A New Chapter

This past Saturday we had Ladies Bible Study.  And it was my turn to lead.  I had led part of the study in the past, and had one time done the whole study.  But this was the first time to do it without Angela there.  I was nervous, as always, but I knew that Maria would be there.  Maria is a long-time member, a wise, godly woman, the kind of person that makes you feel a little better because you know that if you don’t quite understand what someone is saying and just how to respond, or you make a significant theological error due to your difficulties in the language yet, she will speak up and respond appropriately.  Maria is my security blanket.  So, Saturday morning, we arrived at the church at 10:30am (when the study is supposed to start).  One other lady was there.  Over the next little while, more ladies trickled in, until we were a group of 7 or so.  But Maria had not yet arrived.  I started to feel just a little more nervous.  By 11:00, the ladies were sort of looking at me.  Gulp.  Well, I guess we should begin.  “Lord, it’s You and me.  Please help me,” I prayed silently.  So, we began our study with prayer.  I said ‘Amen’, and guess who walked in the door.  Maria.  The Lord teaches me, “I am sufficient.  Trust in me.”   

  

Richard & Angela and their children left a few weeks ago.  I’m not sure I remember feeling so sad ever saying good-bye.  (A close second would be moving to Mexico, but being 6 months pregnant and with 3 weeks to pack up and move, I think I was too numb with exhaustion by the time we had to say good-bye to feel too much).  What a rich 2 ½ years the Lord gave to us to work alongside them.  What a blessing they were to us, how much we learned from them.  They took us in as family.  Their children, our adopted nieces and nephews, each one, became so dearly precious to us.  One day they were here, the next day we moved into their house.   Our house.  How strange at first.  Naomi walking around the house, wondering where all her friends went.  Walking up the front steps, expecting their warm smiles to greet us.  And yet, here too, the Lord has been so good.  What did Matt say to me the other night? He noted how this house was feeling like home already.  I had to agree.   And well, they did leave one family member behind – Scooby the dog.  (I have been reminded of the truth of this statement:  “never say never.”  I still can’t believe I have a dog that comes in the house at times). 

Just as hard was watching the church say good-bye.  I don’t have words to express how much this family meant the church here.  How they have walked alongside so many, in difficult times, helping to carry their burdens, holding out the Word of Life to them.   And then thinking of the children and young people of the church - how much it has meant for them to have a solid Christian friend, few and far between here.

And yet we feel the Lord sustaining us.  We have had some very rich, blessed Sundays.  There is a sense of going forward, of working together.  Matt just got home from a bible study led by our deacon and was so encouraged by the excellent job he did.  One of the ladies has offered to take over some of the organizing of supplies at the church.  On Sunday, the young people’s made sandwiches to bring to the hospital (a monthly event) with the help of a married couple, and we were not involved at all and could have some people over for lunch.  These are all big steps, encouraging times.  Matt realizes that he cannot do it all, and is working hard to hand over as much as (wisely) possible.   

Matt looks forward to starting a new members class soon.  A family with one young son, a newly married couple, and a young mother are all eager to work towards membership.

The last half year or so I have been a bit down regarding my Spanish.  Sometimes I feel just plain weary of feeling a bit (or a lot) dumb all the time.  Always understanding most of what is said, but not all.  Not getting the jokes.  Sometimes it gets a little old.  My natural reaction that I’ve had to fight against lately is one of two responses: switching into English when at all possible – although without the Bouts here, I can’t do that too much anymore – or retreating into myself and not reaching out, not trying to start conversations.  I pray for the right focus – it’s not about my pride, but about bringing glory to God.  Now that we are a little more settled here, I hope to be able to focus a bit more on this again.  We are looking into the possibility of having someone come to the house to help with cleaning and conversation for me (and maybe teach me some good Mexican cooking).  

We thank you for your prayers.  We are sure that many of you are praying, because we feel so upheld and encouraged.  And yet we ask that you continue.  Pray for the people of our church.  That the Lord will encourage each of them, and that He will continue to use this time to strengthen the church.   Pray for Matt as he takes on the full responsibility here.  And please pray for encouragement in the language for me.   There is much work and many needs!

God's blessings to you all!  

    The Van Dykens.

Time at the park with friends from our old apartment.

Celebrating our 3rd wedding anniversary.

We are so enjoying our new place.

Pure joy in the jolly jumper.  Don't mind what's in the background.  This is the only doorway that we can use it in. :)

Good morning!

Enjoying the front lawn.