Mission field,Different, Ministering,Ladies

Lately I've been learning...
learning that missionaries are different.
We have strengths and weaknesses that make us unique.
They make us who we are.
It is amazing how God uses both for His honor and glory to minister to people. When we are weak, He is strong.
I've also learned that mission fields are different.
Sometimes I feel that Europe is too hard for missionary work.
We don't have people running to us wanting to hear the Gospel.
It would be real easy to just quit.
Then I remember those sweet times of people here in Croatia showing interest in what we have to say.
I remember that it was not our words, but God working through us.
He promised that He would not give us too much that we couldn't handle it.
I have to remind myself when I'm having "one of those" days, that Christ is the One who is working all things for His glory. It's not about me!

For our family, we will keep serving Him here even while times are slow and no one seems interested in the gospel.
We have found that if people see that we care about them and their everyday needs, then we will certainly care about their eternal souls. Loving our neighbors as ourself and not being selfish with our time.

I'm thankful that we have been welcomed warmly into our little corner of Croatia.:)

ebc

Our family had so much fun with our host family this week as well as with Curt & Melinda, my inlaws. We experienced a wonderful missions conference this past week in Hartsville, South Carolina. Their love for missionaries went way beyond their wallets. I believe many of them caught the vision and are making plans to participate in a mission trip this year. To God be the glory! We participated in life groups, ehops (prayer groups), and even met a man named Charlie Brown. I really enjoyed getting to know the ladies. It really was a sweet time. ;)

A Little Furlough Time

You know that I have every intention of writing on this blog and...well...umm life happens FAST! Perhaps I'll never have everything together enough to blog regularly. I don't know. I do hope to do better though! One can hope right?!? ;0)

Our furlough is in full swing since November of last year! It has been all good except for a few little bumps in our journey.

I have enjoyed loving on my nieces and nephews (especially the babies). The kids are having a blast with cousins and friends the most. They are trying to keep their minds busy since Cubbie died.

We have managed to schedule many meetings here in Virginia. I must say that it is nice to be close to home. Progress has been made with funds that needed to be raised. We are excited to see how God is going to work through us in the ministry in Croatia. God's been good!

Hello fall

Exactly as I expected! Summer is gone and fall is here to stay for a while anyway. I promise you that we did have a wonderful one at that...just no posts to show for it. Maybe I'll sneak a few pics in for all of my 4 readers. Ha!

Honestly, I don't know how many people read the blog. It doesn't matter because I blog for myself to remember things down the road.

Fall is here and starting to really show her colors. I love it just as long as it doesn't cool off too quick. Autumn means that my oldest is already eleven! How is that possible? Homeschooling has already started and our family is getting ready for our first furlough.

We love our new friends and neighbors here in Croatia and are thankful that they have made us feel so welcome. The have loved on our kids like their own grands, baked us yummy treats, and have included us in special celebrations. We will miss them as much as we miss our family in the USA! Praise the Lord for technology. :)

I can't wait to see what the Lord will do through our little family of five here in Croatia.

Summer's here...

We have been busy swimming, playing, family walks in the evening, etc.. The kids are really enjoying their summer off from school because this is the first time in two summers that we have not had to play catch up. Homeschooling and deputation was brutal because there were so many things to get you off track! With furlough closely approaching I am looking to simplify our school year and have it not be so rigid.

We enjoyed a wonderful vacation to the coast of Croatia in June. I will try to post pics later. It was beautiful!

Happy summertime! :)

One of my Favorites sung in Croatian

Take a peek

Here is a little peek into our life in Croatia and what you can find us doing from time to time. We sure don't have time to be bored around here. There is always something to do.... (:

(Sunday) we baptized three, which is not usual in Europe, but God is working. Two visitors have come again for the second time. (:

(Monday) is grocery shopping day in our house. My surprising find of the day was bagged crushed ice!!! I didn't
buy it, but hopefully they will still carry it when we need to fill the cooler.

(Tuesday) I was in the kitchen yet again making Rice Krispies treats for English class. I never made them in the USA!

(Wednesday) we were found in the cherry tree after homeschool picking bright red, sweet,and delicious cherries. Our Wednesday night church service ended the day.

(Thursday) seemed to fly by! Two loads of the never ending laundry basket were washed and hung up to dry. Our house stayed incredibly cool today,(I have learned a few tricks from my neighbors). Dinner was eaten without whining tonight! :)

(Friday), I woke up to finding out my friend Robin is going to be induced today. She is having a little girl after having 3 boys in a row!

(Saturday) was super busy today! The girls did a little school.(I know that sounds mean, but we do want to have a free summer.) We also had neighbors over to pick cherries from our huge tree. I tried to speak as much Croatian as possible. Thank goodness they are so forgiving because I know that I really messed up some words. Our week ended with a fridge full of food for church tomorrow for Friend Day. We are praying that God will give us a great day with many visitors and hearts drawn closer to Him.