After the classes were finished, we were able to receive FINAL CLEARANCE. This means from ABWE's standpoint, our missions organization, we are cleared to go to Togo via an 18 month stop in France!
This past week we traveled to the French consulate in Chicago to appear in person for our French visas. There were many things that we had to prepare and present in order to be in France for more than 3 months. There was only one thing that required a minor modification, and we emailed it to them the same day. We don't have our visas in our hands yet, but we were given the impression that they would be issued!
Did you catch our 3 exclamation points ;) It has indeed been a big month.
Mixed in the middle of these events, we said goodbye to my grandfather, Emil Nattier. This was a bittersweet time for all of us. My grandfather has made a huge impact on my life. He set a great example of living life for the Lord. The way he treated others in each aspect of life is a pattern I strive to emulate. He really lived out Mathew 22:36-40, the great commandment, to love God first and to love others as yourself.
His health had been declining for the past several years- he was ready to go home to be with his Lord and Savior. This is one aspect that was unique from anyone I can remember being around in their last days. He had such a great anticipation and joy about going to be with Jesus. This difference was noticeable to all and he took every opportunity to share with others how they too could have joy and peace found in Jesus, even when facing poor health and death.
What's up next? We still have to finish packing our container for Togo. We are making steady progress on this front as well. After last weekend we have the first 16 feet of the 40 ft container packed floor to ceiling.
Natasha is speaking at a women's event at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lafayette, IN this Saturday, October 24, 2015 and would appreciate your prayers. We have two missions conferences coming up in November. Our commissioning service is December 6, 2015 at University Baptist Church, Beavercreek, OH. We hope to see many of you there! And finally, the much awaited date is now final... We leave for France December 29, 2015. In between these events and packing, we hope to spend some quality time with our family and friends on this side of the pond.
Prayer requests:
Our family and ministry: We are all getting excited about leaving for France. Please pray for us as we balance that with saying goodbyes to family and friends.
*The next month will be important for our hopeful au pair. Her name is Courtney and she has committed to join us in France. We are so excited and thankful for her willingness to come and serve alongside our family. She still needs many things to get a long stay French Visa. Most of the limitations are related to her having adequate funds to live in France for 1 year. If you feel led to help her and our family in this way, please contact us so we can share more.
Our team:
The Hospital of Hope has been open now for 7 1/2 months. In that time they have seen 11,500 patients and performed 700 surgeries. There are now around 13 Christian gatherings in the area. Please continue to pray for them as they minister to the great needs of this region with a shortage of medical staff. The staffing for the 2016 calendar year has gaps in nursing and medical providers. Please contact us if you feel God leading you to serve Him in this way.
