Even in the midst of war, Hank and Deby have learned they must embrace the opportunities given to them and continue to be faithful in the small, everyday things.

Through the unknown, God has revealed Himself as Jehovah Jireh – the God who provides. It has shown the Holmes that no matter where they are, God is the primary provider in their lives.

"I like to say when I’m talking to people, it really was just a God idea."

Throughout our lives, there will be many transitions. From the transitions I’ve faced, I have found that some of them will feel like the blink of an eye, while others will feel like they will never end.

God called me, along with my family, from the place where we were, and through unexpected paths he brought us to this place

We have been blessed to find ourselves surrounded by communities of hope in which we join with others who are also pursuing the life of hope in Jesus. 

I could be impressive, or I could be known. I sensed that God was calling me to step out and trust him by choosing to be known. And I longed to say yes. But I also feared it. What I needed to see was that either decision would cost me. 

As the missionaries share what they are going through, what they are hoping for, and what God is doing, I get to lament with them, dream with them, and praise God with them. We take it all to the Lord in prayer together.

I don't know if God was trying to shake me up a little bit, but he did. It made me grow a deep appreciation for the country and the people. As hard as it sounds, I would never trade that experience for the world. It has 100% shaped me and I think that's why God let me go through that experience.

If we hope to be well prepared for the unexpected challenges of life, we need to learn to wait on the Lord—pausing, resting in His presence, seeking connection with Him, and expressing our need of Him.

There is purpose in the waiting. God does something in the waiting. One might say that God prepares us in the waiting.

I’ve said goodbye to so many things since being here, and it is not an understatement to say that I was not prepared for any of them. There have been so many goodbyes. Grief, on the other hand, now that’s not quite so automatic.