In the Midst of Trials

Last week was a pretty rough week. And I'm not saying that to complain, really, it's just a fact. After baseball camp finished, we were on a little bit of a ministry high. The camp was so awesome, and we were so stoked that we had the opportunity to share the Gospel with so many boys. And I think the Lord really moved in those boys' lives... So it makes sense that the enemy would start working overtime on us after camp finished, and it's been kind of rough.

I don't really want to list everything that's going on, because I don't want to give the enemy any credit, but I will say that lots of things have been breaking around our apartment, and we've had a lot of miscommunications the last few days, which is always frustrating. 

These are the weeks where you kind of want to throw in the towel and just move home. But even in the midst of these trials, the Lord has been so good to us, giving us an extra measure of encouragement, prompting people to send us emails with encouraging Bible verses, and just ministering to us in our quiet time with Him. So, in case you were wondering, we're not throwing in the towel just yet, and we will remain working for the Lord in Ukraine for as long as He'll allow us to stay here.

This week, we had a really encouraging conversation with our missions' pastor back home, and he told us to try to look for encouragement in the little things... it's funny because I looked for encouragement in the little things all week, and just felt frustrated - that is until about 30 minutes ago.

We were walking home from the grocery store, and we got caught in the rain (it's about a 10-15 minute walk home for us, and it's faster to walk than take a bus, so we always walk). It wasn't just a little rain, it was an absolute downpour. The rain was so heavy, Byron and I had to start running (Poor Byron was running with groceries in hand). As we ran for it up hill, for about 5 minutes, splashing in puddles and barely being able to keep our eyes open because so much water was running down our faces, I couldn't help but start to laugh. 

Of all the things that have happened this week that could have really encouraged me, the pouring rain was what really touched me. Somehow, running home, soaking wet, all while carrying groceries, felt totally normal. And I realized, I'm in Ukraine, and this is totally crazy, and I love it. AND, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Somehow, the running home in the rain reminded me that it is a privilege to serve the Lord here in Ukraine, and that I need to be thankful in all situations. 

In all circumstances, the Lord is so good, and worthy to be praised.

Thank you so much for all of your prayers - they were crucial for us this week.

We love you guys,

Emily

(after the downpour)