Pure Joy

 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4

We are coming home!  This was not our plan but the Master's.

We have been in Kenya one year and it has been amazing.  While we thought we would be here for 3 1/2 years, the Lord knew our true timing.  We are being called home to America for medical reasons. And since we are with the Board on a short-term assignment, the policy says that we cannot return to the field if we have to go home for medical.

Nathan is having some problems with his stomach and the doctors cannot figure out what is going on.  They think it is a much bigger issue, such as a syndrome because of many physical features, short stature, etc.  Last Monday, the doctor basically threw up his hands and said he did not know what else to do, he has been treating the symptoms present but nothing is improving.  The 3 doctors we see here in Nairobi and the doctors in Richmond made the call that we need to go to America for treatment and diagnosis.  It has been an emotional week but now that we have had a little time to process our return, we are all getting excited!

Right now, we do not know timing.  Our plan is to return to Houston since we have family there and we are trying to obtain an appointment at Texas Children's Hospital.  Once we get an appointment booked, our tickets will be issued for return.  The Lord is moving mountains for this appointment and it has been very comforting to see how He is working...I cannot doubt that this is His plan for our family.

We have many questions and there are many unknowns right now but the main thing we are focused on is getting a diagnosis and treatment for Nathan.  For over 3 years, a diagnosis has eluded doctors but I feel strongly that the Lord is about to reveal what is happening in Nathan's body...the Lord's timing is always perfect and He never makes mistakes!  There is a Steven Curtis Chapman song that we think describes Nathan perfectly, "Meant to Be".

You Were Meant To Be Touching

The Lives That You Touch

And Meant To Be Here

Making This World So Much More

Than It Would Be Without You In It

The Lord has a beautiful plan for Nathan's life and we can see Him glorified in each breath this child takes.  There is not one life that is not touched by our Nathy-boy...if you meet him you always remember him - even in Kenya everyone is charmed by him!  The Lord called us to be his family and I am so very thankful for this journey.  These trials are pure joy as we are being tested in our faith...which is developing perseverance!

The next thing we need prayer about is a job for Tim.  A year ago, Tim left corporate America because the Lord called our family to the mission field.  Our plan was to stay on the mission field as long as the Lord led us...we did not know it would be such a short time.  Now, Tim has to choose where to look for work, whether it is in corporate or ministry.  We trust that the Lord has the perfect job waiting for him but please pray for wisdom and that our eyes would see exactly what he wants for our family.

Please pray for Nicholas and Katherine as once again we are in transition.  They have gotten involved and made good friends at Rosslyn and it will be very difficult to leave.  Nicholas especially does not like change and the past year has been hard on him.  Please pray that both of them would seek the Lord during these days and that He would draw them near.  We are trying to keep Nicholas in Nairobi at least through mid-April...he is Mordecai in the school play and we want him to be able to fulfill his commitment.  This is the first semester he has had the courage to try-out for a speaking role so it is a really big deal for him.  That said, if the appointment happens earlier than mid-April, Adrienne will take Nathan and Katherine to Houston, while Tim and Nicholas stay behind.

We are so thankful for all of the support from our brothers and sisters in Christ!  We have been blown away by your prayers for our family.  God has truly blessed us beyond our wildest dreams!!