In this country of Socialism, workers are given 5 weeks vacation per year. This provides difficulties for missionaries. It is joked that all of Europe goes on vacation in August. There is definitely truth to that statement, the place pretty much shuts down. We have found this year our friends have gotten the jump on that by leaving in July.
Even with that looming over our summer, the Lord has provided work for us. We had the pleasure of spending a day at the beach with a contact friend of ours. Our apartment is an hour and 15 minutes from the beach, that was our second time out there. It was a great day, getting away from our local setting provided a unique opportunity for deeper conversations.
We ourselves took a cheap quick 2 day trip to London, staying with missionaries. Pray for the work there, there is much to do, as in Belgium. It was an amazing time. We hope to get some pictures up soon.
We also had the joy of hosting our second visitor, a mature teen from our home church, came and stayed with us for 2 weeks. We had no idea how much we had longed to show someone from back home our lives here. It was such a joy to have the fellowship and an American seeing Belgium with fresh eyes living with us.
We had been praying that the Lord might provide a steady summer schedule, and He has. We have had 2 parties, had many people over, have been able to lend a hand to those leaving by watching their children and being there to give them a meal as they are heading out the door, teaching Bible story time for a VBS, preparing to lead a couple's Bible study, being apart of the summer program at our local French church, sharing Christ with people we met sometimes in strange places (subway, metro stops), and having several rendezvous with our other contacts.
We have been praying for the Lord's direction for our future, since before we arrived on the field. We were given a two year term with the option of extending for a third. The option of a third is no longer available. Our sending organization has been hit by the negative economy. We have been given October 15th as our re-entry date. We'll be heading back to Denver, where we have a home. We are trusting the Lord to lead Brian to the right job. No matter what, we feel we'll head home changed. Now we feel better equipped and challenged and excited to do what we are all called to do as Believers- share life and our lives in Christ with all those around us. Part of us is happy to return to the States and another big part is sad to leave our ministry friends and lives here, even in that the Lord has been providing. Just this week, we have been able to hook up another M with a friend of ours for continuing the relationship. What a blessing!! There is no need for sadness, the work will continue and God's plan for redemption and salvation will be done in hearts here and throughout the world!
Pray that as we come into the last 3 months of ministry here, that we would be and do all that the Lord has for us; not missing one opportunity! Also be praying for all of us, we have become Belgian in many ways. Re-entry could be especially difficult for the children, only Josiah really remembers life in the states. There will be many many things that will be much different about our daily lives, not the least of which is the lack of Brian's presence. Having Brian around although occupied with ministry and study much of the time, has been a blessing for our children, that most American families never get to experience. We are super grateful for the impact that has had on our family and parenting. It was terrific, in order to do a family ministry, much of it required that we be together. Pray that the children (and perhaps mostly- Heather) do not feel that loss too strongly.
We are just so grateful that you have been along on this journey with us. We apologize for not keeping you as up-to-date perhaps, as we would have liked. There have been so many joys and trials in the last 2 years. We are just so grateful for your faithfulness to pray with and for us through all of those! It was not unnoticed and unappreciated!
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Brian / Heather, I wish I would have introduced myself sooner but God has a funny way of occupying time. I won't write long but feel free to respond via email. My wife Elizabeth and I spend 3 years in the IMB ISC application process. When we were finally approved in January, 2008, we chose Gent, Belgium in which to serve. However, God's timing was not our timing, and therefore we were not able to go. We have been consitently communicating with the Longs, McClains, and Keas over the past 1.5 years. We also just completed a prayer walking / vision trip to Gent in May. I have enjoyed reading your blog and all of the things that you have been able to accomplish. I'd love to have more conversation with you especially since I have a cousin and his wife in Denver who are unchurched. Be awesome if God could place you in their path one day. Anyway, I'd love to tell you more about me and my family and our continuing journey toward, hopefully one day, foreign mission service.
Your brother,
Brent Estes
Marietta, GA
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