Email Update from July 8th

Hi!

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. I had a great day and was blessed to hang out with friends and family. We watched the fireworks in Vista and it was the best one I have ever seen. It was bittersweet since I knew I most likely won't be able to see that again for a few years. You might be wondering, does that mean you know what your plans are yet? Nope. We are still waiting.

One update I have for you is a sad one. Most of you know already that George did not get the visa. We knew that would probably happen, but we still hoped it would somehow work out. We know God is powerful enough to make that happen if that is His will for us, but it appears this is not the right time. We don't know why, but we trust God's sovereignty and are just rolling with it. So, you'll have to wait a few years to meet him. It makes me sad, but that will make it that much more special when he finally does get to come.

Uganda Update - nothing new since the last email. George's paperwork has been submitted and we are waiting to hear back from the governemt to see if George can work there. The director of the facility really wants us there and is trying hard to get it to go through. We were told to expect an answer a week or so ago, but nothing yet. No matter what country you are in, I guess all governments are slow!

Not having a plan and not knowing that the future holds is so hard for me. George and I both have been anxious about this. We feel like this is where God wants us to be and are ready to get started on whatever the Lord has for us there. I just want to know what will happen so I can make plans. Each day I pray and ask God, is this the day we will find out? Each day that passes without an answer makes me lean on God more and more for peace. I have been trying to put Philipians 4:6 into practice. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Each time I find myself feeling anxious, I turn those thoughts into a prayer and thank God for what he has done. It has been a good lesson in taking my thoughts captive and truly trusting in God. I am reading a book called Life Interrupted and it talks about being thankful when things happen we don't expect. Often it's God's way of moving us in a different direction to get us to where He wants us to be. We need to give God credit for bringing us to this place and trusting Him to get us through this. The process can be painful, but the result is being more refined and getting closer to God in the process.

I would appreciate your prayers for the following items:

1. Approval of George's paperwork in Uganda
2. Clear vision for how we can use our gifts to serve the Lord wherever we end up.
3. Good use of time as I prepare to head out on my own as a missionary. I need to take advantage of the resources and time here to prepare mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially for the unknown that lies ahead.
4. Development of a good support team and finding the right covering to help me while I am overseas.

At this point, I am shooting for an end of August return date. Nothing is set yet as we are waiting for the paperwork, but for now that is my plan. For those of you who want to support me financially, for now donations can be sent to:

Rancho del Rey Church

3132 Tiger Run Ct.
Suite G-105
Carlsbad, CA 92010

Be sure to put my name in the memo line. Thanks again for your love and support. My furlough has been longer than expected, but I am so grateful for the time here. In addition to preparing to leave, I have been working and spending time with friends and family. God is good and I have much to be thankful for.

I hope to have more information on the next update...have a wonderful weekend!

Love,

Stacie