confirmation

It has been exciting to see God work! This last week we really felt like God was confirming our decision to pursue Mercy Ships. I was pretty worried about asking for 7 weeks off from work when I won't have that much vacation by April. But, my manager approved the leave without hesitation and was willing to go above and beyond to make it work for me! God is so good! That same week we got approval from our home loan that they will make an exception for us, so that we will be able to rent our home out for the two years that we're gone! Another answer to prayer!

-h

direction change & opened doors

After three years of pursuing law enforcement, God has closed the door tightly! It has not been an easy place to be; wondering where to go and what's next, and contemplating a complete career change. Lots of questions & lots of praying...seeking direction. And, yet, God is sovereign, control of all things, down to the last detail of our lives and He has a plan for our life, even when we can't see what the future holds! This truth and promise has been made ever more real to us this last year. To this, we've clung. So, while the door was slowly closing (through a series of events), we have felt the Lord leading us to service with Mercy Ships. It is the world's largest non-governmental hospital ship with six operating rooms that sails to Africa to bring hope and healing to the world's forgotten poor. Its volunteer medical staff and crew members from all over the world all work together to support the free surgeries that are performed onboard. Deep down it has always been my (Hannah) desire to utilize my nursing skills overseas in some capacity or another. I have known about the organization for many years. It has only been in the last several months that God has laid the desire on Tim's heart. We attended an introduction to Mercy Ships course back in August to learn more about them, intending to go for a three month stint short-term in between jobs. Yet, in the months to follow, God changed Tim's heart. He no longer felt a passion for the career and was realizing that this was not the best career for him and his strengths. Although its a death of a dream for Tim and disappointing, it is a beginning for us in a way. We are now free to endless opportunities. God kept bringing Mercy Ships upon Tim's and my heart at different times through this change. He has given us a desire for the ministry and His people in need in Africa. And so, with a huge leap of faith, we are in the process of getting ready to commit to two years of service on the Africa Mercy! We will be leaving for Texas in September for a 6 1/2 week training. We don't know what God has in store for us over there or what the future holds, but we do know that we want to be used by Him for Him, to serve God and others, and to share His love. So, if that's in Africa, we want to be there! To learn more about Mercy Ships and its ministry, visit www.mercyships.org

-h