The End of Another Summer!

I honestly can NOT believe it's the first day of September! How is this even possible?! We had a fabulous summer, full of different surprises in so many different ways. We started out our summer with the Taste of Durango; we painted faces with the First Baptist Church here in Durango. From about 12pm-3pm on that Sunday afternoon, my mom and I didn't MOVE out of our face paintin' chairs! Our booties were glued to the seats! It was a ton of work but seeing those sweet kiddos leave with fun creations on their cheeks was so worth every minute!

We spent some time in June in the Grand Junciton area, participating in the River Run for Orphans. There are now many differtent races all over the country and we were really blessed by our time in Grand Junction. Talking about this project gives us such joy and excitement! We really are 'people people,' and love meeting and hearing the stories of others that have similar hearts to ours.

June was also very exciting as I had decided through lots of prayer and conversations with my hubby that I really want to go back to school to persue my Masters in clincial social work, in order to prepare for many similar situations we will see in Mozambique. I found a very affordable program through New Mexico Highlands University, with a branch right in good ol' Farmington! I also found out the end of June that I had been selected for a scholarship through the CYFD (Children, Youth, and Family Department) office of San Juan County! They pay for school, books, transportation, daycare and many other things. We are so inredibly grateful that God showed us why we are in Farmington, especially for me. It made me realize how many resources I have at my fingertips, and that I can really prepare for what Mozambique will have in store for us. I've also learned that God's promise is to direct our paths. If we ask where He wants us to go, He will figure out the 'how' and the 'when' logistics.

We spent most of July trying to beat the heat and enjoying some AMAZING peaches from our tree in  the back yard. Philemon worked an average of 70 hours per week and managed to keep up with his school work! He's currently working on his safety management degree so we can transfer with his company to Africa. I'm so thankful for the opportunities we both have received this year! We really 
are exactly where we need to be and our doubts about what our purpose is in Farmington have slowly subsided.

August was a very busy month and it seemed to fly right passed us. We both started our classes and  also have an internship 2 days a week. My job wasn't able to accommodate such a busy schedule so I'm no longer working. At first I was worried about our financial stability, but after only one week of being at home part time with Jadon, God clearly knew that I would worry. He showed me this scripture:

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways
acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3: 5 - 6.

I have always loved Proverbs. It's an amazing book of life advice! I almost feel like I'm having a conversation with Jesus when I study Proverbs. This verse has popped up several times over the last few days and each time, I was thinking about things that were slowly turning into worries. But God knows exactly what our family needs! He knows the path and the plans he has for us so I have to rest in His peace and love.
There is a lot stirring within us right now. We are so anxious to start making physical improvements on this project but we also know God has a way - He has a plan! Philemon is going to Mozambique in October to pave the way, so to speak. There are many specific things he must put in place and he only has a limited amount of time to do them. Please pray with us as we begin to ask God to reveal the best way to get paperwork rushed so that we can begin building.

Of course, as always, traveling half way around the world is costly but we don't worry about the cost because we know God has ALWAYS provided. We have spent too much time on this Earth worrying and not enough time doing. It is a lesson we have learned and now it is time to trust!
We will be praying and fasting every Friday before Philemon's trip to Mozambique. We are praying that God will reveal Himself and His will in this project. We would love any support, so feel free to join in the prayers or fasting or both as we seek God.

Blessings!

Phil & Laura