November Blog

Anna
Nov 20, 2024
4 min read

Thanksgiving season is among us!! So that means two things - Frank and I have been back in France for 3 and a half months already, and I better start looking for a turkey!! It’s so crazy how fast time flies! But at the same time we can reflect back on the many things that have happened and the ways we’ve seen God move. Transition is usually a difficult process as change can be hard. However I’ve been clinging to Isaiah 26:3 which reads, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” It’s in hard times or seasons of change where I can truly see my desperate need for something constant - and that’s Christ! He is my anchor, and I am able to rest and live life with great joy when I put my trust in Him.

Frank is officially half way through the first round of basketball games, and is enjoying competing at a higher level. But again, with change and transition often comes hardship! His team is faced with the challenge of figuring out what it means to play as a unit and battle through tough games against really good teams. Despite wins and losses, our prayer is that we are “set apart” and that the people in our lives here in France see something different in us - and that difference, we pray, is the love of Jesus! Through the way we live and love, we pray that we magnify the One who deserves all praise. That’s truly our mission and focus here in France. We view basketball as a simple tool that the Lord can use to draw people to Him! As we continue to build relationships and get into the community, we’re continuously being reminded of the desperate need for the Gospel here. Most people have never even met someone with an authentic and genuine love and relationship with God. It’s either legalistic or nonexistent. Frank and I are pushed daily outside of our comfort zone and challenged with the task to share the good news of Jesus to those around us. The Lord has clearly placed “people of peace” into our path and we pray we can be obedient and that God does a work that only He can do in their hearts.

A big prayer request that I have is with my (yet another) visa appointment in early December. It seems doors are continuously being shut regarding me being able to work in France. But in this I’ve prayed very specifically that God opens and closes the doors that He wants/doesn't want me to walk through…So I trust that even though this has been disappointing, confusing, and frustrating…I am choosing to trust God and His good plan. The visa appointment I have in December will enable me to stay in France as a “visitor” until July. Despite all of this, I’ve felt great purpose in being a wife, friend, and volunteer! I’m clinging to truth in knowing God indeed has me here for great purposes! Even if it looks different than my original plan. I’m reminded of Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” God has opened many doors for me to volunteer my time here in France. I’ve enjoyed helping students practice their English, both in our home and in the schools, and have loved returning to serve at D.S. Café! I am also in the works of beginning a podcast!

We’ve been greatly blessed and encouraged here in France specifically by our French church community and American friends! God is on the move and it’s a great privilege to join Him in the work He’s doing. As the weather changes and the sun begins to hide, it can be easy for me to fall into lazy habits and stand in agreement with my depressive thoughts. It’s in those times where I'm challenged by the choice I can make. God is teaching me a lot about my perspective, heart posture, and mindset. What am I focusing on? How am I filling my time? What am I watching and/or listening to? It’s in my quiet time with the Lord where I am strengthened and reminded of all the many things God has blessed me with. From the clothes on my back to my incredible husband, each day offers opportunity for joy and purpose as we walk with Christ. It’s in His presence that we can find freedom and peace from the anxieties and fear that so prevalently try to find its way into our lives!

Thank you for all of your love and support. We thank God for you and deeply cherish your prayers.

Praises

Three people got baptized in our church this last month!

I was invited to play in a basketball league on Monday nights! It’s provided a great way for me to stay active and meet people.

In October I traveled to Arizona to watch Ellie play and see my family for the week!

Prayer requests

We’re hosting a big Thanksgiving in our home next week!

I will be leaving December 3rd for the U.S (Visa appt) while Frank joins me on the 21st.

Endurance for Frank as fatigue can hit this time of the season

Continued prayers for our friends here in France.