When God is the author of our story, He invites us to be a minor character playing a major role as the storyline unfolds.
We've been a bit quiet here on the blog over the past 18 months, but the journey as been anything but quiet. And through it all there have been 4 common threads: trust in Me. Obey Me. Rest in Me. Lay it all down.
Our family loves, I mean really looks forward to, having people over to share life over good food and around the table. So, can we just imagine we're sharing with each of you, individually, over a great meal and even richer conversation?
Last September our family home of 19 years sold in preparation for the move to the Philippines. This brought many emotions~so much to be grateful for; a grieving of letting go of the 1 home our boys have ever known; and an excitement of what the Lord has in store next. We have been so thankful to rent our home back, Lord-willing, until we move.
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| Can't wait to hug these two beautiful girls again!! |
Doug traveled to the Philippines in October 2016 and January 2017 for a pastor's meeting. Both trips he was able to lay some groundwork for our move. This was the longest our family had been apart, and the verse we stood on was Joshua 1:9, "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
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| 1 of our life verses... |
During the trip in October one thing we specifically prayed for was land. So, the day before he left Doug found land~what we thought was a perfect fit. But, God, in His far-beyond-us-wisdom revealed this wasn't the best fit. We prayed. We continued to bloom where He planted us. And we waited.
Early in 2017 we found, what WE thought, was a good match for a "home office" organization to process all our administrative tasks. However, the Lord had different plans. At the end of all the paperwork and necessary details to be set up with this non-profit, we stepped back; graciously opted out; and a door opened for an organization that is a better fit for our family, our vision and our heart on the mission field.
In late Spring of this year another piece of land came about~a clear provision from the Lord because it's about the same size lot as the original piece, diagonal from the 1st plot, equal amenities and about $23,000 cheaper!!! We rejoiced in the provision AND the waiting. Then through a series of events (out of our control) it wasn't available; and now just this past week we got the go-ahead to send a down payment to hold it! Learning to go forth when He says "go" and embracing the lessons in the waiting periods.
Every detail and specifics wouldn't happen without Jesus at the wheel, an amazing team of prayer warriors and a community of brothers and sisters in Christ in the Philippines orchestrating and planning each step.
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| our dear friends the Braggs |
We are praying when it's the Lord's timing for us to leave. He has and is actively opening and closing doors along the pathway. We would like to say, by the end of the year, but if we've learned anything at all we've begun to grasp "Trust in Me", and "I have GREAT plans for YOU!"
All right, to answer a few frequently asked questions:
1) Are you still going to the Philippines? YES!!
2) When are you leaving? In God's timing.
3) How can we pray for you? We would be so grateful if you would pray for the next best step in the process; pray for our family unit as we each prepare our hearts for this change; pray we would embrace and not miss the opportunities to invest and pour into others here; and pray our financial and prayer teams will be blessed through being a part of this journey, too.
3) How are your hearts? Learning a ton; building on our firmly rooted family foundation; loving others; and expecting God to show up~every time in every way.
It's All About Him,
The Hounshell fam.
P.S....here is a short video of our pending land...
