Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Odds and Ends Of News

For the past two weeks we have hosted the Gonzales family from Spain. Paco, Doreen, Daniella, and Stephanie have helped us get up to date with Spanish as well as UK culture (the girls actually have lived there more than in Spain.) We have grown very fond of them as we have seen God knit our hearts with theirs. It is clear that God has future plans for some work together in the Kingdom. They have a keen desire and God-given strategy to introduce homeschooling to a large ministry in Spain for the purpose of raising up a future generation who will know their God and do mighty exploits on His behalf. It is very exciting to partner with them in this great adventure!

Our final meal together was shared last evening with the elders and wives of our church family. Paco shared his heart; he made some astute observations when speaking about impressions of America. Our history and rich heritage in God has captured his attention, and he realizes that much of what is American culture is the kingdom of God here on earth -- family meals full of laughter and rich communion, fellowship with believers celebrated freely, casual prayer at a meal table, freedom and liberty to pursue dreams, music and art flourishing, creativity valued, stability and peace within government structure. The list was extensive. As he shared, we were once again reminded of our valuable liberty so lightly esteemed, so taken for granted. He looked with new eyes and was able to see God's rich heritage in so much of what we call American. It was a precious reminder of our wealth through His mercy and goodness. Thank you, Paco, for your generous words to us.

Today they will leave for their home in Malaga on the southern coast of Spain where they will begin packing for a move to Madrid (Spain.) In January Rick and I will join them there for a series of teaching on family, child training, and generational building. We hope to visit numerous churches and help establish a heart for investment in the next generation in the Spanish church.

Meanwhile, life will resume normalcy once again, excepting the holidays peeking at me from around the corner. Minimal shopping has been accomplished (not my usual style -- it is customarily pretty much finished before Thanksgiving,) holiday musical programs with Jr. Church and Christian Fellowship Academy (our homeschool support program) are being prepared, cards, newsletters, decorating, food -- you all know the routine! So step back, regroup, make a plan. Or maybe go for a walk and read a book.

Today it just may be the latter.

I will post more thoughts about child training next time!

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you again for a wonderful evening last night. I think we were all on the edge of our seats as Paco shared his observations and reflections of his time here in America. We are certainly filled with anticiaption as to what the Lord has in store! What a great God we serve!
Judes

10:42 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Looking forward to "next time!"

4:51 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Is it "next time" yet?

2:47 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you, Darlene, for all your hard work in the kitchen and for creating such a wonderful atmosphere! We had an unforgettable time with you all, and the evening with the elders was surely one of the highlights.
Love from all of us,
Doreen

6:31 PM  

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