It is kind of mind-boggling to think that as of today (now yesterday!), November 1, we're exactly 1 month from our trip to the Philippines. WOW...11 months ago when we talked to our friend, Steve, in the Philippines about travelling in Dec. of 2015 it seemed so far away!!
I love to see tangible ways that the Lord is working out His details, so I thought I'd share a few keys ones that have transpired over the past 6 months...
*In June Doug and I were able to go on a prayer retreat for 2 days. The timing, location, who would spend time with our boys and logistics at the lodge were impeccably perfect...not coincidence but devine. We've never done something like this before and it was heart-moving. Powerful. Refreshing. Revealing. Needed. Now I understand more clearly why Jesus did this consistently throughout His ministry as it was necessary for His soul and spirit.
*We have had people cross our paths who have been to the Philippines on mission trips or various other trips and graciously shared of their experiences. I have also read amazing stories of past and present missionaries who are serving from hearts of "I will go and do ANYTHING, even if that means giving up EVERYTHING." Anything by Jennie Allen
*It is humbling and powerfully exciting to share that we are fully funded for our trip! We are so aware that this trip is really a trip for many as it wouldn't have come to fruition without the love, prayers, support, generous giving and belief of so many we love, cherish and hold dear. Do you ever feel that "thank you" really isn't adequate in some situations? This would be one of those times, yet please know that our gratitude reaches far and wide to so, so many!
We are continuing to experience new lessons directly connected to the plans being laid for us....We find that when we approach situations with a truly open heart to what He has compared to having preconceived expectations or agendas that the results can be a new found faith! It's way easier to say, "You're will and not my own" than to actually live and walk it out. When we're freed up from our own agendas, then God receives the glory because the details come together in a such a way that could only happen because of Him! When asked what we'd like to do while there Doug answered this way, "We'd like to be open to how God wants to use us rather than setting up a schedule that turns out not to be God's plan at all, and ending up having to repent of that!" So, we will go with happy hearts to love and serve others.
This past week Doug and I got another vaccine in the plethora that are required!! Unfortunately we mildly reacted to it, so needed to wait a week before all of us take one of our last two. It has been so helpful to spread the vaccines out to give our bodies a fighting chance to rebound before the next one!
If we can ask for specific prayers they would be that the Lord would prepare our hearts for what He has and that this will a glorious opportunity to be His hands and feet.
The love of the Father is like a sudden rain shower that will pour forth when you least expect it, catching you up into wonder and praise. ~~Richard J. Foster
Praying with belief~
Doug and Noelle
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