Just Breathe

We certainly weren't expecting our transition back to be this difficult. Oh we knew we would have some culture shock; we knew there would be unexpectedly-broken things; we were ready for that.

We weren't ready for anxiety. We weren't ready for panic attacks. We weren't ready for our lives to come to a screeching halt right after we landed going full throttle. Since we arrived, Claire has been struggling with severe anxiety, probably postpartum-related.

Our first month back in country was a confused blur of frenetic activity and paralyzing anxiety. For three Sundays in a row, Claire couldn't make it to church; we'd hardly been able to leave the house; Claire hadn't gone grocery shopping at all. Through all of this, we've been forced to rely on other people; to humble ourselves enough to ask for help; to swallow our pride enough to admit that we can't do this, that now we're in the position of needing care. We've received some excellent care too. My dad was able to stay a few weeks extra to help us; we've had some amazing friends who've come alongside Claire to encourage her and alongside us to provide meals and practical support; and Claire's been able to see an excellent psychiatrist (as well as a counselor at the school).

In many ways, we've been starkly reminded through this that the ministry that happens here isn't ours, but God's. He is the one who works, sometimes through us, sometimes in us, and sometimes in spite of us, to accomplish his purposes.

That being said, we've also been encouraged by all of our friends here. Everyone seems excited to have us back, and we are truly glad to be back.

English Camp was a whirlwind blur of van rides, smiling kids, and exhausted counselors. 56 or so students from a local school came and learned about God's love, practicing English at the same time. Pray that this camp has brought them one step closer to being disciples.





One of the highlights of being back in country, at least for me (Carl), has been teaching Humanities. The class that I couldn't stop talking about last year on Home Assignment has turned out to be everything I was hoping it would be. So far we have challenged our students to examine worldviews in the culture around them, hopefully prompting them to examine their own worldview as well. This week we'll begin tackling the biblical story, tracing the narrative from Creation through Christ. I can't wait.

Team-teaching this course has been phenomenal. While there is a lot more coordination involved, the three of us teaching the course have been able to swap ideas -- sometimes even mid-class -- and help sharpen each other's teaching skills.

This year is shaping up to be a very interesting year; from tough transitions to fascinating classes, and our new baby girl has been growing and grinning through it all. We've been more than blessed to have such an easygoing baby as Leia. She has nearly figured out how to roll over, and she has most definitely figured out the whole sleeping-through-the-night thing.

Thank you all for your prayers and support! We truly would not be doing this without you!