Beginning Work Today

I (Kevin) have done some recruiting for LAM in the past while we have been in the fundraising process.  This has allowed us to stay connected with our organization and allows us to lay the foundation for the program we will be instituting in Spain.  Today I begin working for them again, having taken the summer off to work solely on fundraising.

We are blessed to be able to work for LAM, and I'm thankful to have had a skillset in recruitment and strategy that allows for me to be employed part-time.  Not only does it give me added focus, but we have the opportunity to be even more proactive about our time in Spain before we even get there.  This for us is an incredible advantage.

The urgency to get to Spain is still high, however.  Working is not easing the way, but rather makes it all the more apparent to where we are called and our desire to get there continues to grow.  We are projected to be at 70% of our support goal currently, which is fantastic.  About 60% of that is coming in, but the other 10% is promised.  Tomorrow we set the foundations for visa acquisition in a meeting with LAM's new Vice President of Ministries.  We have already begun the FBI background check required for the visa process.

Departure is next to immanent.  We do not have a departure date yet, however that is coming soon.  We need to raise the additional 30% of our needed funds and obtain the appropriate paperwork.

Please be praying with us as we push forward that the funds will come in and that the paperwork process will go smoothly.  If you know of anybody who might be interested in meeting us and our ministry, we are always looking for partners.  Please be praying for any people in your life that might wish to partner with our ministry, and to be a part of shaping and developing university students from the US, Spain and all over the globe to recognize God's call in their lives and pursue His Kingdom.

We are very excited, very motivated, and feel the blessings of urgency in our departure.  Thank you for your support, be they prayer, financial, referral or all three.

One Year!

On October 12th Eliana celebrated her first birthday.  I know everyone always says it, but I really truly cannot believe how time flies!  Friends of ours had a little baby at the end of September, and looking at her compared to Eliana I am beyond amazed at all the changes that happen in such a short amount of time.  One year ago Eliana was dependent on us for EVERYTHING!  She became, more or less, an extension of myself.  Now, one year later she still depends on us for many things, but she is quickly and assertively finding her independence!  On her birthday Grandma Joy gave her a little baby doll.  The minute she saw it she reached out her arms to hold her close and began making soft cooing sounds as she snuggled her doll close.  It is crazy how she takes on that motherly role even as she herself is just a baby.  In Florida we visited her new little cousin, Emma, and Eliana also enjoyed holding, hugging and kissing her, although she definitely needs to be highly supervised as the gentleness factor hasn't sunk in quite yet!  She takes teetering steps on her own, is constantly exploring, and crawling even quicker when she knows she is about to get into something she shouldn't. :)  I treasure the times when I can sit and snuggle with her since she hardly ever stops.  She loves to laugh, play peek-a-boo and be tickled.  She finally is begining to love mealtimes, and beans seem to be one food that is always a hit with her.  I love being her mom and am so thankful that God chose to bless our lives with our little Eliana Anai.

There We Go A-Travelin'

Christmas is gearing up for the commerce-side of things, which makes me (Kevin) think about rushing Thanksgiving to make sure it doesn't get overtaken.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, so back from our trip to Houston, here are some thanks and updates.

Thankful for:
-Some new one-time donors coming on board.
-Some new monthly donors coming on board.
-Great trip down to Cupertino and LA in September (good friends, family and contacts)
-Great trip down to Cupertino (Kevin), Florida (Leah & Eliana) and Houston (all of us - good friends, family and contacts)
-The upcoming 1st birthday of Eliana (who is a great traveler!)

We are projected to be just over 70% of our goal.  We have begun the FBI background check for our resident visas in Spain.  We are learning patience and staying excited for what God has for us.

Things to be praying for:
-Eliana's 1st birthday
-The remaining 30% to be projected and start coming in
-Upcoming travels
-Partnership organization in Spain
-Visa process

As we return from Houston, we sing (to the tune of "Here We Come A'Carolin') There We Go A'Travelin' and we are very Thankful for where God has us.