Gainesville family). Another special couple donated funds that we were able to give for a worship room to be built in Macas. Thank you to everyone who has helped contribute over the past 3+ years to improving the lives of the indigenous in Ecuador and helping to further God's kingdom and love there.
It feels really great to be back. We miss our "family" there but are so thankful to have time with our family here as well.
We left our cell phones with Maria (my best friend there) so that she can call us. We rarely used our cell phones and racked up lots of minutes paying $6 a month for three years. We have already received two wonderful phone calls and are so thankful we were able to leave the phone for easy connection after we left. Two families should be getting internet out there soon and we also have mail connection which we will use to finish up the translation work.
We have been unpacking and trying to get the house fixed up a bit as there is the possibility of another move for us (within Florida). We would appreciate your continued prayers for a job offer for Craig.
Valerie Grace has started back up with therapy with Ms Jenna (and is loving it). The girls have all started homeschooling again and we are all enjoying it. We are still working on getting some sort of schedule, but the thought of moving again soon has me weary of getting in too much of a routine. It is very nice having all of our things in one place. That makes homeschooling much easier. We all enjoyed attending church (in English) this past Sunday.
I have been gathering photos to send Maria of she and Valerie Grace over the past 39 months. When I see how little all the girls were when we first moved down, I am amazed. It just seems strange that all of those years, memories, were spent on the other side of the equator. Brooke's shoe size has gone from a size 2 to a size 8 1/2 in that time! This past week, I have thought about the possibility of moving again if Craig gets a job offer, and I thought about what if the hospitals aren't good and something happens with Valerie Grace....and the Lord quickly reminded me that she has been in Ecuador for quite some time (very far from any MRI machine and neuro-surgeon). As I have been cleaning out our closet of things that were stored at Craig's parents home, I came across a folder. It was full of emails from people and notes I wrote down about confirmations about the Lord calling us to Ecuador. It was such a special thing to find and I brought the folder to our house to save. We have no doubt that that was the Lord's plan for then and we are equally encouraged right now. Each day is about trusting Him, resting in Him, enjoying Him and others - the rest really does work out. We are all so very blessed. It is not an easy journey for many, and I remind myself to try to make the most of each day and enjoy.
I am not sure if all of you know, but this month is childhood cancer awareness month. It seems there is a day, week, month for almost anything now - but being a parent that has walked through this, seeing so many newly diagnosed and having to say goodbye for now to their children, it seems that it is something I should share with those who might not know. This year, 46 mothers will be shaving their heads on live TV. Many of these moms have become "friends" through an online support group for those walking the journey with pediatric brain tumors. The 46 mamas represent the 46 families that will hear "your child has cancer" today (and everyday). Friday, September 10th there will be a simulcast on the major networks at 8pm EST.
Just a reminder that someone out there might be having the worst day of their life.....your smile, your help, your love could help make a difference.
Love,
Celeste
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
It is all about trusting in Him - not in healing, in wealth, in all of the things of our own understanding. Seek Him for He is worthy of being sought!
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