We are not alone.

All the changes and excitement of the last month has been like a whirlwind.  In some ways, we haven't even had a chance to catch our breath, as it seems like we've made one decision after another.  Big decisions can be scary, but as I look back, I am so grateful for the way that God has provided people in our lives to walk this journey with us.

The phenomenon of furlough (what missionaries call their visit to their home country) is a relatively new experience for us. I'm not sure you can ever get used to living out of your suitcase.  We have had so many great visits with good friends that we haven't seen for 2 years.  But all the traveling can really take a toll on family life, along your sanity.  We've answered some of the same questions and told the same stories countless times.  We try to be as honest and open with people about our struggles and difficulties.  But recently we've also shared the elation and excitement that comes with God working in your life in such a obvious way. Anyone who hung out with us in June and now recently since our new excitement could, in all fairness, label us as bipolar.

As I look back, I can't think of a better environment to make big decisions.  We have been surrounded by people that love us and want to be a part of our ministry.  They ask hard questions and force us to think about things from a different perspective.  And they rejoice with us when God reveals that He has been working things out long before we were aware.

When we shared with our church that we may be making a move to a new city and a new ministry, they suggested that we go visit Manaus and come back and share our plans with them before returning to Brazil.  They even offered to send two members of the missionary committee with us to check things out.  So, Brin and I will be visiting Manaus Sep. 17 - 23 along with Roger and Beth who will be traveling with us to see our new home.  We are looking forward not only to having them help look at things from a different perspective, but we recognize that they are symbolic of all the people that stand with us in this new chapter.  They will be so much more connected to what we are doing, and by extension, the whole church will be standing with us as we take this leap of faith.