A Season of Rest, Family, and Trusting God

Hey friends and family,

We wanted to take a little bit of time to give an update on where we are, what this season has looked like, and how you can continue praying for us. The last few weeks have been full of a lot of transition, but also a lot of sweetness from the Lord.

Our Time in Idaho

Our time in Idaho with family was really special. After a full season of ministry in Thailand, traveling back to the States, and trying to prepare for everything ahead, it was such a gift to just be with people we love. We got to spend time with family, see friends, share meals, have good conversations, and slow down a little bit. It felt very restful and healing for our family. There is something really special about being around people who know you and love you. We did not realize how much we needed that until we were there.

One of the sweetest parts of our time in Idaho was getting to meet the newest little member of the family, baby Bennett. It was so special getting to see him, hold him, and celebrate his life with our family. We also got to celebrate a wonderful baby shower for my younger brother’s baby, which was such a sweet time getting to be together as a family and celebrate another little life coming soon. And we definitely cannot leave out the awesome sturgeon fishing trip we got to do together. The whole family went, and we ended up catching a couple of awesome fish. It was such a fun memory and one of those moments we are really thankful we got to be there for.

Settling Into Virginia

Now we are in Virginia, and honestly, it feels really good to unpack a little bit and have some sense of settling in before life gets wild again. After so much moving around, even simple things like unpacking bags, getting into a rhythm, and having a place to land have felt like a gift from the Lord.

We are living in Fredericksburg right now as we prepare for the birth of our next baby. This season is full of preparation in a lot of different ways. We are preparing for the baby, continuing to build our support team, and taking practical steps toward returning to Thailand long-term. While we are here, I have also started doing handyman work in Fredericksburg to help support our family and help us move toward the goal we need for our next visa process.

This visa is a really big practical step for us as we look toward returning to Thailand and continuing the work God has called us to. We are doing what we can with our own hands, while also trusting that the Lord will provide what is needed. It has been encouraging to see God open doors for work, conversations, and connections here. We are reminded again that God often provides through ordinary faithfulness, willing hands, and the generosity of His people.

Enjoying the Rest God Has Provided

One thing we have been really thankful for while being in the States is the rest God has provided. We knew this season would include transition, paperwork, fundraising, and a lot of practical things to figure out, but we did not expect how much of a gift it would become.

At first, some of this felt like another unseen hoop we had to jump through. But the Lord has been kind to us in it. What could have felt like only a delay or obstacle has turned into a real blessing for our family.

We have been able to slow down, spend time with people we love, prepare for our next baby, and have space to process life and ministry. There are still needs to meet and big things ahead, but we are thankful that God has given us a season to breathe.

A verse that has been meaningful to us is Mark 6:31, where Jesus says, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” This has felt like a sweet reminder that rest is not separate from following Him, but often one of the ways He cares for us along the journey. We still carry a deep love for Thailand and a strong desire to return, and we are grateful that this season has become a blessing in the middle of that calling.

Visa Fundraising Update

We also wanted to give a quick update on our visa fundraising. Fundraising has been going well, and we have been really encouraged by a few wonderful people who have already given toward this need. Every gift has meant so much to us. It reminds us again that we are not doing this alone. At the same time, we are still not halfway to our goal yet, so this is still a very real prayer need for our family.

This visa process is one of the biggest practical steps in front of us as we prepare to return to Thailand and continue serving long-term. Would you please keep this need in your prayers? Also, if an opportunity comes up for you to share our need with friends, family, a small group, a church, or someone who may have a heart for missions, it would mean so much to us if you would pass it along. We really do believe in the beauty of the body of Christ working together. Some go, some send, some pray, some give, some encourage, and the Lord uses all of it for His glory. If you want more information on which visa I am referring to, look at the last blog post.

Thank You

Thank you for continuing to walk with us. Thank you for praying for our family, encouraging us, supporting us, checking in on us, and believing in what God has called us to in Thailand. Your partnership means so much to us, not only in the busy and active seasons of ministry, but also in the quieter seasons where God is restoring, strengthening, and preparing us for what is next.

Please continue praying for us as we rest, prepare for our next baby, continue raising support, and seek the Lord for all that He has ahead. We are grateful for this season, grateful for family, grateful for rest, and grateful for the faithfulness of God.