What a ride this has been! As always so much to say but not enough time to blog it all :) We have seen the hand of God move in such mighty and powerful ways! He has provided for us all along the way from the big things to the smallest of details day to day. God cares about it all!
As you can imagine, our lives this past week have been very busy with packing up a house and moving, getting our 20+ bags of luggage ready for the trip, bringing our cats to their new homes (thank you for your prayers), having to put one cat down, gatherings to say "goodbye" to family and friends, finalizing details here as well as trying to prepare for what is to come. We've looked at it and said "There is no way!" But then Jesus reminds us of what he calls himself... "The Way" (John 14:6). Through Him we have access to the Holy Spirit who gives us patience, guidance and peace. All of which we needed desperately! There was only one way to get it...utter dependence! Dependence on the One who is able! On our own, we could not do or accomplish any part of this journey without our complete dependence on Him... "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)
Most of life lately has been so task focused that the reality of leaving hit us harder this week as we let go of so many things held near and dear to our hearts. And this is only the beginning! So how will we continue on this journey? Utter dependence on Jesus...He is the only way! When we emotionally cannot bear the loss of letting go more...when the tasks seem too numerous to count...when the circumstances around us seem unexplainable and questions remain without answers...where will we run? To what? To whom? Into the arms of Jesus...of all else we're letting go! It is their we find strength, guidance and peace for our souls! God chooses those who are inadequate in and of themselves so that the ultimate glory goes to him. When we serve out of our weakness and God's strength, it is obvious to everyone that the power of the Holy Spirit and not the strength or wisdom of man have accomplished great things. Looking back on our journey thus far, He HAS accomplished great things! We have witnessed his miracles...we have experienced immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine! All to the glory of God!
Some of God's recent miracles include:
Two family members coming into a personal relationship with Christ!
Cats finding a home
Moving on time/packing up/cleaning an entire house
Smooth house closing
Selling both vehicles at just the right time/all personal items sold
Rummage Sale held on our behalf by people we did not even know
Surprise going away party at karate (put on board breaking fundraiser)
Lunch brat fry held at James work bringing in almost $1000.00
All luggage donated just when we needed it
Meals at our doorstep
Open homes offered for our family to stay
A vehicle provided for us in El Salvador
The healing of Skyler's knee injury
General health of our entire family
Ability to bless others as God has so abundantly provided
Thank you so much to everyone who has come alongside us in some way on this journey whether it was offering up a prayer, hosting a gathering, supporting us financially, offering an encouraging word, donating luggage, helping with fundraising, making a meal, etc... and the list goes on and on. You are all part of God's hand in bringing about His plans for our lives. We are witnessing God's miracles daily! We are witnessing God's miracles through you!
Since moving out of our home just days ago, we are currently staying at the mission house on church campus! What a blessing God has provided! A sanctuary for our family to grieve what has been and begin looking forward to what's to come! The most recent event we are looking forward to is the Car Wash/Brat Fry/Silent Auction/Farewell being held tomorrow (see below for more details). Close friends have put this all together as not only a way to provide more funds for the many expenses we will have but also the chance to say "goodbye" to the people/friendships we treasure so dearly.
We hope to see you there!
As we partner together for the sake of the Gospel!
The Schuenke Family
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