To start out...I'd like to share how God has answered the many prayers that you all have prayed on my behalf! This Monday I received the good news that Immigration finally accepted all my paperwork and I now have my VISA! Wheeww! This was a really important step in me being here and to be honest was a tough and, at times, a discouraging process. Any of you who have ever dealt with this process know exactly what I'm talking about. God really helped me to be "okay" and relax in the frustrating moments. So Praise God that is over with...for now! Second answered prayer is that Wednesday God opened the doors to find and buy a car!! Because of the provision that God has given you all, which in turn you have blessed me with, I now hold the key to a 2009 Nissan Sentra in good condition! Car buying is hard enough...add on a used car, shopping in a foreign country, trying to negotiate a good price, having a good mechanic to tell you exactly what you're getting, and you've got a recipe for the perfect area to practice patience. :) So grateful to finally have a car and be able to "go" and learn the roads here. Having a car is going to help out with ministry in TREMENDOUS ways, so it's a really big blessing to have some wheels! Thank you for you diligent prayers and generous giving! I am reminded of Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
As far as ministry goes, as I said before, right now is "summer vacation" so things are more relaxed and not a whole lot going on. However, it's been a great time to learn the ropes with how the different ministries operate and work on some little projects that we have. One of my roles here is being a coordinator and leader with the teams and short-termers that the base receives. I have been connecting a lot with our base in Omaha in preparation for the people that we will receive. It's really exciting to be able to plan and wait in anticipation for those who feel led to serve here in El Salvador. What I am most passionate about is the spiritual-wellfare of those who are to come. I want them to be prepared, as best as possible, to encounter God and grow spiritually while serving down here. I ask for your prayers in the wisdom to know how to best do this as we begin receiving missionaries and teams next year.
Personally I am beginning to feel a bit more "at home". There is still lots that I am learning and getting adjusted to, but by the grace of God it is coming along bit by bit. This time truly is perfect...I am really able to focus on the logistics and have no excuses for not spending time with the Lord. It's been great to wake up, enjoy God's wonderful creation (it's so apparent here) and spend time in His presence. I so encourage you all, especially during this Holiday season, to stop and spend time with our Creator...He longs to pass this precious time with us, if only we would take the time to do it.
I'd appreciate your prayers for the following:
-Safety, protection, and wisdom while driving in this crazy country
-Wisdom for planning and preparing for the missionaries and teams to come and serve
-Peace and unity within the organization...to really come as one in love
-Strength and growth in this time of preparing for the areas that I serve and will begin to serve in
I'm so grateful for you all...I will never be able to stop saying that. I love to hear from you as well, so please don't ever hesitate to write me! Enjoy the pictures!!!
Much love and warm hugs,
Lauren :)
Me with the much awaited Visa
CAR!! Praise Jesus
Valeria (Pastors daughter) and I at Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday!
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