"Holiness stands above all the other attributes of God, yet it is simply that- an attribute. It does not stand above God as though it were some category under which He falls, along with other things. Holiness does not define God; God defines holiness; it belongs to Him alone." -Clyde Cranford
When I reflect on the last two months and how God has molded and grown both of us, I am so thankful. Being a stranger in a foreign place can be a struggle, but I know God is right here with us. We have been so blessed even though sometimes we do not realize it. A few weeks ago, I started taking note of things every day that I am thankful for. I try to be as specific as possible and write it down right away. (I got this idea from the book "One Thousand Gifts". If you have not read it, I encourage you to do so.) Today as I was sitting outside waiting on the train, I was thankful for the sun warming my skin. It feels like an embrace. That exact moment seems so simple, but if you think about the intricacy it is crazy. It is so humbling to realize that I am just a small speck on a big blue planet, and yet He cares for me.
Many aspects of life move slower here. At first it is annoying, but I am quickly learning to take it as a gift. Those moments are the times I get to bask in His holiness. Every moment has a purpose and when you are thankful for those moments it makes you more grateful for all that God is orchestrating daily. Our purpose here is to be used for His kingdom. It is so amazing to be doing work for the creator of the universe. He defines Holiness and our hope is that as we follow him, He will shine brighter than anything else in our lives. "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads is in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)
As always thank you for being a part of ministry here by supporting us in prayer.
Please continue to pray for paperwork to be processed so that I (Carli) can start working at a preschool in September and Justin can get his residency. We signed a contract on a new apartment yesterday. YAY!!! So we will be moving there at the end of May. The apartment is bigger than what we are in now and we are excited to see how we get to use it for ministry. Once we have our new address I will put it on the blog so you can send us encouraging snail mail. (hint hint)
We Love You!!!
Carli & Justin
