Summer Plans*

*Plans subject to change

Whenever you see a * it’s always worth seeing what it means, isn’t it? Many times it means that the statement made is not exactly as stated – it is a disclaimer or what was claimed!

Take our rivers for example. There really should be an asterisk used with our rivers: the Amazon River* (*flooding subject to change). Cities and towns all over the Amazon plan on it flooding every year, but there are still years when it sure goes outside “the norm” and rises further and faster than other years. This year is a great example. The river typically crests in June, but already it has reached as far if not further than it’s crest height! It will be interesting to see just how high it will come.

Take our summer plans as another example. Ever since coming down here to Brazil, Ruth and I had planned to have our first furlough this summer- the summer of ’09. It fit great into our family plans, ministry plans, and all of our other “plans.” But God has an interesting way to get us out of our little plans so that we rely on Him. Due to the God’s goodness and Ruth’s pregnancy, we will not be taking our furlough this summer. The doctor said “no way!” that Ruth should travel to the States! Even though we were quite bummed because we were so looking forward to seeing you and visiting again, we know God’s ways are above ours and it will make our reunion next summer (summer of ’10 – Lord willing*) all the better!

I (Nate) am still planning to come to the States for a short visit in August and early September. Both my mom and dad’s side of the family are having reunions in early August and then I will have around 4 weeks to get as much visiting in as I can! I will keep you posted with my travel plans as they firm up more and more, and I really look forward to seeing you.

In reality, our lives come with a great asterisk on them – we make our plans, but the Lord is in control of it all and we ultimately rely on Him not just for the big things, but for everything. As Ruth and I are learning, it’s not an easy or fun process to learn to trust in the Lord and his timing, but the fruit it bears is a life of hope, patience and peace – and there’s nothing better!