Questions

 “Do you speak French?”

 “Very little, and ill” might be our reply, stolen from Elizabeth in Pride and Predjudice, when she’s asked if she plays the piano.

"But we’re working on it.”

“Oh, good.  Have you raised your support?”

“God has blessed us with 21% of our monthly budget and about 30% of our launch fund.“

“Oh . . . you have a long way to go.”

“The Lord’s forming our team.  Our job is just to share our vision and mission with as many people as possible, asking them to pray about their involvement.  We also pray they’ll have the courage to obey Him, however He directs.  We love to share what the Lord’s doing in France!”

“Oh . . . yeah.  So . . .when are you going?”

“We can’t go until we have 100% of our funds. Plus there have been some new developments.”

#1 – Doc is to have a cornea transplant.  We estimate 12-14 months before we can move to France.

Doc and his twin brother were born prematurely in the 50’s. They were placed in incubators with pure oxygen, which damaged their eye tissues.  (Many baby boys suffered blindness from this practice.) Dick developed cataracts, and Doc’s longer isolation eventually led to several retinal reattachments, cataract surgeries, lens implants, one vitrectomy, and innumerable laser treatments on both eyes. We lost count long ago of the miracles God has performed.  Still, we never anticipated a cornea transplant.

In January 2012, in conjunction with another procedure, Doc had a cornea scrape on his right eye. Doctors removed a wide band of calcium buildup from the surface of the cornea.  Over the last year, they documented steady healing, then a plateau.  No positive options remain for that eye without a new cornea.

Contrary to our expectations, the cornea specialist states unequivocally that Doc needs to remain here in the States for the year-long aftercare required for this delicate operation.   Our short-term mission to France in July is still scheduled, but we will not be able to move there permanently until Doc’s new cornea has healed and the doctor inserts a lens into the eye.

#2 – We’re looking for a new home.

We’re moving by June 1st.  It’s been a wonderful blessing to grow in fellowship with our house host, whom we met through our friend who was dating him. He's hosted us for a full year! Now it’s time for us to move out so our precious friends can live as man and wife.  Here comes the bride!  Yay!

Through these two issues and the myriad of challenges we’ve faced so far, we repeat some standard questions of our own.

“God, didn’t you say ­­­­­­­­­­­___________________?”

“God, what happened?  I thought you would ­­­­­­­­­­­­­_____________.”

“God, how is ___________________________going to work?”

Do these queries sound familiar?  When all the details fall through the sifter, what lumps are left—the fundamental questions that only God can answer—for you?

Doc and I are grateful that the Lord directs our path.   When, not if, obstacles block the way, He gently leads us along the detours.  God’s route is always a highway for the display of His glory.  We mistakenly think glory is for our benefit, as some sort of proof that He is Who He says He is.  But scripture is clear— the splendor of God's love and power belongs to Him alone.

The question we’ve heard the Lord raise above all others: 

“Are you trusting Me on this journey?”

Maybe we should answer His question like humble Elizabeth:  “Very little, and ill.”

Truly, we are working on it.

 

*Would you pray with us that we’ll continue to trust God with each choice we’re required to make?  Please pray the following  scriptures for us: Isaiah 40:3-5; Philipians 2:12-13; Proverbs 3:5-7; Isaiah 60:21  Thank you!