No power and mold infestation in our bedroom were part of the unpleasant welcome we received upon our return home after about a month of travel to the states and back. I (Pattie) remember reading something a while ago that said something to the effect that our reaction to difficulties will reveal instantly upon whom we rely. I wish I could say that I was totally at peace about things but I would be lying to you. It was really hard at first and many tears of frustration fell. However, in the midst of that, I also knew that God was using this to reaffirm things we had learned in the SALT workshops (discipleship materials) we had attended in Phoenix while in the states. Don't you love how God helps make what you are learning so practical?! He loves to provide us with opportunities to put into practice what He is teaching us. In the midst of the clean up and my tears, I could sense His still small voice saying, "it will be ok. This hurts so much because underneath it all, you were made for more. You were made with a longing for perfection and completeness that only I can give to you. You WILL experience it one day...in Heaven." So for now, I am so grateful for His loving reminder that it is ok to not be satisfied with this life and that He made us for something so much more...Heaven seems sweeter and sweeter all the time, doesn't it?
While in the states, we were blessed with the opportunity to not only attend the very helpful workshops already mentioned but to also spend some precious time with family, friends and several supporting churches. I was also able to see a Dermatologist about a cyst located on my jaw line which has been growing. We are very thankful that he confirmed that it is not cancerous. Unfortunately, he was not able to remove it but a plastic surgeon will need to perform the procedure. We did not have enough time left in the states to get it taken care of. Because we were cautioned that it was important to have it removed as soon as possible because as it grows, it will get more difficult to remove, we are investigating the possibility of a quick trip up for myself in January to have it taken care of. Please, pray that we will be able to locate a plastic surgeon in the Fresno area that will be able to perform the procedure and be sympathetic to my need to be in the states for as little time as possible. (We are hoping it will only be 7-10 days.)
As Thanksgiving approaches in a week, like probably many of you, we are focusing more and more of all we have to be thankful for. We are so grateful for you all. Your interest in what God is doing in the lives of the people here, your prayers, your notes, etc. are what help keep us going. Thank you for allowing God to use you in our lives and ministry. We are also thankful for...
- Manuel who has such a deep desire to know and understand the Word who Phil has been studying the Bible with. We are trusting that He will choose to follow Christ.
- We are thankful for the youth on our youth leadership team who are maturing and using their gifts and who helped run youth group smoothly while we were gone.
- We are thankful for Karina, one of the older, college age youth who has an interest in going to Bible school to study music and youth ministry.
- We are thankful for the ladies in the women's Bible study who are studying the Word, growing and starting to help lead as well.
- We are thankful for the couples attending the monthly marriage seminars our coworkers are providing who want to improve and grow their marriage for His glory.
Most of all, we are thankful for Jesus. When all is said and done, it is ALL about Him and for Him anyways. Isn't it amazing to be a part of what He is doing?!
With Grateful Hearts,
The Eager Family
The picture above is one taken of our family in the mountains while we were visiting the states.
