So we plan to come home to Guatemala in February, whenever Bill has completed his recovery.
We spent some time debating whether we move back to the US now. We were both leaning toward moving back, just weary of the anxiety, and a desire to be resettled back here where life is definitely easier.
But we continued to pray. And we were able to review some excellent program highlights from the last convention. The excellent final talk highlighted, among other things, Jesus' words in Matthew 6, the need to STOP being anxious. And we realized that our desire to move back to the States was out of anxiety about an unknown future health emergency, not any condition we presently know about or need to be concerned about.
Of course, at some point, a medical condition may arise that necessitates our relocating to where there is better healthcare. If that time comes, sooner or later, we will have already anticipated (on this trip) some of how we will respond, and we can do so quickly and without second thoughts.
Meantime, we want to stay in Guatemala as long as we can. Six months? A year? Two years? We will see. We love the place, the people, we love our spiritual family down there, and we hope we can be of some encouragement to our congregation there.
And I've been reflecting... how many things do we avoid doing because of "what if's"? What do we NOT do because we're afraid... of failing, of some risk, of some unidentified and unidentifiable unknown? And how many blessings, how many friendships and privileges of service do we miss in being hesitant? Think of the stories we could tell in the paradise, if only we reach out, out beyond our hesitations and nerves, to accomplish what we thought impossible!
What would I do if I wasn't afraid?
And I've been reflecting... how many things do we avoid doing because of "what if's"? What do we NOT do because we're afraid... of failing, of some risk, of some unidentified and unidentifiable unknown? And how many blessings, how many friendships and privileges of service do we miss in being hesitant? Think of the stories we could tell in the paradise, if only we reach out, out beyond our hesitations and nerves, to accomplish what we thought impossible!
What would I do if I wasn't afraid?
After our own very hard year, I'm just getting caught up on your experience in Guatemala.... I'm so sorry for your medical issues... But I'm just so happy for your excellent example on M633! We keep your endurance in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteCarl and Elizabeth, I'm so sorry you've had a rough year. Jehovah treasures each one's sacrifice. We give all we can at whatever our circumstances and oh! how He loves us for it. Where are you now? May Jehovah richly bless you both. He doesn't forget.
DeleteWonderful wise well thought out spiritual sentiments Nancy . We are both praying that All goes well with Bill & that "the peace of God" helps you through a most difficult period in your lives. Stay in Panajachel as long as you can, it's hard to imagine the congregation there without you.
ReplyDeleteNever underestimate your influence or example on others.
Love you both, Robin & Celia xxx
Thanks, Robin and Celia! Lovely comment. And may Jehovah bless your next adventures! We are so looking to get HOME to Panajachel!
ReplyDelete