Wednesday, January 16, 2013

January 2013 - Transition



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

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