Hello again everyone, for the last time during school!
It’s once again a beautiful 22 degrees outside our window! I have noticed in the last week or so, with papers added to classes, tests, reading, reading and reading, that droopy eyelids grow numerous here. Since I had taken a winter course, I have gone the school year without more than four days off. The books! In 30 days I’m not even going to read the exit sign on my way out of my last exam!
Karin is looking forward to the S.W.I.M. (Seminary Wives in Ministry) weekend she just left for. She is also looking forward to getting her bag with $6000 worth of quilts back. And my passport. Good news! There is a 99% chance that the bag is in the “dead bag” room at DFW airport. This room is like Fort Knox. Only the chosen ones, highly vetted and special airport staff with no spot nor blemish, may go in there and look for lost bags. There are thousands and first lost, first served. By the way, the Canadian government really doesn’t like it when you lose your passport…
After stewing, we have decided that even though I did not get the on campus job, we are not moving to Canada for the summer. We are both happy and sad. One reason is that after 9 months here and proof of economic hardship, I can apply in May for permission to work off campus, maybe as early as June and if economic hardship continues, for the duration of my studies. Our ‘intent to sublease’ deadline for this apartment came up this week, and being worth our while we passed on that, sealing the deal to stay in Dallas. How would you like to move internationally twice in a summer? The decision to stay felt like a heavy burden had been lifted from the both of us.
This whole process was a step of faith. We gave up the quest for Canada and a few thousand dollars we could ‘control’ in the near term in the belief that yes, God really does want us here and is preparing us for some fantastic ministry. So far the first benefit will be that we will be around for the next membership class for our church in May. That will allow me to serve the church in leadership (someday), which is the whole point of my studies. I must tell you that I am actually excited to see how God will provide for us. If God can feed all Israel for nearly 40 years in the desert (which we discussed Wednesday), then he can take care of the two of us. That kind of God quite literally gets me up each morning.
Now, since manna no longer falls from heaven we need to do fund raising. We have sought expert advice on how to approach this and plan on rolling out next year’s strategy/needs next month when I have finished out the year. One bonus: no more raising every penny before starting class! We covet your prayers as we seek to faithfully follow God’s plan this summer.
Even though I wouldn’t call the next few weeks a thrill ride, really the year as a whole, the “much” that has been given me (Luke 12:48) is a special privilege and it really feels that way. I thank God literally each day for something amazing about being here, big or small – including those of you who read this – who through your faithfulness have kept us here all year!
Have a great Easter next weekend!
He is risen,
Dan and Karin
