The Road Goes Ever On and On...

I had a long (and long-overdue) conversation with my dear friend John Trammell last Thursday, and he reminded me that it had been one year, to the day, since we bid farewell to Korea.  Apparently, time had been traveling more rapidly than I realized.  The realization nearly caused me to panic, wondering what in the world we had accomplished in the last year, until I remembered that we are, quite literally, exactly where we had hoped and prayed to be.

When we left Korea for a month-long trek through Southeast Asia on our way home, we were leaving the best paid (and in some ways, easiest) jobs we had ever had, to return to no jobs, no home, and no plan beyond the ever-so-nebulous pursuit of God's will.  We had recently drawn the conclusion that I should return to school, but weren't sure where, what, or how.  Thankfully, God began leading us down one of many paths, and I decided to pursue Seminary studies.  That was narrowing it down a lot, but there were still a great many decisions to be made.

Year-long story short, we are excited to be living in Portland closer to Shelby's side of the family, we are employed and blessed financially, and we have a wonderful basement apartment.  We have also been exceedingly blessed to join the church family at Grace Bible Church, where we have been encouraged, loved, and are now being used in various ways.  One of the deep desires of my heart when I decided to go to Seminary was to be used in ministry NOW.  I've long felt a call to serve God more purposefully and practically than I had previously done, but I often turned aside from opportunities out of fear or laziness.  The leadership at our church are excited to have us and have not hesitated to give us opportunities to use our gifts.

I did a lot of homework yesterday.  Classes haven't even started yet, but I still have homework.  Studying at Western Seminary will take some getting used to, but I'm ready for the challenge.  When we decided on Portland, I was deciding between Western or Multnomah.  I preferred Western, but there was not as much aid available, and I was concerned about being able to afford it.  Well, God has been exceedingly generous, and has provided in a number of ways.  I have been able to test out of a semester's worth of my required classes, and I will attempt a few more soon, which will obviously save time and money.  God has provided some unexpected scholarships and other potential sources of aid as well.  Much of the aid I'm receiving this semester will only be a one-time thing, but God has clearly shown that he cares and is capable of meeting our needs.

All that to say, a year has gone by, it's been unique but good, and God has been faithful to lead us, provide for us, and sustain us.  Trusting him to continue to do the same, the future is most exciting, as we strive to know and magnify Jesus in all we are and do.