Fourth of July

The fourth of July was very hard for our family. We have a tradition back in the US that we have our friends over for the day, eat, play yard games and set off some fireworks. Not just sprinklers and snakes, I mean fireworks! Well, since we were not in the US this year we had an empty part in our hearts that day. We all miss our friends very much so seeing all the post from parades and fireworks was hard. We are very glad that everyone had a great day and we are very thankful for our Independence that we fought for, it was just one of those things we missed doing. We did have a friend send us a picture of the British flag and tell us Happy Treason Day!

That night we watched the sermon from our home church in Ankeny on Endurance. Talking about how we are put through certain circumstances to help others later. We ourselves went though some marriage counseling in 2008 and God blessed through that with many opportunities to share our story and to minister to others. To show others that we were sinners and people just like them and not that "perfect couple" they painted us to be. So I know going through those trials were to help others and bring glory to God!  

Randy and I were challenged by one of our pastors months ago to do something that would really make our family TOTALLY rely on God and let our faith be tested in a way. Randy and I through prayer and godly counsel made the decision to move our family to London for two years. The kids and I have been here to three weeks now and it is HARD. We have had many tears missing our church, friends and just "normal" everyday things. We sure have been reminded of things we take for granted, like our big washers and dryers. :) Before we watched the sermon we had run to the grocery store and people here are not the friendly midwest. They don't say excuse me or move their cart a little to let your child though to go to the restroom, or toilet as they say here. Randy and I got in the car and I had tears in my eyes, he turned to say to me "people here are so rude." He saw the tears and I just said, "yes they are!" We cried together and the sermon couldn't have been more perfect for our family that day. We know that there will be trials and hardships but we know God will be there and grow us through them and bring glory to Him!