When excitement fades away...

Today we found ourselves full of joy and anticipation when we headed into the CSM Field Directors office in Kaiserslautern (K-town).  We were gonna go to customs together, fill out some paperwork and Julie and I would have a set of wheels to drive on and off base for ministry without having to rely on others.  Well, after 3 minutes at the desk of US Customs officer Harris's desk, our excitement and joy when to frustration and disappointment.  You know, it was like filling a balloon with air and then watching it be released by the prick of a pin and not being able to reinflate the balloon.  That was our day today!  Oh well, our prayer all afternoon has been, "Lord, what lesson is there in this for us to learn and what can we praise You for through this?"

I would love to tell you all that I have the answer to that question and yet, I don't have it yet.  Other than, it provided for some great fellowship with other CSM staff and it also made time for a meal with our field director, Nate Johnson.  That was great...thanks Nate.

Although, when you stop and think about it, the opportunity to spend the evening with my wife in K-town in the youth center was great!  I love hanging out with my wife...so, I am praising the Lord for that!  Also, the opportunity to fellowship with CSM staff members.  All told, we are thankful even when the air was let out of our balloon we held onto oh so briefly.

Despite this additional slow down and set back, as well as the lack of our military ID, ministry is happening and we are loving our students from Baumholder...or B-town as we call it.  The need is great and the opportunity to minister to them and speak into their lives is powerful and wonderful.  It is life changing for us as well.  We are truly blessed by the Lord to be led here and to serve here!

We do know that there is a sense of urgency in our returning in the fall and we find ourselves at the feet of God awaiting His leading and confirmation.  I plan to write on that in the next week.  Until then, know that we are doing what He wants us to do and working with those that He is working in!

We want to thank each of you for praying for us and being a part of our life and ministry to military students in B-town.  Blessing on you and yours!!

When excitement fades away...we know that there is Joy in the Lord and knowing that He is in Total Control of ALL THINGS!!!  Thank you Lord for knowing You provide the peace we need!