We Face It
We
hope this finds you well and looking forward to spring wherever you are. If
you’ve ever read Little Britches by
Ralph Moody (which we highly recommend if you haven’t), you’ll remember toward
the end when the family comes to the realization that it won’t be possible for
them to stay on their Colorado
homestead. The father tells his son, “Partner, we might as well look it right
in the face.” That’s kind of how we feel right now.
Safety
and security in Honduras
have been questionable for years, and while conditions have deteriorated in the
past year, we always proceeded with confidence, knowing that God wanted us
here. However, last fall, God revealed to us that it was going to get too
dangerous here and He wasn’t going to protect us any longer. We prayed really
hard for the next four months, asking God to show us something to the contrary,
but He continued to confirm the warning. (Of course, this is the very condensed version of the story, so please send me an email if you are interested in all the details - yznil1@yahoo.com.)
So,
after much prayer and confirmation, we are planning to leave Honduras in April and move to California. While we are very sad to be
leaving an amazing ministry, amazing friends, and a lifestyle we love, we are
very much at peace, knowing that God’s plans are infinitely better than our own.
In Exodus 33:14-15, Moses needed to hear from God that it really was His plan
to continue with Israel
into the Promised Land. The Lord said “‘I
will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest – everything will
be fine for you.’ Then Moses said, ‘If you don’t personally go with us, don’t
make us leave this place.’” We feel like we are leaving under God’s clear
direction and with the promise of His presence. There is excitement and
expectation any time God gives a clear directive, so we are looking forward to
what He has planned.
And Just When Things
Were Getting Good…
Last winter, money was donated
to the Children’s Centre for a much needed expansion. The current building,
designed for 24 kids, is stuffed full of 30-some kids, ranging in age from
newborns to teens. Directors Iain and Liz Mackenzie turn away kids every week
for lack of space and funding. Now, separate housing for teen boys and teen
girls in family-style housing is underway. Josh loves this kind of construction
(i.e. the kind where there are money, materials, and signed contracts - all at
the same time!), so he is sad to have to leave at the start of such a great
project.
 |
| Luis and Angel in front of their future family-style home. |
One Last Chemistry
Class
I
have taught chemistry to three different groups of missionary kids over the past 6 years, and it’s so
much fun every time! I am going to miss my students!
 |
| Rebekah, Sarah, and Sydney |
Little Browning Girls
A couple little vignettes to give you an idea what
the Browning girls are up to these days:
Guildy: After Josh read Old
Yeller to the girls, Guildy was sorely disappointed in the ending, so she
made up her own happier version. She loves writing her own books, usually based
on some story she has heard or read. Our favorite is The Titanic Answer Book, neatly bound in blue construction paper
and carefully illustrated.
Hadley: She recently declared, “This doll’s name is
Hatshepsut.” A few days earlier we had read about this notable female Egyptian
pharaoh, but I had no idea Hadley was even listening! She wiggles and moves
constantly, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t learning.
Talby: Aside from an excellent mastery of the words “no” and “Hadley,” the
English language is still pretty elusive for Talby, but she is trying her
hardest. In lieu of words, we get a lot of pointing and babbling, which
generally gets the job done. She watches diligently until someone leaves the
screen door unlocked, then bolts out into the yard to explore. It’s fun to
watch her world expand!
Prayer Requests
A few specific things to be
praying for:
- Our transition back into life in the U.S.
- God’s continued blessing, favor, and protection
on Hospital Loma de Luz, its staff, and missionaries
- Effectiveness of all the hospital’s ministries
- Hospital finances
In Closing
Thank you for all the ways
you have supported us and Loma de Luz!
Blessings,
Josh, Linzy, Guildy, Hadley, and Talby
