March Madness

Hi!  It's me again, your favorite Maine missionary (don't worry, I won't tell Paul if you don't-heehee)!  Today marks 15 months since we arrived, and we can hardly believe it's been so long!   Time has flown by, and now we are the brink of moving past our second record setting winter!   After the last 2 winters I am beginning to think that March Madness isn't as much about a basketball tournament as it is the psychosis that it induced by the weather going from 54 degrees and sunny to 8 degrees and snowy, to sunny to snowy and so on.   It's almost like spring is scared of making a full blown appearance!  In fact, it appears that we will be celebrating the first day of spring with another round of wintry weather!  
It's not all that bad, really.  In fact, there is something so serene and peaceful about a big snow storm, being cuddled up inside while seeing the blanket of white spread over the trees and lawn outside.  I was actually telling Paul that there is a measure of sadness when a season comes to an end, even when you're ready for the next.  There is a tension in the transition, between the now and the not yet, the familiar and unknown.   I think for many of us, we sense that a new season is upon us, and we get glimpses of it, but then a snowstorm hits.  
These storms create what I have been calling the "messy beautiful" in our lives, when emotions are complex, faith wrestles with disappointment, and tears mix with laughter.   There is something so beautiful about pressing into the struggle, because it is here we get to know God's character in new and very relevant ways.  
This has been our reality over the last couple of weeks.   We have seen breakthrough in Paul's work as a home inspector, I had a great meeting with a publishing company about my book, and I have an interview for a job next week. In the midst of celebrating these milestones, we received word last week that my grandmother passed away suddenly.   She was an amazing woman who has been very instrumental in my life, and I already miss her terribly.   She also became "Grandma" to Paul who lost his grandparents while he was young, so we are both feeling this loss greatly.   In the midst of our grieving, though, the Lord has been so present, so real, so kind.  His comfort is beyond understanding, and we have been able to remember her with much joy and laughter.   And herein is the messy beautiful.   In the midst of tragedy we have discovered hope.  In the midst of pain, we have found peace.  In our broken hearts we have experience his presence wrapped around us like a warm blanket.   And when life is messy, He is beautiful!  
So, how can you pray?   We are so glad you asked!

Paul:
~Business is beginning to pick up a little more, and there have been some appointments made as a direct result of his marketing (YAY!).  Please pray for continued momentum as he seeks to expand his network.
~The band is on the verge of busy season, which means that every weekend Paul will be traveling around New England to engineer for them.  Pray for strength and for open doors to share his faith with the group.  

Christi:
~I had a phone appointment with a partnership publishing company this morning that went very well.  They like my book proposal, and are willing to work with me to take my book from manuscript to publication.   They would add a lot of value and expertise to areas that I am a complete novice in, however that expertise is not free.   Please pray for direction and provision (if this is the door we're to walk through).
~I have applied for 2 different jobs:  The first is an adjuster position at a disability insurance company, which I have an interview for next Tuesday (3/24) at 3pm EDT.  The other is a talent acquisition coordinator job for a large charity, a job I heard about through a connection at church, though I have not heard anything back from the organization itself.   At this point, we have not felt like I "need" to go back to work, but the idea of stepping back into the marketplace has been stirring in my heart and these 2 positions came on my radar simultaneously, so I felt I should apply.   So, please pray that we continue to hear God's heart for placement and direction.

Both:
~We are both grieving the loss of Grandma, and are hoping that both of us can get out to California for services.  They haven't been scheduled yet,  but it looks like they will be next weekend or the following week.   As you can imagine, last minute tickets are pretty pricy, so we're praying for favor as we look for the best deal and try to get hardship discounts for plane tickets, car rental and hotel.   


We are so humbled by your continued prayers and encouragement.  You have no idea how you have blessed us by sending us messages just when we needed them.  We have felt your love so richly, and we know that we stand because many of you are holding us up.   Thank you, thank you, thank you!   

With much love from Maine.....