Massengill Middle East Minute FEB 2014 Visit on the Field Greetings from the Middle East. Sorry it has been a while since we sent a full newsletter, but with all the communication during our church's closure we did not want to overdo it. This month has been one of new opportunities, a short reunification with family & the inevitable goodbye that follows. It has been an emotional month but March has begun with excitement and possibilities.   Unexpected Opportunity  A few days ago Kari was asked to come and speak to the female students at a university in Dubai about female self-esteem. The university has had a sharp increase in female students committing suicide. While there will be some severe limitations in what she can say, the door is open enough to speak truth into the heart of the ladies present, as well as, possibly sparking many new relationships. The event will take place next week, so please keep Kari & those attending the meeting in prayer. There is no limit to what God can do.   A Bitter Sweet Visit This month we were blessed to be visited by my parents for a couple of weeks. It was really great to have them but so hard to see them leave. There are so few opportunities in our ministry to spend adequate time with family, especially for Leandra & Kendra. Leandra has not slept well since they left & has cried a lot. I know it has not been easy for my parents either. Please keep us, especially the kids, in prayer.     The Hardest Part A lot of people ask us what is the hardest part of what we do. Many times we would probably say fundraising, but the most difficult is separation from our family. I think the older we get the more we understand the value of time, & how little of it we actually have. I have never believed people in our calling make sacrifices in comparison to the ultimate sacrifice Christ made for us all. However, if there is anything that we "give up" that actually causes pain it would be leaving family behind to fulfill the call God has placed on our lives. Jesus is worth it & so much more.... but that does not mean it does not hurt.     Everyday we thank God for those who pray & support us in God's task & purpose. Without it, we would not last a day. There is so much to be done & not enough hours in the day to do it... but with God all things are possible. Please pray for doors to continue to open, relationships to continue to be established & cultivated, and most of all, for God to be glorified in the Middle East.   Sincerely, Vance, Kari, Leandra & Kendra Massengill Massengill Middle East Minute Leandra's Corner Hello again from the desert. As you can see, I lost one of my front teeth, so no corn on the cob or apples for me for a few months. This month I had a visit from my Granny & Papaw. It was great to see them & show them what life here is like. It really hurt when they left. It almost feels like a dream. Pray for me because I miss them so much but know God wants us here. It is a weird feeling.   Kendra's Corner What's up? I do not show as much emotion as Leandra but it was hard to see Granny & Papaw leave. They did like it here & ate most of the food. Our winter just ended. The temperature got as low as 59F. I miss the snow because it is really hard to make a sandman.