Relentless

Tony and Judy Grace!

Do you ever get where you're stuck? You're doing all "the things" and yet there's not movement forward? Well at least not movement that suffices your need? We are learning in this period of "non-movement" (from our perspective) that the Lord Jesus is actually moving mountains. So much of the shift is taking place at the very deepest levels of our being. So don't despair, the Lord is hearing your prayers and our prayers.

Pastor Alagos, Edna and their grandbaby

One of the current teachings we're experiencing on this wave of growth is to think outside the box and be ready for great things-even if they are not part of our original plan!! From the very beginning of this mission's journey, we have felt called to go for an extended period of time. Aligning with that clear direction we've also been very specific that the Lord would have us bloom where we're planted. Over the past 3 years our hearts have been on mission to pour into marriages-hope, change, redemption, and to leave a powerful legacy. We are passionate about thriving marriages, which leads us to our current plan in January 2020.

Nearly 6 weeks ago we were chatting with our good friend, Steve Bragg, who is one of the pastors to the Philippines. He shared they were holding a Pastor's Conference the beginning of the year, and would we like to come and speak? We shared our heart for marriage; he commented that this topic may fit nicely into the conference theme; and we said we'd pray over it and get back to him. After prayer and consideration and conversation we are excited to follow God's calling to shed light on healthy (not perfect) marriage and ministry.  We will be joining the conference speaking team! We are scheduled to be gone almost 2 weeks, which is a long time (or seems like a long time!!) to be away from our young men. Yet the time will fly by as we will be able to reconnect with some of the churches, friends, pastors and growth happening with our brothers and sisters there. And, we're pretty sure our boys will be super occupied on this end with school, work and time with our dear friends who will host them for the two weeks. It's kind of humbling, exciting and a bit daunting to watch the Lord at work when our life is the play-book He's working from!

Pastor Alex

We would be so honored for you to partner with us in prayer, and if you feel led to support us financially we'll include that information below.

We all have one life to live here on earth~may we live it fully surrendered to Jesus and be filled with the joy that comes from a life radically ready to follow His calling! Let's run this race well!

By His Grace~

Part of the landscape

Doug & Noelle

                            

dnhounshell@gmail.com
missionarycompanionministries.org
Hounshell Family missionary #4157

What has Authority Over our Heart...Gets our Time

Everyone has their way to reset and recharge. It's that activity, that place or that healthy habit allowing you to process, pray and recenter. Lately, that "place" for me has been on my runs. I didn't realize what a profound purpose my runs would take when I started training back in February. I initially "hit the road" so that I could join my bff, Toni Egger, on some long runs as she prepares for her first marathon next month. But for me, my time alone, running the miles has helped me realize we'll find the time (literally schedule it in) to do those things that are priority to us. What is challenging (here in the US anyway) is knowing what you/I are supposed to invest time into. It's difficult because very often it is different things-which requires us to keep in our "lane" and not get derailed by really good other things. As we approach our departure date in December I am finding, in this season, that each decision concerning time has 2 questions attached: "Will it get us to the Philippines?" "Does it have eternal value?" I think when you know where you're supposed to be pouring in your time, it becomes easier to say "no" to that over there....and not feel guilty about it.

Everyone of us has 24 hours~that we'll use and spend according to our "calling." I am learning that a portion of each day needs to be spent on reading, researching and implementing those things into our missionary journey. And, although there are many other options and offers out there...that are phenomenal, I might add...yet they are not where my time can be right now. I have to regularly remind myself that it won't be forever that I say no to x,y,z, but for now my no is no and my yes is yes (even at the risk of FOMO...fear of missing out!)

I have found it is so important to know where we are each "called" to because if we don't then we're easily tossed by the whims and waves of great offers~but they may not be the very best offer for me/you. You know what else I've humbly found? That if my heart is surrendered and willing to say yes, even before the Lord gives the invitation...and maybe I incorrectly invest my time into something good (not great) He still blesses it because my heart was right before Him. Have you ever experienced this?

From running a 1/2 marathon, to investigating requirements to a missionary VISA, to hosting our dear friends (Steve and Steven Bragg) from the Philippines~we continue to lay a firm foundation to go-to serve-to love.

We pop in here to share what's going on in our corner, but we LOVE (all caps purposeful) hearing, seeing and sharing in what's going on in your lives. Could we share dinner, coffee, a Skype call...or go old-school over a phone call? 😃 Let's plan it~our family so looks forward to having people over!

We are surely not on this journey alone. Our support teams (prayer and financial) are vital to us getting to the Philippines and serving there well. If you'd like to partner with us you can go to missionarycompanionministries.org. In the top right click "donate", and you can follow the instructions from there. Please fill in our missionary number, 4157, and then continue.

Say yes to the Lord...even before an invitation is given, 

The Hounshell Four

The Sting and Then the Salve....

....We must process our hurts through the filter of God's love, not through the tangled places of our hearts. ~Lysa TerKeurst

 

As I sit down with my cup of tea to share, I can't help but be overcome with emotion because we continue to learn key lessons...and they are subtly and graciously taught. They often come as God works through people and relationships.

The first lesson that seemed like perfect timing to share relates to marriage. You see, Doug and I celebrate (and I can honestly say that now) 21 years of marriage...TODAY!  A huge calling on our hearts is to minister and encourage

marriages in the Philippines. We share from a place of not having it all together, but rather from experiencing the Lord do miraculous work in our own personal journey. So, the lesson came in the form of seeing someone who is now divorced from our dear friend. I know the deep, deep pain he's caused. My first, loyal-to-the-core thought was not very Christ-like. In fact, if I didn't have my wits about me, I was close to confronting him. Yet....the sting and conviction in my own heart boldly stopped me in my tracks. Jesus reminded me He'll fight that battle (for my friend and for the soul of her ex-husband) just as He relentlessly fought for Doug and my marriage. He will lay opportunities in our paths to mentor others in their marriages~this was not one of them. For a girl who is all about "let's face our issues and get them out on the table," I am glad He still talks to me and reminds me I'm the vessel~not the Captain. As I shared this with Doug he gently smiled~he tends to be better at thinking before speaking than I am! So, one more reminder of how we will mentor other couples...grace upon grace and remember which battles are ours to fight and which ones are the Lord's alone.

The second lesson hit a heart chord, and I wasn't even looking for connections or answers (kinda rare for me!!)  I think one of the most profound insights we've gained is that others will beautifully join our journey and offer their gifts because they want to, not because they feel obligated to.

So, the scenario unfolds like this....I had met with a friend to discuss some business details and for her to assist  me in computer logistics. As we were ordering some things she said, "Oh, what if you were to include these as gifts to your support teams?" I kinda sat there stunned as I processed first that my friend was thinking BIG picture for our family (WOW) and how her creative juices far exceed mine. She was actively pouring into our family because she is living in her strengths. I exuberantly joined in her vision for us~and sat in awe of how God is working. He had a "community" when He lived out His ministry. He is showing us how He's creating our community as we pursue His ministry for us.

At times the sting of the lesson opens the door for salve to the heart. It's kind of like the sweet and sour sauce of real life!

Never underestimate God's ability to use the gifts you've been given for His glory,



The Hounshell Four

If you would like to support us financially in our journey, you can go to missionarycompanionministries.org.  In the top right click "donate", and you can follow the instructions from there.  Please fill in our missionary number, 4157, and then continue.

He Promises with a Purpose

Just when we come to the end of ourselves (which is where we need to be all along), God orchestrates "holy happenings"~right in the middle of the everyday to remind us He does hear us. He does care. He is a living God. As I struggled with things like:

"When, Lord?"

"I feel misunderstood, Lord."

"Where's Your truth in all of these messages, words of "concern" and outside doubts, Lord?"

"I'm battling internally, Lord, trying to navigate blooming right here and preparing to bloom there."

He graciously showed up and proclaimed to my heart, "My peace and grace are sufficient." And this is how....
HE made a last minute dinner with our friend, Steve, happen where we could candidly talk life, church, next steps and alternative housing possibilities.

HE used a recent run where I encountered  very real wind resistance on the way out and then the wind at my back on the way home to show me that we will face push-back as we proceed in His plans. Yet, when we stay the course, and "stay in our lane of life" He'll reward us with the "wind at our backs." We won't forever feel like we're scaling the mountain. HE has multiplied my time that I could finish a powerful book called, Peace Child, where missionaries Don and Carol Richardson literally ran after Jesus' calling on their lives to minister to the treacherous and cannibalistic Sawi tribe in Irian Jaya~all the odds against them and yet the God of the universe for them!!

HE showed me that just because my degree is in Communications, that if people/friends/those who've crossed paths with us don't understand where we're at in the journey, then it's my job to better articulate~NOT their job to just understand!!  A little self-realization and humility  has brought clarity and freedom to some of my inner warring. HE brought about a meeting with a dear and deeply loved friend last night who I intrinsically trust to speak truth to me~and she did. Oh to be blessed with a small handful of seeking and speaking truth friends is a rare treasure. 

There's a trend~my (and Doug's) heart asks the questions and HE answers over and over again. Then about a month ago during a quiet-time with the Lord, the date December 28th was laid on my heart in regards to our move to the Philippines. This quickly made it real, exciting and somewhat terrifying 😄in that it will totally be the Lord providing a place to live and budgeted monthly support. We will travel onward knowing that it's all about what Jesus is and will do...and we're grateful to simply be active participants as He does His work in us and others who are partnering with us. 

He cares for the lilies of the field....

We continue to educate ourselves on Filipino culture, reading true stories of other missionaries, researching things like insurance options for international missionaries~all while living life as a family who knows that opportunities to serve start in our home. 

So, would you pray about partnering with us as we pray, prepare and plan to leave on December 28th for the Philippines? This scripture is a cornerstone for us, "The wise man built his house on the Rock." Matthew 7:24-27. May it encourage you, too.

Always thankful for the lessons because it means we're still growing~



The Hounshell Four

Sometimes the Greater Act of Faith....

Words of Truth

In life we so often hear the words, "Just step out in faith." And although some of us are called to do just that, there is another group that's called to have faith like Abraham and Sarah who had to endure a decade for the fulfillment of the promise given. 

It so regularly takes mountain-moving faith to jump all in to a pivotal decision. But, to stop and "let God lead us, talk to us, and instruct us beside the water," as stated by Lysa Teurkeurst,  takes beyond human faith.

How would I even know this? Have I actually experienced it? Who am I to state this claim? Well, I say it because we're living it-right now. Today. Three years ago our family jumped "off the cliff", saying YES to God's calling to the mission field. Although that was a lot unorthodox, crazy-exciting and required deep faith, our Hounshell tribe is experiencing a whole new kinda faith as we wait, learn, listen and actively allow God to direct our timing. 

Crossing the river on our way to Sugnod

Naturally I am a "jump in" kinda gal, which there's a time for that, but what we are all absolutely learning is that God is teaching us priceless lessons in the "wait" that will help us be more productive on the field. I think when I push and strive, for what I think is the right timing, I miss some of the blessings that surely come in God's timing. Have you ever experienced putting your best foot forward, working hard, to end up initially disappointed by the outcome? To then find yourself pulling up your bootstraps, believing in the power of prayer, and having your socks blessed right off of you??!! Oh my goodness~I have. We have. Our family has....all because we haven't allowed perceived setbacks to have us lose faith.

And, it will be a whole 'nother post on what this is teaching our boys-life lessons abound in this journey!!

It's a precarious path to walk at times as we go forward with life here~the boys taking driving lessons, investing in relationships, preparing for volunteer activities and work trips this summer. But, also, to look ahead to the next 6 months of applying for VISAs, clearing out our house, sharing our story, finalizing details in the Philippines...and on and on it goes!

When Every.Single.Lesson is for a purpose it sure makes the "wait" more doable. Notice I didn't say easy, but more doable! We can't even begin to thank enough those who are our prayer warriors, wise counsel, those linking arms with us and those sharing in the blessing of this calling. YOUR prayers, belief and words of truth and love are encouraging and honey to our sometimes weary souls. Grateful beyond words....

Hearts for the Filippinos~


The Hounshell Four 

If you would like to support us financially in our journey, you can go to missionarycompanionministries.org.  In the top right click "donate", and you can follow the instructions from there.  Please fill in our missionary number, 4157, and then continue.

In Between the Start and Finish Line

The purpose of a journey is not the finish line but the lessons, steps and people in between the start and the end. This has never been truer than in our calling to the mission field. We wanted to come and share where we're at, what God's up to and invite you into the journey.

Initially our vision was we'd be in the Philippines by May 2017-and obviously that wasn't God's timing because we are still here. :) We have been asked, as recently as today (!!), if we're still going, and the resounding answer is, "YES!" But, instead of camping in the natural frustrations of plans not going as planned, we've chosen to continually go back to the question of, "What do you want us to learn in this, Lord?" The struggle has been oh so real~especially for this planner~girl. We have experienced equal amounts of painful setbacks and praise-worthy doors opening up.

I think we've asked ourselves, each other and God the 5 "W" questions more in the past year and a half than any other time in our lives!!! The very clear answer coming back is, "You don't understand all the unknowns, the pains, the unanswered...but you can trust in Me and the plans I have set for you." This quote spoke volumes to our current place on this adventure, "God is faithful to His word, so you can be assured your life will be fruitful."

We are boldly praying that the Lord will have us in the Philippines by the end of the year 2018. We are daily learning to listen to His voice and truth; ask for discernment; and not allow untruth or fear to direct our decisions. We are

seeking wise counsel and better understanding the power of surrendering.

These are our current, most imminent needs~prayers that a piece of land would be solidified to build a house, and monthly support to get us to the field and sustain us while serving.

We continue to bloom where God's planted us here through work, homeschooling, our business, and life group (to name a few). And in the midst of that all 4 of us regularly talk about how the Lord will use us individually and as a family in the Philippines. We actively are learning and growing in the areas of mentoring, marriage, prayers and hospitality because those are the strengths He's asking us to hone and refine to purposely use once we're there. And, don't forget the all important quality of FLEXIBILITY!!! We've been told that you can set the best laid plans on the mission field, yet often unexpected things arise. So, being flexible and gracious is paramount!!

With that thought, please know our family can not adequately express how grateful we are to those already on our prayer team and financial support teams. We would be honored if you'd pray about partnering with our family and the vision in the Philippines. If you would like to be a part of the blessing please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.

"God's timing has purpose and we can trust that He is in complete control of the final outcome." ~Leah Dipascal

Called to joyfully obey and serve,

The Hounshell Four

If you would like to support us financially in our journey, you can go to missionarycompanionministries.org.  In the top right click "donate", and you can follow the instructions from there.  Please fill in our missionary number, 4157, and then continue.

The Table: A Place to Gather

"Fellowship is a place of grace, where mistakes aren't rubbed in but rubbed out.  Fellowship happens when mercy wins over justice." ~Rick Warren

Rainy, damp, gray days tend to make me introspective and thoughts swirl in my mind more than they normally do.  I truly don't mind the "liquid sunshine" as we need all weather patterns to nourish and replenish.  This is true in my life, too~a time for every activity under heaven.

Recently, my soul has been especially anxious to move forward; take the next step; SOMETHING!! But, this is usually a good sign for me to really check my heart and ask, "Is this me just wanting to pave my own path?" Or, "Is this the Lord stirring a sense of action in me?"  As you probably know, this requires a keen ear to listen, I mean really listen without distractions, to what the answer is.  There is definitely a time to hustle (I tend to camp out here), but the last 3+ years have proven the other seasons of life (rest, apply and share) are just as important.  How many can relate? Be honest! 😉

It is interesting when you're in a waiting period to make decisions~ones that are beyond this month or next.  So, I am learning to really rely on a peace that goes far beyond me. I'm comfortable and familiar with planning stuff far out~meaning months from now.  But, it has become a case by case decision-making process.  In some ways it forces me (in a good way) to seize opportunities in the here and now which is not my forte.  I am again presented with another opportunity to gain wisdom and experience in this "a bit rough around the edges" area of my life.  I know I'm not alone on this train, so who else is nodding his head in agreement?

Talking carpe diem~seize MY moments~I did that and the result was SOME.KIND.OF.WONDERFUL!!  I have observed over my lifespan that I am wired and my soul is filled to the brim when I can community together.  Therefore, based on a short FB post, I offered up for some women to share dinner, conversation and life around the table.  I will ALWAYS make time for this!!!  In fact, our whole family loves to gather around the table.

We are in our last few weeks of flag football for Graham, and this has proven to be an endeavor filled with good AND hard lessons.  Our boy is super athletic, competitive and in that is learning the dance of being gracious and encouraging alongside flat-out "charge the hill!"  He has risen up to face conflict and challenges with honesty, courage, humility and boldness.  It has been pretty awesome to watch him wrestle with how to approach and effectively deal with interpersonal relationships~with the purpose and motivation to value the other person and clearly share his perspective.

Cam continues to show us how much he loves history and just learning in general.  He is taking a course at our co-op called Current World Problems, and it has proven to stretch and challenge him.  Our conversations over his diligence to always give his best effort (he invests hours into his homework for this class) is another reminder that our boy has always taken a healthy pride in his work.  He is a hard-worker and is never settled with mediocrity.  We are working through, though, productive over perfection.  I seem to recall I struggled with this, too, so he comes by it naturally. (I am still working on this at 44). 😊

For many years Doug and I were either part of a Life Group or facilitated one. Just recently we have felt a nudging on our hearts to pursue that type of community again.  This is another example of one of those decisions where we have held off due to our unknown departure date, but feel like we need to pour into others wherever He has us right NOW (remember the "present time" theme?)

We seem to be sharing a lot about our corner of the woods, but always are so encouraged to hear about what is unfolding in your lives~can we do that over coffee, a meal, a Skype call or phone call? ♥





Richer because of each of you~



The Hounshell Fam.

If you would like to support us financially in our journey, you can go to missionarycompanionministries.org.  In the top right click "donate", and you can follow the instructions from there.  Please fill in our missionary number, 4157, and then continue.