Finding the Blessings in Unexpected Trials -- Feb. & March Newsletter

February and March did not go as I had been expecting, but even though it was unexpected for me, God knew how I would spend the last couple of months. Holding onto that fact, I was able to focus on the blessings He was giving me through the trials.

Time at Home

9 months into life here in Hungary, my family learned that my mom has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. After much prayer and discussion with my team, I knew that God had cleared my workload in such a way to allow me to go home to support my parents through the first part of my mom's treatments. God's timing was so perfect that I was able to finish everything with the Taylor University team and make it back to the US a day before my mom was admitted into the hospital for her first chemo cycle.

I spent the majority of my time at home going to and from appointments, cleaning, and just being with my parents. It was a sweet time where I was able to give back to them, after all they have done for me over the years. There were some hard and lonely moments, but I know that it was a blessing to be able to be there for my parents during that first month and a half. 

Even though there were some hard moments, I also saw how God brought me little joys during my time at home. Towards the end of my time in the States, I was able to spend a weekend in Springfield, MO, to attend my home church’s Missions Weekend. It was a much-needed time to reconnect with friends and supporters. I felt very loved and cared for during my time there.

Another sweet blessing was that my brother, living in Colorado, was granted a 2-week leave from the Army to come home for a bit. He and my sister-in-law arrived on March 10th. This was the first time our whole family was together in over 4 years. We were able to take advantage of this time and got family pictures done with both sets of grandparents. A few days later, I was able to celebrate my birthday and then jumped on a plane back to Hungary on the 19th of March.

Regional Summit

Shortly after arriving back to Hungary, the whole team headed to Poland for our Regional Summit (which happens about every two years). We spent about 5 days altogether. We had individuals from each of our fields across Europe and the Middle East. 

Each morning, we started our day by worshipping together. Then we would go through different sessions. Through that time, I was able to hear more about what other fields were doing throughout the region and how we can grow together as a region. The afternoons were spent in community, whether that was spending time at the pool, playing card games in the lobby, or going out for a hike. 

Overall, it was a lovely week. I really enjoyed getting to know so many new people and catch up with some friends I’ve already made. Hearing about where and who they serve was such an amazing reminder of the ways that God is working all over the world. I feel so honored to be a small part of His greater plan. I am looking forward to staying connected with those I met and supporting everyone throughout the region however God allows. 

What's Coming Up

• Final clubs for the semester
• Summer Projects

Prayer Points

• Praise for the ability to spend time in the States with my mom while she went through the first part of her treatments.
• Pray for my family as we continue to walk together through the difficulties that come with cancer treatments.
• Praise for a new family joining our Hungary team. Pray that we as a team can help them settle in well.
• Pray for the OMS missionaries who met together for the Summit in Poland. That we can all use what we learned and discussed to enhance the way we do ministry in our respective countries.
• Pray for the students at English clubs, as we finish our time for the semester and head into the summer.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I look forward to updating you on how the Lord continues to move in Hungary.