That Rope

When we made the decision to do this job, we knew there was going to be a lot of sacrifice. We knew we were leaving much of what was comfortable and entering into a stage of life with many unknowns.

Some days I felt like there was no possible way I could manage, this was just too hard, I had reached the end of my rope. Then time would pass and then I would be reminded of his goodness, that with God everything is possible and his rope is length without end.

I would say the last few weeks have been times to be reminded of the insufficient length of my rope.

There have been an enormous amount of changes here, both with staffing and with budget cuts in the last few days. And even though we've only been here a few months and still fairly new, those changes are hard. Though we know in our heads in the long run, the things are for the best, right at this moment in our hearts, it's still hurts, it's still uncomfortable, it's still draining.

So in the midst of all this hurt and fatigue, along comes blessings, the never ending rope. And it's not just the blessings but the amazing timing of it all.

We have a couple here from the States that just wanted to come through and help for 10 days before they continue to Paraguay. Didn't have many details, didn't know what they wanted to do. They showed up on the last day of evaluations, when this place was an emotional hot bed. What a day to come!

But as Carl and I talked with them to see what they would like to do, I was amazed at how God in his awesome way was reminding me of his provisions and care.

I was wondering if there was enough time in the support staff schedule for them to prepare morning snack. Sure, we could get rid of it, but it's a cultural thing that people really appreciate and need right now.

Judy decides that she wants to bake every morning this week for the staff.

There's a bunch of unfinished painting projects that are left for Carl to do on his own and he was wondering what he would do without Pedro.

David says he brought painting clothes and would like to paint.

A number of us have curtains that don't fit right or none at all in our homes.

Judy wants to sew not only curtains, but pillows, and bedspreads to match.

The remaining support staff are hurting from the lay offs.

Judy decides to bake and visit and laugh it up with them in the afternoon.

The kids were just saying how they miss their Grandparents.

Judy and David spend an hour reading stories to them.

It's not coincidence. It's not anything we orchestrated. God pours out his blessings on you in such a track-stopping way that you are left reeling. He knew exactly when my rope would run out. He knew exactly what I, and everyone here, needed before we even knew ourselves.

He made sure that despite what was going on, we were taken care of and abundantly blessed by him.

That rope will never end.