July 25, 2024 Au revoir, Adios, Ma salama, Ciao, Auf Wiedersehen, See you later

 

It may not be exclusive to this lifestyle but saying goodbye seems to be much more common to expat life and practice does not make perfect in this instance.  The greatest struggle for that mama in the photo right there is being separated from the children she has poured her very being into.  It's a high cost and one that's shared by the many who love our family and must continue loving our family from afar.  We are grateful and very thankful that the young man above will be coming back to us from camp in a couple weeks.  We'll sure miss him...and we miss you.    

July 17, 2024 Quickshot: Games are won here.

We were a bit surprised last year when #M decided to join a local club team.  Not because she lacks drive or passion for the game or skill on the pitch but because, one, she didnt know anyone on the team or any of the teams they play and, two, she speaks very little German.  But by Job she sure has and she even scored a goal in her first match which is CRAZY.  Her dedication to the grind of Summer practices, mostly conditioning with very little game play. has been inspiring.  She knows that for her perform she has to put the work in during the heat of the Summer, when the pool and all places cool and lazy are beckoning.  It sounds so cliche but games are literally won at practice.   Likewise for us, Spiritual warfare is best approached with preparation.  If we're not in a battle at present it is likely that one is coming.  Prayer, worship and being in the Word constantly prepares us for when the fiery darts begin to flying.  In our prayer closets or our daily devotions is, by the grace of God, where the game is won.  Get ready.