Gratitude

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”

Gratitude fills my heart as I reflect on God’s leading.  We have talked, thought and prayed about a “sabbatical” for a long time.  In the beginning John and I hoped to take a full year but when we brought this idea to the family the children shot it down as being far too long to be away from the farm.  The Love that they have for our life on the farm gives us great joy!  We continued praying but still the HOW, WHEN and WHERE remained unclear.

In June a decision had to be made.  As is our habit John took a day away from the farm to seek the Lords guidance and direction.  As he prayed to know the Lord’s will in the matter he became convinced that God was leading in our thoughts to take a four month break from farming.  By faith we were to push ahead with the plans even though we could not see how it would happen.  In an amazing way God opened the doors for us to go back to Honduras where our family had gone on a mission trip 3 years earlier. God’s plans are so much better than ours could ever be!!

My heart is full of Gratitude for…

 

- Edwin & Jennifer, our faithful partners, and the other helpers who worked long hours to keep the farm going in our absence.

- Kyle and Sherry who took such faithful care of our animals.

- Our neighbors, the Browns, who cared for Peanuts & Pop Corn (our goats), and Hosanna (Caleb’s miniature donkey).

- Gods leading us to Honduras.  

- Joe and Elsa (the couple who run the mission in LaZona).  They encouraged us to come and helped us make arrangements. 

- Teresa and Jorge who generously offered their vacant home to us.

- no telephones and little internet for 3 months

- our neighbors who reached out to us.

- the church family who took us into their hearts, homes and families.

- pineapples every day!

- Kirsten’s dental training.

- young men in the church who inspired us with their consecration.

- a wonderful family “week of prayer” where we listen to inspiring messages.

- the churches week of prayer given by a pastor from Maryland.

- time to evaluate life, direction and purpose individually and as a family.

- safety on Honduran roads.  Passing at high speeds on blind corners is the norm!!    

- the spanish learned.

- opportunity to deepen friendships.

- time to talk, share, plan, dream, play, worship and minister as a family.

   - our friendship with the Ketts family and the depth that comes from ministering, working and playing together.

- all those who gave financial support to help with the purchase of tickets.

- the influence that God gave us with the people. 

- near completion of John’s compilation. 

- the first draft of our testimony in hard copy form.

- bountiful bonding memories.

- the life God has lead us to.

- my in-laws for sharing their beautiful farm with us for the last 16 ½ years.

- being back on the farm in our barn.  

       “Be it ever so humble there’s no place like home!!”