If I’m asleep and having a dream, don’t wake me up. This is truly a dream come true. We’ve been praying about this for so long, that I’m having a hard time realizing that it’s actually happening!
I love the ways of God. Sometimes you encounter road blocks and situations in life that are just too hard to comprehend, then a door opens and you feel the smile of God on a particular dream and desire you’ve had for years. His ways are so far above our ways. His leadership is perfect. God has made it abundantly clear that He wants a missions base/house of prayer established in Brussels, Belgium. When we first started praying about it, none of the team was here. We now have everyone here except for Zach & Liz Lowrie and Allyster Taubeneck. How awesome is that?!
The latest to arrive is my sweet daughter and son-in-love, Courtney and Nathan AND their four beautiful, adorable children!
Just getting off the plane!
Preston has another buddy, Judah.
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(from lower left) Kadyn, Ashlyn, Madysen, Courtney, Nathan, and Judah
Through many ups and downs and a roller coaster of emotions, I am overjoyed to say that my daughter and family, Courtney and Nathan Watkins, Ashlyn, Madysen, Kadyn, and Judah, will be arriving in Brussels in TWO days!!! Yes, Monday is the day! You can’t imagine how excited I am! They have been so obedient in following the word of the Lord in moving here. They will add to our team in an unbelievable way. I’m so excited to see what God is going to do here. And we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our other team members also, Allyster Taubeneck and Zach & Liz Lowrie. This missions base has been interceded for and talked about for years. It’s so great to see it actually happening!
Tomorrow we have a big event here at the ministry base, so we are hard at work all day today getting everything in order for the Watkins’ arrival on Monday. Bunk beds moved. Sheets and towels washed. Presents for the kids wrapped. (Yes, I said PRESENTS!) Rooms and closets cleaned. Ahh. This is FUN work! (more…)
Gary just sent me this picture on his iPhone as he was closing the door to our apartment in Israel for the last time.
I have to admit that I cried when I saw it. This last year has been such a gift from Abba God, and I mean that with all my heart. I have no feelings of pain or regret at having to leave Israel. On the contrary, my heart is filled with such gratitude for having spent a whole year there, that I all can do is thank Him for that very special gift. There are many memories attached to this apartment. Great memories. The laughter, the friends we made, the friends from Texas who stayed with us, the meals served, the movies watched on laptops, the games played at the table, the worship at the keyboard and guitar, the hours of Bible study and meditation looking out over the Judean mountains. Ahhh…..great memories!
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We got word yesterday that everything is worked out on the lease of our new ministry base house in Waterloo, and we will get the keys Monday afternoon! This is such an answer to prayer! We have had our eyes on this house since last September, and God kept it vacant just for us. He knew we wouldn’t be able to move in until now, so he kept it empty and didn’t let anyone else rent it. His timing is SO perfect! I will post pictures after we get all our stuff moved in, but here are some “before” pictures.
Living/Dining Area
Kitchen with TWO dishwashers!
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Well, one day I’m living in Jerusalem dealing with the layers of dust on my tables from the Judean desert, and the next day I’m living in Brussels dealing with the constant rain and chill in the air. Did I say “chill”? No, I meant COLD! What am I doing in a cold climate? I hate cold weather. I am the one who prays that summer will arrive quickly in Texas, because I love the 100 degree days. I seriously do. I love hot, sweating weather. And now I’m in Belgium where they say it’s a nice day if it’s 45 degrees. Yikes! I don’t even have a coat that’s appropriate for cold weather!
Belgian waffle
This is a store-bought waffle that we have here in the house for my 1 yr-old grandson, Shiloh. He LOVES these waffles! The ones they sell on the streets here are much bigger and better.
Preston and I have been in Brussels for 7 days now. (more…)
