Greetings!
How do you express what love feels like? There are all kinds of descriptive words we could use to explain this
one thing that is so all encompassing that God used it to describe Himself. It's a noun, a verb, and probably some other parts of the English language that I should be able to identify but have forgotten. It's a really big word that carries a lot of weight. And it is something that God is doing to us in so many ways.
When we moved back to America after so many years away, everything seemed strangely foreign and unfamiliar. People had changed, relationships had changed, places had changed...even the culture had changed! The normal that we had left behind was just a fond memory that was not to be seen no matter where we looked. I guess they call it culture shock. Whatever it is called, we got it! We returned in order to be obedient to the leading of the Lord, without any ideas of what lay before us. Where would we stay? What would we do to serve the Lord? Would we continue to work together?
There were also the questions about the past...and now we had a lot more time to think about these questions. Had we been effective? Did we spend our time and other resources efficiently? Did we fail as missionaries? Have we been taken out of the game because of a lack of...something?
The mental battle has been exhausting for us both since returning. Some people have been so faithful to encourage us to rest, but that seemed to elude us. In the physical rest came opportunity for the mental battle to rage. If we were busy physically, the mental battle was less obvious but physical fatigue would follow.
Why am I sharing all of this with you? To ask for prayer!
We have both come to the conclusion that this time is not just about getting some rest. This time is for God to prepare us for the next steps. We still have no idea what is on the horizon, but we are both convinced that God is more interested in us as people, as His children, than he is about us as servants. He is dealing with some issues that have plagued each of us for years. He is digging deep and clearly preparing us for the next steps of the journey with him...no matter what that may or may not look like. That is love!
We are so thankful for those of you who are supporting us through this time of restoration and preparation. God has placed His people around us for this season to provide for every need. I'm glad to report that the body of Christ is functioning as intended! We are being loved by those who are providing a place to stay, a vehicle to drive, financial gifts, encouragement, friendship, accountability...and the list goes on. This has been a scary time, but God is proving His faithfulness and we are learning to trust Him in new ways. That lesson is the most important one ever. Please pray that we learn it well!
Love,
Stephanie and Leslie
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