pray for Ralph's healing and the continued strength and grace of God for them both.
I am happy to report that I have now filled out all the paperwork to get my 'carte de sejour' in process. Now I am waiting to hear from the prefecture that it is all ok and that I need to make an appointment for my medical exam (which will cost between $300-$400, this is a financial need). I am thankful that the lady at the Mairie here was very friendly and helpful. Hopefully, the other offices that I visit will have people who are as helpful as she was. So, it will still be a while before I have my 'carte de sejour' but at least the process has begun!
Unfortunately, the heat is still not working in the chateau. However, I have learned that a part has been ordered and they are waiting for it to come in. Then they will have to run water through all of the radiators and see if it works. Please keep praying that it all gets up and running soon.
Most of my classes and music groups are in place now. Things are starting to take shape. I am still asking God how to use my time and where to invest as well as for Him to bring me the English or music lessons I can teach and earn money with. I find there is always something to do and I don't have a lot of free time. However, I want to be intentional with my time and energy.
It is really a challenging season here in the church. God is pouring out more of Himself and in that it brings our humanness to the surface. Please pray for the leaders and the people of Joshua Church that we can press into God and prepare ourselves for the fullness of what God wants to do in us and through us in our region at this time.
Please continue to pray for the Hufschmitt family, especially the parents who have lost their son.
We are seeing more healing in the church and people praying for others outside of church and seeing them healed and touched. Aslan is on the move!! I am so encouraged to hear testimonies of people living the 'normal Christian life' everyday and affecting the world around them. Our corporate hunger and expectation is growing! These are exciting times.
It is really a good season for me. I feel truly at home here. God has given me good relationships that feed and encourage me. I am able to use the tools God has put in my hands and see fruit. And I am full of expectation for what God is doing here and for what is coming from Heaven for France and Europe. It is a good time to be alive and a part of the Kingdom of God!!
It seems this blog has been mostly newsy but you see a little of my heart in it too I hope. I will leave you guys by just summing up once more the prayer requests. Thanks as always for reading and praying! You guys are the essential support group that every missionary needs!
Prayer requests:
~God's will be done in love and grace in the leaders and people of Joshua church.
~Heat for the chateau!
~the Hufschmitt family in their time of grief.
~Healing and favor for Ralph and Ruth
~That God show me clearly where to invest my time and energy.
~That the 'carte de sejour' process continue without problems and in a timely manner and provision for the doctors visit.
~For more of God's presence and transforming power to be poured out here and in France!!
