5 Minute Monthly: October 2023

It's hard to believe we are a week into November already! As I sit here and look back on October, I'm wondering, “Did it even happen?” This month has been a whirlwind of exciting moments, hard goodbyes, new experiences, and it all seemed to go by SO FAST. Yet, maybe this month went by so fast because I didn’t take much time to slow down and take it in. So as November begins, I hope to use this update to take the time and remember all the special moments. This is our first "5-Minute Monthly" update of what we hope will be many monthly check-ins, so here's to starting off with a bang!

Life Happenings

We started off the month of October with a lot of letting go and goodbyes. I had my last days of work at Calvary Baptist School, and said some emotional goodbyes to both the teachers and students. Being a preschool aide was a sweet, growing experience that I will always remember and cherish. Though it was tiring and crazy at times, working with these kids was so rewarding.

We also said our goodbyes to many church friends and family in the area. We had so many fun dinners, lovely conversations, and then it was time to say farewell. It was so worthwhile to have so many get-togethers and dinners that made us really reflect on the time that we've lived in Pennsylvania. Though that was difficult, I am very thankful for all the intentional time we got to spend with such special people.

In between all these get-togethers I got to see my husband do something pretty cool! In the midst of our busy schedule, Tyler ran his second marathon! This was such an awesome time! Not only because I got to see someone I love give his all for something he loves, but also because Tyler got some of his closest friends to run the half-marathon. Watching them complete those races together was a truly special thing to witness.

About a week after that, we packed up and left PA. We were blessed to have some friends from Wisconsin help get our furniture up north to Hayward, Wisconsin, and just like that, we were on the road driving the 17 hours to the small town that would be our new home. We have now lived almost four weeks in Hayward, and we are starting to feel settled and at home here. If you've just started to follow our story, you may be wondering why we decided to make the move up north; and for that, I would invite you to read our other blog post, Wherever He Leads! In short, the Lord led us here for a variety of reasons, but we are excited to be able to focus a lot more of our time on support-raising for AT3 while here.

The end of the month featured a double baby shower with my sister Lydia in Hayward. I loved seeing all the people who had invested in both of our lives. Most of the ladies who came I had known since I was a little girl, and that was so special. Both Lydia and I felt so loved and cared for and it was a lovely way to end such a full and busy month.

Our Ministry Journey

Currently, we are in a bit of a humbling season when it comes to missions and ministry. Support raising is in full swing as we work to grow partnerships and invite people to be a part of our team. This journey that we are on comes with its daily highs and lows. We have been blessed with great moments, like when large donations have come when we least expected it. We have also felt the disappointment of not reaching our monthly goals. This season of our ministry is humbling as we seek to swallow our pride and boldly ask for support we need to reach our deadlines. I believe that God’s plan is the best plan and he will provide all we need in his timing. I am also learning that God calls us to boldly ask for the things we need, knowing that it is an act of faith to do so. It is the mixing and mingling of these two that Tyler and I are trying to master.

Right now, we praise the Lord that, having just recently started support raising, we 13% funded! However, our goal is to be at 30% by the end of November. For the time frame that we're trying to raise support in, we are a little behind. Although this is discouraging, it gives us the opportunity to trust in our God and as well as the challenge to be more bold in our ask.

We would love for YOU, dear friend, to partner with us and be part of our support team if you are not already. We see you as way more than just financially supporting our ministry; it is a partnership that involves walking alongside us in prayer, staying up to date and informed, and even keeping us accountable to our ministry goals, so that you may even enjoy the fruits of our ministry! Being surrounded by people who love and support what we are doing means so much to us and we hope you will consider joining us in service to the Lord.

Pray with Us

The time you take to pray with and for us means the world to us. Here are some things that have been on our minds and hearts!

Thank you for taking the time to read and follow us. I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into our lives, and would take some time to pray for us. It is our hearts desire to serve the Lord and follow him. If you would like to talk with us, leave a note, shoot a text, give a call, or email us! We are always excited to share what the Lord is doing and catch up with our friends and family!