good hard

i really can't believe it!  we sent our visa application off yesterday, the kids have had their embassy appointment, and we are now in our final stage of waiting!  the funny part is, we. are. freaking. out!!  it's quite comical how life works that way!  we've had all these months to prepare, and yet we both feel like there is still so much to do, emotionally and practically!  these aren't things like decorating, making a fuss out of things and appearances.  we're really not much into that!  it's stuff we know we won't get to do for the next several months that are requirements to our functionality, so we are trying to get it done now to ensure our little mini 'farm' keeps on truckin' in our mental absence!

would you pray with us that we would have efficient hands and wisdom to clearly define our to-do list, for the hearts of us and all the kids to be prepared for the major transition we have ahead of us, and for a quick and positive investigation from the u.s. embassy so they can issue the kids' visas sooner than later?  we know we have only made it this far from all the prayers and support, and we ask that you continue to support us in that way through this next stage.  while this past phase has been terribly hard, i truly believe it has been the easier piece (scary to say, i know).  i trust this part was the preparation we needed for what is to come.  it has taught us a whole new reliance on Him that we likely never would have encountered in our abundant and self-sufficient land of america.  we are going to be hulled up in our home for quite some time ensuring that these little peeps feel safe, secure and loved by all of us.  we will likely not see much of the light of day (ok, outside of our farm anyway) for some time, and that is going to be a major challenge, particularly on me.  i like to see people, i like to have adult conversation, and i like to see that life does exist beyond our horizon!  so this part is going to stretch me in ways that i can't even fathom yet.  i will need you all to continue to lift us up, please!

in a conversation with a friend today, i was telling her that we are prepared for it to be challenging, rewarding, and hard.  she replied "good hard," with a tone of encouragement.  so perfectly said!  apart from Him, i can not make it.  in Him, i can see the hope and joy in the trials ahead!  i will be relying on the following verse more than ever before...dare i say, hourly minute by minute, very soon!  but it will be a good hard!

i can do all things through him who strengthens me.  philippians 4:13