While We Wait...

Gonzalez Family in Thailand Vol. 1, No. 8

"While you're waiting, God's working."

-Rick Warren

Different Than We Thought

I knew at some point fairly early in this journey I would write about this endeavor looking much different than I thought it would. However, I didn't think it would be well before we even made it to Thailand. It has taken me a while to write this newsletter as I had been holding out hope that the future would begin to look a little more clear before providing another update. Unfortunately, that is not the case. However, I can report that God continues to do amazing things in this season of our life. More on that later. First, the situation in Thailand...

Many of you might recall that we were originally scheduled to leave the U.S. on June 4. Then our flights were postponed to July. A couple of weeks ago our July flight was cancelled as well and the airline advised us to take a refund and reschedule when countries in Asia begin to open up. So right now we do not have a scheduled departure date.

Thailand's self-reported Covid-19 cases/deaths have been extremely low. The Thai government believes their effort to implement drastic lock down measures is the reason their numbers are so low. It has been our understanding that since mid-March the only people allowed to fly into Thailand have been Thai citizens being repatriated from other countries. It is believed that the Thai government will lift their emergency decree at the end of June. However, reports indicate that international travel into Thailand will remain significantly restricted. Thai media outlets report that the Thai government will only be allowing citizens from certain countries to enter Thailand. These would be countries that have demonstrated they have established a firm control over the spread of the virus. It is my understanding that Americans will not likely be on that first list of people allowed to enter Thailand.

With all the uncertainty regarding when we might be able to process our visa applications and get into Thailand, we have decided to take a little more of a conservative approach and look toward early October as our next target date for departure. A lot can happen between now and then.

God Provides

Despite the setbacks we are experiencing, we are seeing God continue to work in mighty ways. God answered our prayer that our home would sell. We will begin moving out next week. Obviously, that good news immediately leads to the next question, where will we live? Through the generosity of an amazingly selfless couple, God has provided us a home to live in for at least the next couple of months. Additionally, Wellspring is continuing to allow me to serve on staff where I am learning a lot, getting the opportunity to love people and hopefully contributing to some of our future success in furthering the Kingdom.

Adoption

Finally, most of you are aware that God provided a sweet blessing amidst this calling. For visa purposes we learned that it would be best for me (James) to adopt Katie, who was 3 when Sara and I were married. Katie and I have always had a special relationship and this technical matter is just the cherry on top.

Specific Prayer Requests

• Living out of suitcases - We are about to enter a season of "living temporarily." I hope we can embrace the blessings God provides us and not focus on the minor inconveniences we may experience.

• School - It was our hope/plan to get to Thailand before we began the next school year. That will not be the case. So we are praying for wisdom about how to best continue to homeschool the girls.

• Embracing this season - I have spent most of my adult life charging after "the next thing." I know waiting on God right now is exactly what I need but my desire to "go and do" can be really strong at times. I ask for prayers that I maintain the right attitude and I give thanks for the grace Sara and the kids extend to me when I don't.

• We launch when...God says so.

We will be in Webb City/Joplin until at least the end of August. Then we hope to go on the road in September to see many of you in Texas.

"...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:31