That's Different: Vol 3

As the temperature dips below zero degrees (Celsius) every night, more and more of these mysterious white tents pop up all over town here in Sherbrooke.

Is it a fashion statement?

Some sort of living quarters?

Perhaps a greenhouse of some sort?

Or, something more sinister..?

Here is one that even has it's own mailbox.  

It swallowed a car!

Beside a giant flying carpet.  Coincidence? I think not!

All in an attempt to make this winter more bearable.

That's Different

Ready...Set...

Airline tickets to Lubumbashi...check.

Visa's obtained...check.

French mid-term exam taken...check.

Amazing support...check.

A huge craving for Taco Cabana...double check.

We can't accurately express all the emotions we feel these days. Excitement, eager anticipation, pure peace and joy and at the same time, information overload (in a good way), anxiousness (in a good way) and a readiness to be where our hearts are (with our new ministry assignment). And, in the midst of it all, God has given us many friends and ministry opportunities here. We are so blessed!

We are continually grateful for the support we receive from friends and family, but also from our LINKS churches on the South Texas district and British Isles South district. Thank you for thinking of our family this month through prayer and giving!

Two months ago, Gavin and I came to Quebec knowing a handful of French words. Today, when taking the written portion of our mid-term exam I suddenly became overwhelmed with how much we have learned in such a short amount of time. Don't get me wrong, we have a long way to go, but it's a small miracle, a great leap in our preparation for what's ahead in Congo. God has given us the confidence and reassurance that we can do this. He has paved the way, He has called us and He is giving us the wisdom and patience to learn something new.

I lift up mine eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber;

Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade, at your right hand;

The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life;

The Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121

Action de grâces

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Today is Thanksgiving in Canada. While we aren't roasting a turkey, eating sweet potatoes or pumpkin pie (we are saving that for November), it is the time of year to celebrate and give thanks for the fruitful harvest and many blessings in our life. 

As usual, this time of year is always filled with thinking of the many things we are thankful for. But, I think this year it really hits home. I'm thankful for the Lord's faithfulness in our call to serve Him, with our family, with language school and giving us the desires of our hearts. I'm thankful for the beauty that surrounds us this time of year. Living in the midwest and southwest has been beautiful in it's own regard, but I feel as though the beauty that is in front of us is almost too good to be true. The colors are so vibrant and radiant. I'm thankful for the reminder that this is God's creation, that we are God's creation.

In the Thick of IT

We have been in class for a month now and things are finally starting to come together.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that we speak French now.  But we do celebrate the small victories; ordering food at a restaurant and actually getting what you asked for, getting visa pictures taken at the drug store and they don't even try to speak to you in English, and understanding basic questions from those around you.  We have a long, long way to go but we will celebrate these victories one baby step at a time.

Since our last blog we have finally officially/legally gotten Macy into school.  A huge blessing, as this could mean an easy transition to a French speaking school in Lubumbashi.  We have also begun working on visas and have even booked our airline tickets.  On January 3, 2013 we will arrive in Lubumbashi; "home" for the foreseeable future. Most likely, the place our kids will remember most as they get older. And, while we know this part of our lives is in the middle of getting from here to there, we are cherishing every moment the Lord gives us. We had no idea the kind of friendships that awaited us here. And, while this is our third language to learn, we go through a full spectrum of emotions each day in learning; from excited, to confused, to frustrated and back to excited again.

We are taking it one day at a time, learning more, being patient and looking forward to what's in store.

New missionary friends and fellow language students who will be on their way to DRC as well