Good-byes Update #3

So, we are at the start of another week. Our days have been filled with good-byes and helping friends pack up and move out. One of those good-byes was to Emma. (I hate being so far away from my kiddos.) Praise the Lord she made it safely to Wisconsin!  Thanks for praying. She had a 17 hour layover in Hong Kong and then 7 flight delays and 5 gate changes in Dallas before finally arriving in Milwaukee about 53 hours after she left us. I am so thankful God watched over and protected her along the way. We also said good-bye to two of our dorm girls that we have had as a part of our family for 6 years. That was hard. And this morning I had to say good-bye to my best friend, Janna. They are moving back to Canada. Ugh! I know God has something super fantastic planned for them but my heart is sad. Our home has been an open door for parties and gatherings to try and squeeze in as much time with everyone as we can before they all leave.
 
 

 

Good-bye parties

 

 

 

In the midst of all this, Ramadan, a time of fasting and prayer for Muslims, is going on. It is considered the holiest month of the year for Muslims.  They fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of learning self-control, gratitude, compassion for those less fortunate, and for forgiveness of their sins.Tonight starts Idul Fitri. Idul Fitri is two or three days of gathering, feasting and celebrating the end of Ramadan. It is one of the largest Indonesian public holidays. Many travel a large distance to their home towns to celebrate with family. Shops are closed, and mosques can be heard proclaiming the call to prayer all day long.  Please pray for the love of God to shine through during this time. We will be feasting with an Indonesian friend of ours. Pray that God uses us.

Love you,

Rachel