what happened to the book?

My book is still writing itself. By this, I mean that after almost 2 years of being in the states and having this strong desire to tell our story, I can see day by day how there's still more to be written before the actual writing. I want this book to be written someday, but I'm glad God has reminded me that He's not finished writing His part yet. Someday, it will be my turn to put the story on paper.

The past week and a half have felt like a month. So much has happened, so much has changed, and so many emotions have been present...relief, frustration, discouragment, exhaustion, confusion...almost all negative. But the guiding force has been our faith in God. That faith in God evolved into the realization that we must also be practical and realize when we are at the end of our means and God is trying to tell us something. We came to this point on, I believe, Monday. Again, there have been a lot of long days, so everything's a bit fuzzy. But now, we move in a new direction with Raul's education, and once again, we trust in God's perfect plan and perfect timing. Right now, we just want Raul to be able to finish school with a good degree, get into a good job, and we can start our lives yet again.

All of this has come at the same time we are helping a friend as she prepares for her first year in China. We first met her when we were attending FWC and were in the same Sunday school class. At the time, she was ending her studies at Indiana Wesleyan and graduating with a degree in math education. When she started asking us about teaching in China, I went into excitement mode and began telling her all about Nanjing, NEIS, and NICF (and yes, all the abbreviations we use probably confused her :) Well, she was interested! And things have gone so well, she is boarding a plane bound for Nanjing next week. God has orchestrated all of this so well. I had always hoped I would be able to connect someone from IWU with Nanjing, to build that bridge and have someone from my hometown see the wonder that is living in Nanjing... and I'm so glad that she has an open heart and mind to be willing to go. It's been fun sharing insights, "wisdom", and tips with her, as well as preparing her for the reality of life in a culture very different from our own. But God has been in the time we've spent with her, and I couldn't be more excited for her. Sometimes I wish I could stow-away in her suitcase and go along :) but I'm really excited. I've even been reading my old China journals and blog posts (goodness I was ridiculous sometimes!) lately, trying to think of things to share with her...and God has reminded me over and over again where He has brought me from. It's just amazing, and it makes me glad I have a written record of all the blessings so I can never forget .

So how to get through the tough times? Immerse yourself in the joy of others, focus on your blessings, and just praise God. Yes, our story's not done yet.