Affirmation, Confirmation, Transformation.

Our time to embark is quickly coming.  We leave for Croatia and Bosnia this Friday. 

Our walk of faith, our interaction with God moves us forward.  After many visits without my beloved bride, it seems this time He has opened the door for us to head off together in service to the team there, the teachers, medical community and people we are blessed to join. 

My usual 'job' of teaching teachers continues, in expanded form to two areas, Livno and now Glamoc (pronounced Glah-mots).  In many ways this trip will be easier teaching wise as our time will be divided between the two communities with repeated lessons in each.  I may be called upon to teach a science lesson in a classroom at Glamoc as well. 

My time there always seems to be one of coming alongside the team serving there, blessing and encouraging them in any way that our gifts and service be led by the Lord.  This time, an additional 'gift' will be cooking an oriental meal for them (teriyaki meats and fried rice).  Carrie may be able to also do her dessert thing too.  We will see.

As we prepare, we do so with prayer.  It is a long flight there, and back.  We want to become aware of every opportunity for ministry to those there.  We have skills and gifts that seem to be of benefit to the people we visit in the Balkans.  For me, having my life partner and love alongside adds much comfort and blessing as together, it seems, we are more effective as a team.  I appreciate Carrie's insight and wisdom as we move through life.  God has provided such a wonderful lady willing to embark on the adventures that I seem easily moved toward, and when she joins me, I see more fruit than when I go alone. 

It is the fulfillment of a call we seemed to have been given over a decade ago before I was stricken with a serious heart defect.  Congestive heart failure is not a disease that is easily overcome, yet God in His mercy has seen fit to heal me of it.  Told, back then by many doctors, I would never live a 'normal' life, be able to work or have strength without a heart transplant, it seems God has given me one without surgery! (Transformation)

And now we finalize preparations to go.  I thank all of you for joining us in prayer and will keep you informed of what occurs here, via this blog.  For several years I have been asking God if He would provide opportunity for Carrie to join me on this endeavor or find us one that we could share.  He has placed a medical opportunity for her to embark on where I have been going.  How 'coincidental' is that?  Okay, so we don't believe in coincidence.  Suffice it to say that He answered my prayers and the prayers of my friends here and there, to provide such a need for us both to go. (Affirmation)

He has also provided everything we need, monetarily and supportwise to go.  It is affirming to us that others, desiring to participate confirm our call and movement in this direction, and, it is humbling. (  Our near $3,000 for the trip has been completely provided by others, and we wish to thank our friends and family for the tremendous support! (Confirmation) Affirmation, confirmation, transformation all perched and pertinent pieces of our trip to bless and serve.  Thank you for joining us with your prayers.  Thank you for following us as we press forward in kingdom building work.