Praise In The Storm. Delight In The Father.

You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. Psalm 65:9

Today was a day full of so many mixed emotions. Yesterday afternoon I received an email along with all the other amazing gals I work with that there was a conference call today. Our company would be "restructuring". This came as a shock. I learned the gist of what was going to happen through my boss who graciously called me despite being laid off that morning.

To sit through a conference call this morning and hear that the company I'd grown with for the last nine and a half years was laying all of us off. All. of. us. The silver lining though is that we have 30 days to tie up the loose ends and find alternate jobs.

I've had this job since my babies were little. Its so odd feeling. I believe in what we do and its so hard to see something bloom into what it is today and then to see it crumble is tough. Plus I think I feel like I'm losing part of my identity, at least in the working world. Internet Security is all I really know. I've loved it. I know God will provide for our little fam. I so enjoy being able to "help" financially.

Guess what?

Its time for a new chapter in my life. Not sure what. No idea what God has but I know He's in charge and I know He'll take care of our EVERY need. I feel a peace with some obvious sadness. Maybe even a little depression. God is still God and He reigns SUPREME! We covet your prayers as we seek His will in our lives. Thank you Father for providing an at home job for me for the last 9.5 years.

Despite all of this, I am STILL going to Ethiopia! In ONE WEEK to be exact! Had I known about my job a couple weeks ago I probably wouldn't have bought my ticket. Gods timing is perfect and we rest in that.

Guess who bought a ticket today?

SARAH!!!!!!!!! (the one in the middle, case ya wondered)

Guess Who's getting a passport Tuesday?

SARAH!!!!!!!!!

And who gets ALL the glory and honor?

Jesus Christ!! Our Savior Redeemer and Friend!

As I logged into the bible study site I use I noticed the daily verse.

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Galatians 5:16

So perfect with everything that had gone on in the past couple of days. To keep my emotions in check, to watch my attitude, and despite circumstances to remain in Him.

Later this evening I ran across a video. I shared it with Sarah, we both needed some perspective after the day we'd had. It made me realize that no matter what had happened there was someone else who had it so much worse then I. My husband encouraged me to keep my focus on what God had called me to do and worry about the job later. Love that man. The video was a stark reminder of why we're going.

I'm sharing the video here. It's hard to watch. Its graphic. It'll make you cry. If you are thinking about going on a mission trip I pray this pushes you over the edge.

In closing - we appreciate all your prayers and support. Some updates on donations and BIG THANKS to the families that have given donations and monetary gifts to meet the needs of these sweet children on the streets and in the orphanages. Its truly an honor to hand deliver these things.

Mackenzies - ChangeForEthiopia $$ for Hope for the abandoned Children Orphanage

Rybergs - HUGE bin full of boys clothes, granola bars, cars, coloring books, colored pencils, and more! Its all individually bagged up and ready to be handed out.

Carley's - $$ for formula - amazingly enough I received an email from a mother desperate to get formula delivered to her daughters orphanage where they have none. We're going!!!

Fricks - $$ to buy whatever is needed most for the children.

Lyons - $$ for whatever we need while in country.

I just talked with yet another mom who shared with me that Enat Alem orphanage is struggling to find enough formula to feed the babies. We're going to go check it out. We've got formula!!

This is all happening because of your generous donations!

THANK YOU all!!!

Prayer Requests:

Sarah's passport would come through on Tuesday when she travels to Seattle to get it.

Safe travels for Rachael, Sarah, and I.

Our families that are here at home.

Our kids, as they hang with their daddy, grandparents, friends that they would be surrounded with love and not miss their mamas too much.

David and Damon - two selfless husbands who are willing to allow their wives to go on the trip they both wish they could join us on. Next year!! Let the planning begin!

The rest of Sarah's finances to come in. She needs $400 more to finish paying for her passport and transportation fees. Raising $1250 bucks in four days is INCREDIBLE and only God could orchestrate such a feat. We trust He'll provide the rest!

That we would all be quiet and listen to what God has for us to learn on this trip. That we would be shining examples for Him to those around us.

Blessings to each and every one of you. You've blessed my heart more then words could say.