The above picture is from our Commissioning Mass on December 16, 2012. Lilyanna participated by offering the gifts to the altar. And Josie celebrated in song of course! Many family and friends participated in the beautiful Mass and incredible reception to follow.
After a wonderful holiday in Wisconsin, we have pleasantly
landed back in IL. We’ll spend the next few weeks focusing on developing a
homeschooling routine, helping out where we can with the Comboni Lay Program
office and spending time in various ministry opportunities. We learned in
mid-December there was a slight adjustment in our placement. Yes, initially we
had a few thoughts of doubt and concern however very quickly we embraced the
news as an opportunity. We knew from the beginning we need to be flexible and
have definitely had our share of bending and shaping over the past year,
especially the past 6 months. In the end, we find ourselves finding comfort in
scripture and simply knowing that it will all work out just as it is supposed
to. We have found numerous blessings since hearing of our change in placement.
Within the same breath of hearing the technical school in
Lunzu, Malawi is not in need of a mission family, we were told of an
opportunity in Lilongwe, Malawi. Our family would live on the parish property
of St. John the Baptist in Msamba Lilongwe. The main needs brought to our
attention were to work with women, children and small Christian Communities.
This home would offer 3 bedrooms and would be located on the parish
property. Other opportunities were also
discussed in our meeting with Paul, our program director.
Yes, we are excited to get started, to begin living our life
as missionaries in Africa. Though we truly have found great blessings in the
changes. Having extra time with family and friends has been wonderful, being
allowed time while we have access to significant recourses to figure out
homeschooling has also been incredible. Lilyanna and I (Tonya) will be able to
attend Rockin Worship Road Show in Madsion and I’m also blessed to be able to
participate in Christian Experience Weekend at St. Ann’s Church Jan. 25 – 27. And
Jacob has the opportunity to attend No Regrets weekend with his brother, Jason.
Jacob and I will also have time to dedicate to our program office as well as
offering our time in various ministry opportunities in the area.
All in all, we are doing quite well! Lilyanna and Josephine
sure are two happy and amazing little girls! They are getting excited to move and
to explore a new area. Lily often prays for the people whom we will be living
among and serving, it truly it beautiful to hear her offer these prayers. Oh
yes, one last exciting note! Lilyanna will participate in the Sacrament of
Reconciliation on Saturday. She’ll be receiving the Sacrament with her St. Louise
de Merrilac class. Lily has been focused on preparing for this day; we pray
that she may feel the warm, loving embrace in which God offers when we ask for his
forgiveness.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support! We pray
daily for the special intentions of our family, friends, brothers and sisters
in Christ. God bless!
Tonya
