More than 11 down, less than 3 to go.

Eleven months ago, we left our home down south. While the event that prompted the timing of our move was sudden. The Lord had been working in our hearts before that day.

We returned to the field in September 2015. When we did so, we did it with an impending feeling of urgency. We did not know if it was because of my cancer possibly returning or some other medical issue. We did not know what was going to happen in the months to come, but both Rich and I sensed the need to be busier than ever before about the work, making the most of every day. I spent a lot of time trying to pour into "Jennifer" as well as some of the other ladies, while Rich was empowering the men believers and encouraging the pastor. As the months passed by, the feeling got stronger. When a lot of changes happened in our company, we assumed the move would be related to some restructuring in connection with the changes. However, without any real reason to think the move was imminent other than our gut feelings, we still made some changes to our home to prepare for the coming hot season.

Then April came. In the first week, we went from helping one young man to him giving us a clear sign that it was time to leave, now. So we came to the capital and for the next few days talked and prayed through what we were to do next. The clear answer we got was to not return to our home. Where were we going to go? We did not know that, but we knew where we were not going.

In the last two months, I have been rereading through Acts. I realized again that God does indeed prevent going to certain places, even when we do not understand why. God also made it clear to Paul when it was time to leave a place, but before he left, Paul would encourage the brethren. God had lead us to encourage the brethren before we left and was leading us to leave.

Over the next few months, some possibilities presented themselves. Some were great options to use the languages we already have but did not meet my new medical needs. Other options that would meet our medical needs were not the best fit for our languages. Still other options would meet our medical options but the obtaining of visas was sure to be challenging. Finally, we were presented with the position to where we are now going.

Rich has always enjoyed playing devil's advocate, finding out why people believe the way they do. In fact when we were dating, road trips were filled with conversations in which " because the Bible says so" was not quite enough. I had to be able to tell him where it said it and how it related to other verses that seemingly contradicted whatever I said I believed. Since a young teen, I have been burdened by those who say they believe but walk contradictory to what they say, though not always perfect myself, or claimed to turn to Jesus with some other motivation. When we were presented with the opportunity to work with churches who are in desperate need of discipleship, the calling was clear. Living in a city where over half of the population is under 18 would also give opportunity for me to use that Masters in Religious Education focusing on Children that has been "on the shelf" for the last thirteen years.

Between living in a town of less than 100,000 and moving to a city of 12 million, we have been living in a city of 3 million. While not the same size, it has been a good transition time for us. We have had to get used to this type of traffic again. We have gotten used to being able to blend in more than we did in our "small" town. The pace of life is much faster. The kids have been able to attend school this semester, preparing them for whatever the next thing is for them. We are starting to figure out how to buy groceries for a few weeks at a time rather than a few months.

With less than three months left to our move, we are beginning the process of imploding. (That is what has to happen after you explode living in one place for over 11 months.) Pray that we will learn French well and finish our time here strong.