Growing up in Louisiana, you get used to the idea that hurricanes are just a part of life. “The Cone of Uncertainty” is a term used to describe where hurricanes are projected to make landfall (see example below). It’s “uncertain” because the exact path that these huge storms will take cannot be predicted absolutely. So anyone living in “The Cone” is strongly encouraged to take the necessary steps for hurricane preparedness: boarding up windows, stocking up on needed supplies & imperishable food, or in some cases, evacuating further inland.
A researcher in Colorado recently put together this graphic showing the number of days areas in the US have spent in this infamous cone. If you look closely at that yellow spot, you’ll see that most of Louisiana has spent more than 3 WEEKS in the cone of uncertainty this season.
Solidifying the notable reputation that this year has had, 2020 now holds the record for the most active hurricane season, with 30 named storms, including 13 hurricanes, and many, many people still trying to recover. Hurricanes aside and looking at how situations have changed so erratically this year, it’s probably safe to say the whole world has been living in the Cone of Uncertainty!
I’ve been reminded over the last few months, however, that just as we stock up on water & batteries for a hurricane that may or may not come, there are things as believers that we can do to live in the CERTAINTY of who God is: spending time in worship and reading the Bible; remembering that He has ALWAYS been FAITHFUL to provide everything we need when we need it; cultivating inner PEACE and JOY that does not have to be affected by outside circumstances (or social media!); and “holding fast to the hope set before us…a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:18-19). We are also certain that God is still calling us to share this Truth with the people of Belgium and students of Europe, in whatever form or method that may take. Living in this “Cone of Certainty” on a daily basis takes firm purpose and intentionality, but with God’s help, we will!
Final Clearance
A few weeks ago we received word that we have “Final Clearance to Return to the Field” and have bought our tickets for our flight to Belgium. Up until a short time ago, we really had no way of knowing when we would be able to make it back to Europe so it has been a true test of our ability to follow the Lord somewhat blindly. While our tickets are dated for the beginning of December, we know that things are still uncertain (there’s that word again) as the country of Belgium has just returned to a nationwide lockdown which will continue for the next several weeks.
Merci Beaucoup!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank so many of you who have reached out to us, prayed for us, picked us up on monthly support, increased your giving, and otherwise encouraged and partnered with us in this mission for God’s Kingdom during this year and three months of itineration.
We’d especially like to give a shout out to First New Testament Church here in Baton Rouge, LA. We have been blown away by your generous hospitality in hosting us this last year, but even more so by your love and passion for Jesus! We will miss you!
More Thankfuls
25 years ago this month, we boarded a plane at the Baton Rouge airport with our 4-year old and 2-year old daughters to travel to Belgium for the first time. We were hosted by Roger & Lilly Myers who mentored us through the next three years of learning to serve the Lord in that field. What a joy to be with them a few weeks ago at Bayou Harvest church in Plaquemine, LA. We are forever grateful for their invitation to us so long ago to come and work with them. We love you, Uncle Roger & Aunt Lilly!
She said, “Yes!”
We are very happy to announce that our family will be increasing! Christopher & Cindy met at Chi Alpha LSU, and will be getting married next summer. Thanks for praying for them as he will be graduating in May, and she will be completing a Chi Alpha internship.
Last Goodbyes (for now)
And finally, we’ve been so grateful to have a few last opportunities to spend with our families before we leave for Belgium. Claire, Caleb and Chloe spent a few weeks with us this past month, and we were able to visit Callie, Stuart and Felicity & Stuart’s parents in Florida for a few days. And so thankful that we at least get driveway/parking lot chats with the grandparents. We’re looking forward to seeing Evangeline and David at Thanksgiving just before our departure.
Prayer Matters
Please lift up our time of transition as we pack up, say more goodbyes, travel and get temporarily settled back in Belgium.
* Please pray especially for Josiah who will be living overseas for the first time without any of his siblings.
* Pray we find the rent house and vehicle that God has for us when we get back.
* Please pray for Dina’s mom, Vivian, who is in advanced stages of Parkinson’s, and for her dad, Lynn, as he takes care of her.
We would love to stay in touch and pray for you in return if there are needs that you may have. Just reply to this email. We are honored to partner with you!
With grateful hearts,
Blair, Dina & Josiah