There's a definite, greater sense of reality now as we have been there and had all of our senses not just engaged, but overwhelmed. We spent a week in an initial effort to acclimate and get a handle on what we need to do and learn, and through all of that we realized we have A LOT to do and learn!
Language will obviously still be a hurdle; but there appears to be enough grace and English grasped around us to be of help. The awareness of great poverty and the inability to really make a dent in what is extremely overwhelming.
Helping the kids adjust and get their bearings in this community, especially in attempting to get to and from school will take a lot of time. Which schools still remain a question as each provides their own adjustment challenges.
We will have a wealth of things to see and discover together as a family, and this will provide the escape opportunities when the life of the bustling city with such need becomes overwhelming.
We are grateful also for our 3W teammates who will not only provide good encouragement, but also great partnership for working together throughout the region. We truly believe bringing Grace was the right decision and we're so grateful for the means, permission, and opportunity; this gave her a week to help slow down the pace of transition as compared to the quick jump into the deep-end that will take place when we return. That now becomes a prayer request for us as we try to help the boys to prepare.
And then there's the family and friends we will leave behind and the uphill challenge of developing additional friends and support networks. During our time away, we were blessed with the opportunity to 'Skype' with the boys and each of our parents--this technology along with things like magic-jack (which apparently works great in Egypt), VoIP phonelines, email, and Facebook can help ease the sorrow the distance will bring, but it will be but a band-aid to an open wound.
We will keep you up to date on our progress--we're awaiting a miraculous growth in partnerships for our monthly personal/ministry needs budget hopefully before November 1 so we can stay on track for a early January departure. Thank you all for your ongoing love, support, & prayers.
Language will obviously still be a hurdle; but there appears to be enough grace and English grasped around us to be of help. The awareness of great poverty and the inability to really make a dent in what is extremely overwhelming.
Helping the kids adjust and get their bearings in this community, especially in attempting to get to and from school will take a lot of time. Which schools still remain a question as each provides their own adjustment challenges.
We will have a wealth of things to see and discover together as a family, and this will provide the escape opportunities when the life of the bustling city with such need becomes overwhelming.
We are grateful also for our 3W teammates who will not only provide good encouragement, but also great partnership for working together throughout the region. We truly believe bringing Grace was the right decision and we're so grateful for the means, permission, and opportunity; this gave her a week to help slow down the pace of transition as compared to the quick jump into the deep-end that will take place when we return. That now becomes a prayer request for us as we try to help the boys to prepare.
And then there's the family and friends we will leave behind and the uphill challenge of developing additional friends and support networks. During our time away, we were blessed with the opportunity to 'Skype' with the boys and each of our parents--this technology along with things like magic-jack (which apparently works great in Egypt), VoIP phonelines, email, and Facebook can help ease the sorrow the distance will bring, but it will be but a band-aid to an open wound.
We will keep you up to date on our progress--we're awaiting a miraculous growth in partnerships for our monthly personal/ministry needs budget hopefully before November 1 so we can stay on track for a early January departure. Thank you all for your ongoing love, support, & prayers.
I like your post and appreciate your work . keep it up !
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