It's Difficult Sometimes

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."  ~Matthew 16:24-25

This week has been difficult for Kerri and me in many ways.  This week we have had two close friends, back in the States, in the hospital for different reasons--one had surgery, and the other had her 3rd child.  Then on the tail-end of these events, Kerri's mom left from her visit here to return to the States.  I think the hardest part of being on the mission field is being away from those we love.  We both wanted to be at the hospital to support and encourage our friends and we both miss our family and friends very much.  That's why when we sat down to write about something tonight, this verse from Matthew came to mind.  

We're not trying to glorify our commitment to the Lord, but, in fact, share how uncommitted we sometimes feel.  Sometimes it feels like the walls are beginning to close in on us.  Sometimes it feels like we're all alone in a strange world.  It's during these times that we have to cling to this verse.  It's also during these times that we have to cling to the fact that you are out there supporting us and sustaining us through your prayers.  I think the events of this week have just made us a little "extra clingy".  

Since we mentioned them, we would like to ask that you pray for our friends.  Pray for Carrie Ballentine as she recovers from back surgery.  Pray for Jennifer Brock as she recovers from a c-section and also for their family as they welcome baby Elaina into their home.  Pray for Mimi as she recovers from jet lag and deals with missing her grand babies all over again.

Thank you so much for being such an encouragement to our family.  We truly couldn't be here doing what the Lord has called us to do without you!