yokes

so here i sit once again in starbucks after a shift, writing emails, talking with random people and skyping with Katharina.

for those who didnt know, she had some problems with her health this last week which almost sent her home early and possibly to the hospital for an operation. i send emails out for prayer and the next time i heard from her, i read about how God hooked it up and that she is now much much better and will stay the next week before their Christmas break begins. Praise be to GOD! in all seriousness, He answers our prayers.

so it looks that the seasonal job will be ending soon. that means that i may be earning less money but gaining more hours at starbucks. i had gotten a call back from the CNA job and am seriously considering it. the class wouldnt start until next january and then from there no job is promised. however, i know that when it is His will.. the job will be there at the perfect timing. or maybe just the training is what i am suppose to get for something else. i have been learning for years that what we may see as one thing is really quite another. step by step.

this Christmas may be the last one here for some time. all is Lord willing, but we will see. i would like to enjoy it to the fullest with friends and family. it seems that the time here so far has been both super good and super frustrating. sometimes i will go to bed praising the Lord and in the morning when i wake up i am full of discouragement. it has brought me to a point of being on my knees in praise regardless the circumstances. He is worthy, in every situation, of praise!

the loans are being paid on. i think the interest is finally up to par that i can start paying to the principle. it can be so frustrating sometimes as i look at the large numbers. my math takes me to getting these paid off much slower than i would desire. but my trust and hope is in God. as Kathy put it today: trust God!

i heard from dominik and would ask you to keep him and his love in prayer. they are suppose to meet in costa rica for Christmas and spend time in nicaragua helping, serving and loving. but she needs a transit visa for connecting in the u.s.. she comes from east europe and was already turned down for a similar visa that she could spend Christmas here in america with him. so plan b was in nicaragua and now this comes up. Dominik is a blessing and they really need prayer for this. please, even it is one time, lift this to our Father. He hears us!

katharina and i are still praying about if i can visit there for easter. i feel some prompts on my heart and have started saving money. yet another thing to trust Him with.

it is amazing that no matter how many things we come to Him with.. He is not overwhelmed. sometimes i automatically try and take family stuff along with katharina and i and my yearning for those all over whom are on my heart on and i am just thrown to the ground with all the intensity of how much we need Him.

yet!

our hope in Him never runs dry, He knows all that we need and He even tells us to throw all these heavy burdens on Him! matt.11.28-30

Katharina and i,

our families and friends,

all our needs,

Lord we look to You. Your grace alone is enough.

thank You Jesus for giving us hope to live for!

wir glauben Dir.

thank you all for the prayers and encouragement.

much love, israel