Coyans in the Czech Republic

Happy New Year Stastni Novy Rok

Last night as a family we looked back on 2007 and talked about what God has done in our lives this whole year. We talked about answered prayer, His strength in our lives and what we would like to do differently this year. I must say that this has been one of the hardest years of our lives, but as we look back we can see that God has been with us every step of the way.

2007 saw us wanting, needing to sell our house in a deflated market. Hoping and praying that we could make it to the Czech Republic as soon as possible. Praying for safe flights and a smooth transition. Praying for friends, especially for the girls. Hoping that our Czech language skills would improve. Searching for a house and car in CZ. Hoping to make friends with our neighbors. Praying that our paperwork problems could be settled so that we could remain in the country. Praying for opportunities to work here. Hoping that the girls would do well as they entered czech schools. Praying that they would make friends in school and have good teachers. When problems in school came up, praying that we would learn and grow together and that they could be resolved. When we started missing home, praying that God would renew our love for this country and it's people. When our oldest, Rebekah, started having problems, praying that God would be with her and that she would grow through them and that God would give us wisdom. When we started having financial problems, praying that God would help us to be satisfied with less and that we would be OK.

2007 was the year of prayer for us...and those cries to God were heard and answered, sometimes in the most amazing, loving, creative and unexpected ways.

I see now that 2008 will be no less difficult. I am two hours into it and I have already yelled at one of my kids. As much as I love living here, there is a steep price to pay. I miss speaking english, I miss understanding what people are saying. I miss intimate friendships...I can't have those yet as I can't understand what they are talking about. I miss so much...my family...(the holidays were nice but lonely too...)

Sometimes my emotions deceive me and I feel like this is too hard. When my kids have a struggle it is easy to blame it on the Czech Republic. But the truth is problems came up in the US too. Our lives are tough, messy, confusing, illogical, dissappointing and sometimes tragic. But as I look back on 2007 and see God's faithfulness to us, to me, inspite of my own unfaithfulness to Him, I realize that He is consistent. As much as our lives can be rocky He is unwavering. Unwavering in His love for us, His friendship to us, His patience with us, His grace, mercy and wisdom. These are the things that I need...I need more grace to extend to my children. More patience with them. More love to show to others and definitely more wisdom. I have tried before and I can't seem to manufacture my own grace or wisdom or even love...I come up short every time.

So as much as 2007 was the year of prayer, 2008 will be the year of walking with God...not just calling out to Him when I need something, but daily walking His path so that I can be with Him. Surrounded by His grace, patience, wisdom...and love. This year will be no less difficult, but I see that all I need is Him...I am not enough, my family is not enough, my friends are not enough. But He is. He has all that I need...so though it may be difficult, on God's path it will be an adventure...knowing I have all that I need in Him, My God.