When we boarded the A-330 Airbus in San Francisco back on June 17th heading for Germany, there were still a lot of un-answered questions… housing, transportation, schools, German drivers licenses, visa, language… all of it. We have seen God provide abundantly for us in the last month and answer many of the questions rolling around in our minds while eating the in-fight peanuts. However, there are still a lot of details that need to be resolved… a lot!
To “keep it real”, the first two weeks or so were really tough. Bianca and Sofia were really unhappy and asking (over and over) why we had to come here and why couldn’t we just be missionaries in Folsom. We are still having rough days, but they seem to be settling in… slowly. Dawn and I are stressed out at times and we really need to give each other extra grace, love and compassion. I love her so much!
All that said, we know why we are here. Things will settle down. The girls will make other friends, new routines will be established, we’ll get better connected. God is in this and He will bring us through this time of transition. This is a time of growth, reflection, adjustment and enduring adversity. I know this…it’s all worth it!
We attended a gathering in the town square here in Kandern recently. There was a 25 piece accordian orchestra, grilled bratwurst, lots of German beer (none for me), and a large gathering of mostly older folks (accordian orchestras don’t draw the young folks in). As we sat there eating our sausages, drinking our Cokes and listening to the rockin accordians, I looked at the people around me. As I looked into each persons face, I wondered if they know Jesus. I was curious about them, their story, what their lives are like. What are the things that keep them up at night, make them happy…? Do they know my Jesus? I commented to Dawn that we should stand up and start handing out tracts, proclaiming the Good News with boldness…. I wanted to share The Gospel with them. It was honestly a moment of frustration. You see, I don’t speak (enough) German yet and that wouldn’t have been the best way to approach these people anyway. So we enjoyed the band (I’ve never heard Abba’s Dancing Queen covered on accordians before), ate our wurst and went home. The time will come to engage in eternally important conversations with our German neighbors.
For now, we are in transition. Soon we will be in language school, involved in local ministries, get more connected at our local church, be involved in evangelistic campaigns in other countries, etc. We are grateful to be here in spite of the tough stuff. Thank you to our supporters and prayer partners for sending us! And most of all, thank you God for your calling!!
More soon…
In Service to King Jesus,
Steve, Dawn, Bianca and Sofia
Prayer requests:
For Bianca and Sofia-that they will continue to transition well, make new friends, get more comfortable here
For Dawn and myself-that we will continue to bathe each other in grace love and compassion
For our other team members here and on their way
For our German brothers and sisters who need to know Jesus
For Hugh Reed and others struggling with health issues
Thanks for the update, Steve. You are in my prayers. Sounds like the expected attacks have come and you are working through them with God’s help. Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. Lately, for me, I have noticed that things get a little tougher right before a breakthrough. Maybe a spiritual battle? I am praying for breakthroughs with your children, the logistics of the move, and the relationship between you and Dawn.
I sense the enormity of adjustment and understand the depth of your requests. You will be prayed over daily. As each challenge is met, keep a nugget of God’s presence and love in abundance. We journey together.
Thanks for your openness about the struggles. You have a good and realistic perspective on it. Good start for the long haul. You know we pray for you all!
You are all thought of and Prayed for, daily! (By the way, don’t forget that we are only an airline ticket away : ) God is Good – all the time : )
It is so good to hear exactly what is happening with all of you. We are praying for you all. Love the specific prayer requests. Can’t help but smile thinking about the accordian concert! Blessings, blessings, blessings to you. Thank you for your service to our Lord.
Hey Brother,
I love you and Dawn miss the squirrels and know that you will have it dialed in soon. Remember, you are a SOLDIER in the army of our God. The devil cannot defeat you and hell can’t handle you. Save some brats for me (and I CAN drink beer)
Roz
thanks for sharing Steve. love ya Bro – see ya in less than a month.
greg
Hi Steve and Dawn!
Brett got a job working at Lakeside as a sound engineer. He likes it! He still has his Peet’s job but it may change after school starts back up. Lauren returned from a 6 week mission trip in Nepal to work with women and child trafficking. I start my new job Aug 1 as principal of a VERY small Christian school. We miss you and are praying for you. Love to your family!
Thanks for your blog posts. I am sure once your girls find friends and start learning the language they will settle in and love it.
I wish you had/have the twenty years of experience you don’t have. What I noticed this week is the struggle the 40 something’s I know are in the middle of. Your story may be a little different, but your experience seems to be similar. I’m just now starting to get that sense of letting or surrender SO THAT no matter what the circumstances are . . it’s ok. I want the kids to be happy, my spouse to be less anxious, my job to be more satisfying. The journey is long and most of us won’t get hit by a lightning bolt of insight. I’ll pray for insight. A miraculous tremendous outpouring of insight into you and yours.
Praying for you guys!