Here There and Everywhere
I could collapse for a week! I think the last two months have been two of the craziest in my life. From the peaks of getting engaged and coming home once again; to the valleys of getting stuck in Finland for a week and watching the rest of the missionary community deal with the frustration of new visa laws, it has been, to say in the least, interesting. After I got back from my exile in Finland, I had exactly one month to accomplish the following: getting ready for our teams first-ever stinter, Josh; preparing for a trip to Austria; and finally, packing and saying good-bye in preparation to leave Russia after having lived there for four years.
Getting Josh settled was my first priority coming back. Initially, Josh was coming for 6 months to work with college students and help our team out with small projects like updating our website. I took it upon myself to make sure that ministry opportunities were set up for him as well as making sure he had a place to stay and that he was able to get around on his own before I left the country.
Only a week after Josh had come, it was time for me to go to Austria. Since Austria would be a new field for Liz and I, we wanted to make sure we went there together before we make any decisions on whether or not to serve there long term. We had been separated for a month by the time the trip came up, so needless to say we were both very much looking forward to this trip. We met up with James C., DBCs current long-term missionary in Austria, and Ronnie and Jenny Davis, some friends of mine who are also considering serving in Austria. Russ had many meetings set up for us as we evaluated the possibilities of working with refugees and college students in the capital city of Vienna. We got a lot of great information and we ask that you would pray with us as we evaluate all of it and make a decision on where we will serve as a married couple next term.
After Austria, I got back to Moscow and quickly got everything packed and ready to go. It was sad to say good-bye to friends and teammates but I feel that I have indeed passed the torch well and that God will continue to work through people like my friend Alexei, who has taken over my small group for this year.
Now Im back in the States and am enjoying some time with my fiancé and her family while getting some wedding plans done. Over the next year we plan on getting married and settling in Denton for a little while to raise support and to familiarize Liz with Denton Bible. While in Denton, I will also be helping teams prepare for short-term trips to Russia along with doing some IT projects with Serve.
Please be praying that my transition to life in the States goes smoothly. Also be praying for Liz and me as we plan the wedding. Pray that the Lord will provide housing for us in Denton, and be praying that I can find a car to borrow until the wedding. If you have an extra car and would be willing to let me use it while Im in Denton from January 1st until the wedding (April 12th) please let me know!
Posted December 3, 2007 by Matt.
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