MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR from the Pfennigers!
Wow, this month has felt like a rollercoaster –from very joyous moments to moments of fear and sadness as we say goodbye to friends. This season for us has been a hard one. It is one that reminds us to think on what God has done and to trust in Him, that what we are doing is His plan and not ours. It is in this remembrance that we are strengthened and able to go forward. However, it doesn’t mean that all our fear is gone; in fact, this season has been about working through fear, the emotions of change and loss, and having no clue of what lies ahead. It makes me wonder about Joseph and Mary. Did they feel this way as they embraced their circumstances? Did Joseph have doubt despite his dream? How often did Joseph reflect on his dream and God to overcome his doubt? And what about Mary? How often did Mary need to remind herself of what the angel said as she not only carried the pregnancy, but went through the pains of labor far from family? Then, in the midst of this, God blessed them with the gift of the amazing story of the shepherds who had of a whole host of angels proclaiming that this child is the Messiah, Prince of Peace, Savior of the world! That must have been a moment that not only encouraged them but also one that they would hold onto for years to come.
In the midst of fear, leaving and sadness, we have been blessed! From a church that gave us a generous send-off; to the response-conversations we had in our home during our Togo presentations; to the families who have helped drive our kids to their sports events, provided meals, and brought over extra toys as we delt with the logistics of closing up our home; to the teachers –one who didn’t want one of our kids to miss out on a year-end fun activity, so she set it up all on her own accord and invited the entire class to come, and to the others who went out of their way to say goodbye to our kids; to one gentleman from church who came over multiple times a week to help in repairs and packing; to the men who came and did an amazing job helping us load all of our belongings heading to Togo, into a 26 foot truck in 1 hour(!); to many friends who have written cards/letters, drawn pictures, printed off special photos all to show our kids and our family how much they care for us and they care about what we are doing and will be praying for us!! It is something we will hold onto and, we pray will spur us on in those hard moments. We are so grateful for the birth of Christ and so grateful for the gift of friends and their love!
Highlights of the move & the two months to come:
- A 26-foot U-Haul truck, packed to the hilt, was driven up to Lansing, MI on Dec 19th. Part of it will be packed into a container that will be sent to Togo shortly and then the other half will be sent over on a 2nd container as soon as it is full –hopefully in 5-6 months or sooner. The rest of our things is going with us to Quebec.
- On Dec 27th we will be traveling to Sherbrooke in our van and a 15-foot U-Haul truck, which will be towing our car. We will cross the boarder either on the 27th or the 28th, and arrive in Sherbrooke on the 30th. At the border Lydia will have to get a student VISA. Fred and the kids are Canadian and do not need VISAs.
- From there, the plan is for us to meet with the school for the kids in Sherbrooke on Jan 6th, to obtain permission to attend the English-speaking school, and then to get the kids started in classes shortly thereafter (the same day or a day or two after). Fred and Lydia will start French classes on Jan 13th.
HBB – “More than Just a hospital”
We met with Mr. and Mrs. G (pharmacist and nutritionist –she’s working on personal trainer certificate) and are excited at their addition to the medical team at HBB. They are a young missionary couple who are currently fund raising and are committing to HBB for a 2-year period starting late 2025. One of their ministry goals is to start a sports ministry –catering to both nationals and missionary families. We are encouraged with their coming, not only to help address patient care, and thus grow the testimony for Christ but also for us and the kids, to help us stay active, involved in sports, and healthy. In all this we marvel at God’s timing as we were part of a team that was able to secure some exercise equipment for HBB (The Charity Build) for this purpose of saying active and healthy. Now with their addition, we are looking forward to the exploration of the sport ministry, and its impact on the call for Christ.
Finances
In December we received financial clearance to go to the field! Thank-you all for your support. Our ability to do what we do is directly related to your prayers and financial support. FYI: our supporters are made up of short- and long-term commitments, one-time and re-current gifts, and individuals and churches.
To give, visit: www.abwe.org/pfenniger
Prayers/Praises:
- Thanking the Lord for the way friends (of us and kids), parents, teachers, and more have loved on us as we get ready to go.
- Thanking the Lord for safe packing (of our Togo shipment) and travels to MI without incident.
- Prayers for safe travel to Quebec on Dec 27th -30th (including getting Lydia’s VISA and across the border without concern on 27th-28th).
- Prayers as we adjust to a much smaller living environment, 950 sq foot apartment. (Fred says he loves us in an 1800 square foot space, but he is not sure about the 950 -LOL!)
- Prayers for us and the kids as we process our emotions, individually and as a family. (The last week of school was really rough for us all!)
- Prayers for the kids starting school in Quebec (language barrier, new teachers, ability to make friends, adjusting to a new way of doing things, the ability to be salt and light, etc.).
- Prayers that we, Fred and Lydia, will be able to learn French quickly and well.
- Prayers that our belongings will make it over to Togo safely and quickly (for both the container going over in January and then the one going over later).
- Prayers for HBB –the team, the vision project, the new FP/OB as she has her first Christmas in Togo and adjusts to the work there; and the new missionary couple G –for their fundraising and planning in being able to return to Togo.