Yesterday we were talking about having faith that GOD will continue to provide for us (an apartment after April, a job for Kari, money for school next year...) and decided to list some of the many ways GOD has carried us in the past months. It really gave us a clearer view of how much HE loves us and shows that by keeping HIS promises. So in no particular order...
- Last Thursday we found out that Kari can get a work visa here in Lyon. We had been told that once she found a job she would have to fly back to Atlanta to get a work visa, which takes both time and money. But GOD led us to the right person who directed us to an office here in town where the papers can be done.
- GOD blessed us financially so that we could pay for Jonathan's first year of medical school up front last September.
- Jonathan's visa for France was issued and arrived about 10 days before he left for France. Kari's was issued in one week, not the estimate of three months given.
- GOD has given Jonathan the ability to comprehend/function in French for his classes.
- When we registered for Residency Cards in France they set both of our expiration dates based on Jonathan's date of entry last September. This good for two reasons. First, we will be on the same schedule for renewals and all other paperwork rather than each of us going through the process separately each year. Secondly, they will ask for financial proof that we can afford to live in France each year. Our account will loook much better in September, just before we pay for Jonathan's second year of school.
- Three days before Jonathan moved to France last September he did not have a place to live for the first month. GOD provided a great place for him to stay with excellent location, roommates, food, phone access, etc...
- By the end of the week we should have a functioning French bank account. This process has taken two months, but all of the papers are in and approval is expected mid-week. And best of all...we have some Euros to put in it!
- We have made some friends in Lyon, including a couple about our age who live in our neighborhood. He's American and is working on a Masters in Lyon. They moved here last summer. (sound familiar?) We met them through another friend who has many connections for work and ministry in Lyon.
- The apartment where we are now is in a convenient neighborhood, fully furnished and has great internet/phone access.
- Jonathan received a great scholarship from his school for this academic year, but since we'd paid in full already we can take the check straight to our new account!
- We are eligible for a government allocation to help pay for our rent while Jonathan is a student. Once our bank account is opened, we can apply and should know something within a month of submitting whatever paperwork they require.
- There are several churches that we enjoy in Lyon and so actually have a selection of worship styles to choose from. This is great after two years in Senegal without a church.
- Thanks to a very generous gift, we will be able to got o Iowa in two weeks for Jonathan's mother's wedding and to see his family. Kari's best friend will also be there as wedding photographer.
- Our medical insurance situation is great! Between the French system and my insurance, all of our expenses have been reimbursed 100 percent and quickly, without problems. Kari will be able to go on Jonathan's insurance in two months, which will cost even less for same coverage.
- Before leaving the US all three of our vehicles were sold.
- We have full support and prayers from our parents and families. We are able to communicate with them often and easily so can keep up with each other, even when we're an ocean apart. Kari's parents are coming to visit in April, Jonathan's brother and his wife in May, and also Kari's best friend.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Monday, January 24, 2005
Challenges...
One of the biggest challenges spiritually (and financially!) is not knowing how to act while waiting, in this case waiting for HIS provision financially. As we discussed the other day - do I spend intense time praying for direction and wait for HIM to bring me to it/it to me? Do I start sending resumes without any real sense of direction/understanding of French system? Do I network through contacts for jobs? I have been told that since unemployment is SO high in France, you have to be perfectly qualified in most cases. I looked for jobs online and in the weekly circular, but nothing really fit. Secretarial jobs require one or more certifications and the only jobs requiring English also required Spanish, if not more languages. However - I am continually reminded that GOD planned for all of this long before any of it became an issue. HE has just the right job for me, and we'll find it in HIS timing and HIS ways.
Absolutely! And not only did HE provide in an amazing way, HE taught us that we can trust HIM, HIS plans, and HIS ways. HE answered our prayers to increase our faith.
Jeremiah 29.11-13
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon ME and come and pray to ME, and I will listen to you. You will seek ME and find me when you seek ME with all your heart.
Hebrews 10.23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for HE who promised is faithful.
2 Peter 3.9
The Lord is not slow in keeping HIS promise, as some understand slowness. HE is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Absolutely! And not only did HE provide in an amazing way, HE taught us that we can trust HIM, HIS plans, and HIS ways. HE answered our prayers to increase our faith.
Jeremiah 29.11-13
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon ME and come and pray to ME, and I will listen to you. You will seek ME and find me when you seek ME with all your heart.
Hebrews 10.23
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for HE who promised is faithful.
2 Peter 3.9
The Lord is not slow in keeping HIS promise, as some understand slowness. HE is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Finally in France...
Answers
- Kari received an e-mail about the job teaching English. Her application is complete and everything is in order. Acceptances into the program and assignments will be made in May. Please pray for wisdom and patience as we wait.
- Along those lines, an opportunity to teach English one-on-one and also some possible babysitting jobs have opened up for Kari. God has been/is so faithful to provide for our needs. Pray for relationships to develop through these opportunities and for us to remember His faithfulness.
- One of the required stops within the first week in France was to apply for a residence card. Jonathan had an appointment for himself on Jan. 27 but Kari's would not be until February, which was a problem because some of our needed paperwork would expire by then. However, God is faithful. Kari's appointment was changed to January 27th!! Which also means we can go together to wait in that really long line!
- Kari is slowly, but surely, learning to get around the area and live in France. So many things are different, but most things Jonathan has already learned/experienced and he is a patient teacher.
Prayers
- We are working to get paperwork and needed documentation in order to apply for the residence card required to live in France, health insurance for Kari, a social security number for Jonathan, opening a bank account and also renting an apartment beginning in April. Please pray for understanding of the French system and cooperation as we get all of this together.
- Please pray that Jonathan's passion for medicine and osteopathy would serve to motivate him in studying, both course material and French.
- Moving away from friends and familly was much harder than expected. Pray that we would maintain/build those relationships, but stay focused on God's calling for us here.
- Kari received an e-mail about the job teaching English. Her application is complete and everything is in order. Acceptances into the program and assignments will be made in May. Please pray for wisdom and patience as we wait.
- Along those lines, an opportunity to teach English one-on-one and also some possible babysitting jobs have opened up for Kari. God has been/is so faithful to provide for our needs. Pray for relationships to develop through these opportunities and for us to remember His faithfulness.
- One of the required stops within the first week in France was to apply for a residence card. Jonathan had an appointment for himself on Jan. 27 but Kari's would not be until February, which was a problem because some of our needed paperwork would expire by then. However, God is faithful. Kari's appointment was changed to January 27th!! Which also means we can go together to wait in that really long line!
- Kari is slowly, but surely, learning to get around the area and live in France. So many things are different, but most things Jonathan has already learned/experienced and he is a patient teacher.
Prayers
- We are working to get paperwork and needed documentation in order to apply for the residence card required to live in France, health insurance for Kari, a social security number for Jonathan, opening a bank account and also renting an apartment beginning in April. Please pray for understanding of the French system and cooperation as we get all of this together.
- Please pray that Jonathan's passion for medicine and osteopathy would serve to motivate him in studying, both course material and French.
- Moving away from friends and familly was much harder than expected. Pray that we would maintain/build those relationships, but stay focused on God's calling for us here.
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