Held in His Strong Hands

    This first week and a half here in SE Europe have been challenging on several levels.  There have been some tough trials that my family is walking through.  Being far away has made it very tough.  When my family is hurting, I feel it and wish I could be closer to them.  Yet I know that Gd's hands reach very far.  As we look to Gd's strength we find grace to walk one step at a time.
    After being here for about a week, two short-termers came: a brother and sister.  The young lady is staying with my in my apartment for a month.  I'm thankful to have a housemate for part of the summer!
    Last week I went on one visit and it was good to renew a friendship with one young lady here.  The next day our two short-termers arrived and we went to a village that evening.  We sang a few songs and played soccer and frizbee with about 15 young people.  It was good to see them again!  This village is one that our team leaders have been connected with for a long time. Those who used to be young children are now starting to grow up.
    On Wednesday I had a two hour meeting with my team leaders to talk about expectations and plans for the summer and beyond.  We also visited a potential language teacher.  It was very helpful to visit her.  If we choose her, I think it would be a very good structured program and it would start in September. 
    Thursday and Friday our team spent two long days of work up at camp.  We set up large tents, prepared the camp for the summer, and I did training for rock climbing and teambuilding activities.
    This weekend we have been in the city.  We have an evening fellowship gathering this evening and then we will have a farewell meal with another short-termer who has been here for two weeks. 
    These last 12 days have been full of many changes.  I am learning to take it day by day.  Some days have been very tough; other days have been good.  In the midst of many uncertainties, we must keep our eyes on the One who holds it all in His strong hands.