It is easy to get caught up in the troubles and the worries of this life. To get so buried under them that it seems suffocating.
the Fog covering the valley
This morning there was a very thick fog that covered the
View across the valley
mountains. It was not in Les Ponts de Martel, but as you started to go down the mountain, it became very heavy. Even the bus driver, who has driven in very treacherous weather up and down this steep road, was slowing down more than usual as he went through this dense fog and approached certain curves in the road. Sometimes, it seems like that in our lives. Don’t get me wrong, the chocolate and cheese are still in wonderful supply! But between the increased challenges of routine things in life because of language barriers and cultural differences and the intensity of the language study, it has at times seemed overwhelming –and we’re not even in Africa yet!!
I wonder if Christ felt this way at all in the days or weeks before Calvary? I know I have no comprehension of the stress and strain that he endured hours before all this was to pass. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” Mark 14:34. “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood. . . .” Luke 22:44. But in all of this Jesus did not waver, he cried and prayed to God for strength, but he did not turn from what He knew God had called him to do.
There have been times over the past few weeks (even in the “vacation” week!) that we’ve just wanted to cry or just wanted to have someone listen and hug us and tell us (in English) that “It’ll be alright.” That what we’re doing will make a difference, will somehow down the road make an impact on someone’s life for eternity. That we are learning the skills that we need while in Switzerland and in Togo so that we can be a blessing wherever God would place us. That, in the meantime, we’ve been able to be that “wonderful” doctor, parent, spouse, friend, sibling, and daughter/son.
Gee, that’s not too much to ask, is it?! Not for God, it’s not. Jesus, you’ve been there and directed me in the past and taken me places and had me meet people that I would never have imagined. You haven’t failed me, please help me to have faith, even the size of a mustard seed and please help my unbelief!
I am reminded of 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.”
God Bless
(We’ve added pictures and updated our prayer requests!!)
Somehow in your quest for reassurance you’ve provided me with some of my own. Those are great scriptures to focus on to push through tough times. Keep on keeping on and keep up the good work! You guys are doing great things. I can’t wait for you to experience spring in the mountains, I’m sure it will be amazing to see the landscape transform. We’ve had enough of the winter blues!
Thanks Phil! appreciate the encouragement! Hope you all are doing well! Know we are praying for you and the family and thanks so much for your prayers for us!!
Thanks sweetie for sharing. We are right there with you and are SO thankful you are here. You’ve both been an encouragement to us. It’s only 6 months, right?!?!? 🙂
Your letter about the fog reminded me of many such times in our lives. But those are the times when I, as a little dinghy, did not capsize in the storms of life because I was anchored to thr Rock. Your Anchor will hold in the storms of life. And with each storm, you will grow and know Him a little better. Up ahead are the women waiting to feel
Your compassionate voice and hands. You will learn French and Ewe for them. Keep them in your focus. Love in Christ, Arlene Updyke
Arlene,
Thanks so much for your words of encouragement! They are good reminders to hold on to!
I wish I could be there to hug you and say (in English), It will be alright. I wish that so badly. But I will pray the Spirit be near you, close as a cloak, that you will hear a whisper somewhere in the sun going down or the fog lifting or even in the babble of your darling boy…It will be alright. (Let us hope the Spirit will whisper to you in English.) 🙂
Sweet Sister,
Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragements!
I’m still praying in English -so hoping He’s still answering in English 😉
Love,
Lydia
What a vivid reminder that sometimes in life it seems we are in a dense fog. We can only trust in our Lord to carry us safely to our destination. He alone can reassure and comfort us during difficulties in life. What a difference your family will make in the lives of so many as you serve Him in Togo. My prayers continue for you and your family. In Christ, Ray
Thanks so much for your prayers! They really do affect our daily lives!
God bless,
Fred and Lydia
Fred and Lydia, thank you for your transparency here as you lean hard into Him. We can pray for your heart-felt needs now. And we can relate – oh, so well. He is writing the story. And it’s a very good one…much love, Mark and Beth
Thanks so much for your encouragement!! We know you guys understand!!