We have traveled "home" for Christmas and for some time of touring and sharing with our supporters. The trip was not bad and the frenzy of closing up house in Russia went rather smoothly. As I prepared for this trip, taking a deep breath so to speak and realizing the changes that we were facing, I could only think of what it might feel like for Moses, Abraham, or Jacob...to leave a place they knew as God lead them to a new place. We, unlike them, are not relocating to a "new" place in a physical sense, but in a metaphoric way. In these times of vulnerability it seems that God cuts out a safe place for us and we end up feeling like we are blessed beyond measure. I keep coming back to the reality that less is really more, pain is growth, submission is freedom, and home is relative.
Reflecting on the year I can say in our travels and through some hard times that we are amazingly blessed with the most important things in life. This Christmas is a perfect reminder to us that the best things in life can't be bought but only cherished.
As I was writing this we were informed that we were granted temporary residency in Russia! A very special Christmas gift after many obstacles and proving His faithfulness.
Our eyes are set on the horizon, looking toward an exciting future for reaching the toughest areas of Russia with news of a loving God who sent His son Jesus to save them.
Merry Christmas!
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14
