The Unexpected

In all honesty, I do not have the words to write the story which has unfolded for our family this year. 

I don't even know where to begin in order to explain how we started this year fully intending to move to Romania but we will end it by moving to Italy instead.

I don't know how to explain the heartbreak and confusion we felt when we realized our plans for Romania were being put on hold for an unknown amount of time. How we grieved for the people and plans we had so eagerly prayed and prepared for. 

I don't know how we found the courage to pursue another opportunity the Lord placed in our path during that time of uncertainty, but I am so thankful we did. We cannot wait to begin directing and serving with Avanti Italia!

It doesn't make sense how we could be simultaneously devastated and thrilled, but we are. 

I still question our sanity for considering all of these changes less than two months after welcoming our daughter. 

We have seen tremendous growth in our family this year. Literally, by adding sweet Adelena, but also spiritually. We have been pushed and pulled and stretched; made to question things we previously felt so certain about.

You know what? It hurt. It wasn't fun or glamorous. I have felt a sense of camaraderie (yes, I just spelled that correctly without looking #harding) with the Ecclesiastical writer.  I have wanted to scream out "VANITY OF VANITIES! All is vanity!" more times than I can count. I have pondered about the seasons of life for hours on end as I held my little girl close and felt like the rest of my life was falling apart. 

Yet, as we sit here in October, I look back with peace at all that has occurred and all that lies before us. We have learned some difficult but valuable lessons in humility and obedience. Through these lessons, we have been led to another opportunity to serve His people. 

Countless times in the past months we have been rendered speechless in the wake of the Lord's providence and love. As we have completely shifted directions, He has provided for us. 

Initially, we were set to move to Italy just after Christmas. It become clear about a month ago that we needed to push our move date sooner so as to ease our transition and give us adequate time to prepare for a youth convegno and new Avanti workers who will arrive in January. With our updated timeline, we leave for Italy in less than a month. Even through this major change, the Lord has provided. He has been moving in the hearts and souls of His people and they are surrounding us with support, giving selflessly of their time, prayer, love, and financial resources.

In the past month, we have sold most of our things, packed the rest, and hit the road. We are spending precious moments with our families before leaving on a jet plane (with a seven month old and a toy poodle in tow.) With so many major changes looming, we are attempting to take it one day at a time. Trying to be as fully present in the present as possible, so as not to miss Him in the midst of the chaos. 

If you are reading this, welcome to the chaos! We are excited you are here and we hope that you will continue to join us in this crazy journey. Stay tuned for a re-cap of the past few weeks of madness and to see how this story continues to unfold!

- Aleece