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.