We have so much to be thankful for, and we still have so much to grieve and adjust to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It took about 18 months to 2 years for Thailand to feel like \u201cnormal\u201d or \u201chome\u201d, and it is taking at least that long for us to adjust to our return to the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not too long ago one of my kids said, \u201cI feel like a stranger in a strange world.\u201d Yep, I can relate to that, but you, kid, even more so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That comment might not make sense, or may seem odd, when it looks like our family mirrors your next door neighbor and we are doing our day-to-day thing. But keep in mind that our day-to-day, except visits to the US, was very different (ask us about it sometime!). I told someone the other day that while what I do for my work has not changed significantly, almost every other aspect of my daily \u201cnormal\u201d has changed and it feels like it is taking so long for my mind, heart, and body to make the adjustment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking back, I remember the initial adjustment to Thailand, and it was tough: the intense heat and sweaty underwear. Shopping was different and cooking was a real challenge. Building friendships took time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In my adjustment I have thought often about Mary, Joseph, and Jesus\u2019 unexpected journey to Egypt and then back to Israel.\u00a0 Would Jesus have felt the same as my kid? Who was their \u201cframily\u201d (friends that became like family) while they were away?\u00a0 Were they well received when they returned? What were the losses they grieved? How were they changed after their time in Egypt?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nThe death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are precious to me not because they turn my life into a string of successes but they keep me from collapsing under my string of failures. -John Piper<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
In our transition there have been days that I have felt like collapsing. Yes, the adjustment has been that hard. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has been my hope, both then and now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cJesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.\u201d
\u2014 Hebrews 13:8<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nJoin us in prayer<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Chris is traveling to Northwestern University Hospital this week. He has testing on Tuesday morning and meets with his doctors after lunch. We ask for prayers for discernment for continued decisions regarding medication, future testing schedule, and the Lord\u2019s continued protection over his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Future decisions for Luis as he is on the waiting list for the local technical school. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our family returns to Thailand in June. Our rental home of 14 years is a mini time capsule which we left in October of 2024. Others have benefited from it but it is time for our family to return, have a small farewell tour of seeing friends and special places and then dismantling our belongings. Your prayers with us for this part of the journey are appreciated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Photo caption: View from the hiking trail in southern Spain. This spring we made some work trips: Chris traveled for work several times within the US and Becca traveled to Spain to meet with the international counselors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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