July Update

Wow – what a crazy, adventurous, exhausting and joyous past few weeks we had in July. To summarize our first 5 weeks home: we said goodbye to our friends in Bulgaria, visited Rome, got hit by a motorcycle, debriefed in Michigan, reunited with family, traveled 15 hrs each way in an RV to Amarillo, TX, buried my grandmother, celebrated Drew’s 3rd birthday, moved to Des Moines and are now setting up a new temporary home. And I thought we were coming home to “relax”?

Although we have been very busy, as you can see, we are all doing very well and we have really enjoyed reuniting with friends and family. God has continued to prove Himself faithful as he has protected us through our travels and has kept us healthy through all of these transitions.

On a sad and happy note, my grandmother of 91 years of age, past away a day after we arrived back from Amarillo. It was not unexpected as grandma had lived a long, challenging and good life and her body and mind knew it was time to go “home.” I am saddened she is gone, but rejoicing that she will experience the joys of eternal life with her Lord and family.

Drew has done remarkably well as he has had to make a number of transitions in a short amount of time – leaving his “life-long” friends in Bulgaria, making new friends in Decatur, IL and now moving onto Des Moines. He is doing great – but we appreciate your continued prayers for him.

Lisa’s belly is nice and plump, but she is as beautiful as ever. We could go any day now. We just had a doctor’s appointment in Des Moines and all is well. We also toured the brand new maternity wing of Mercy Hospital – the baby will definitely arrive in style!

We have arrived in Des Moines, where after visiting the grandparents for a few days, we moved into the church’s mission house. The house is a very nice 3br ranch that sits on 3 acres of land (which I don’t have to mow, praise God). Many members of the church have worked very hard to get the house ready for us – we are very grateful for their sacrifice for us and the greater work of God’s mission.

It has been great catching up with fiends and family – we have even had a few take some road trips to come see us. We are very blessed to have the friends and family we do.