Author: Layne

In Arizona!

a layne post

I am sorry we did not get a post up this past weekend; it is our goal to post between Friday and Saturday every week, however, that did not happen this go around.

Mainly I would like to update everyone on our upcoming schedule. We will be in Arizona until October 19th, when we will fly to Corpus Christi, Texas to visit my family . On November the 6th we will be making that long international flight again; this time to Johannesburg, South Africa.

From there we will rent a car, drive to Gaborone, Botswana to pick up our 4×4 that some good friends have been looking after and some of the things Jon had left there previously. This is where it gets a little tentative…

We will either be driving to Mozambique or Angola, and this will be determined by our visa possibilities and invitations available. We have currently have a couple of things in the works:

One international organization is praying and considering partnering with Jon and me. They are already established in Angola, which is a must. There is a possibility we will meet a staff member in Angola in the beginning of December to meet people and get a feel for the organization.
The other is a pastor, who has connections with a school in a town nearby to where we would be wanting to live. He has offered a letter of invitation, and we are currently “becoming clear” on expectation and requirements involved.

We would really appreciate prayer for wisdom and discernment as we go through this process of making a decision. If we do not have a visa ready, we will spend some time in Mozambique “waiting” and learning. Jon and I feel that it is imperative that we be in a Portuguese speaking country, in order that we maintain our language acquisition. We have been put in touch with some ministries there, and I strongly believe we can learn and grow, if the Lord decides to place us there for a period.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask. We love you all!

Just us...

October 7, 2009

Layne

Angola, Visas

1 comment

Traveling home…

A Layne Post

Jon and I have left Portugal now, and we have begun our long journey home. Thankfully, we will spend one night in London before the long flight over the ocean. We hope to rest well.

We have a huge praise report already, and our travels have just begun. Because our flight to London was booked separate from our flight to the States, the airline on our way out of Portugal said our weight limit was cut in half. According to the new limit we would owe approximately $1000 in order to get our bags back with us. Jon explained and explained, as this had not been a problem on the way here. Apparently, it should have been, but thankfully we were shown mercy. As long as she could check our bags all the way through, she would not charge us the extra. It worked! We were and are so very thankful. Now we will continue to pray our bags make it on the airplane tomorrow.

Our last few days in Portugal were wonderful. We spent much of our time with friends we’ve made along the way. Because of the internet, “Goodbyes” are not quite as horrible. Staying in touch has become more and more possible.

We have what is possibly very exciting news.
There is an organization in Europe and Africa (Angola included!) that we have been put in contact with by wonderful friends we made in Portugal, Elizabeth and Armenio. The branch in Portugal had a meeting this week and looked over our business plan, which has now been sent to the main European office. They will be making a decision about whether or not we can possibly partner together soon. It seems that their goals and ours could mesh quite nicely.

Please join with us in prayer as this process continues. We want the blessing of the Lord in every step we take. If this is our open door, we praise Him. If not, we praise Him still.

We hope to see many of you very soon in Arizona and then in Corpus Christi. I am constantly amazed by your love and support for us. Thank you.

P.S.

Ladies, there is a neat opportunity to support Jon and I and get a really nice lip-gloss. Pretty cool, huh? My best friend, who lives in Ohio, sells a product by the name of Arbonne, which many of you probably already know. (Great quality!) She has teamed up with a few of my family members and they are doing a fundraiser called “Lip Gloss for a Cause”. There are 6 colors of gloss (https://www.arbonne.com/shop_online/showCatalog.asp?category=183) each selling for $11. Jon and I will receive 52% of the profit. If they are able to sell 500 glosses, Jon and I will receive approximately $2850! This is a great time to think about Christmas and upcoming birthdays. If you are interested, let me know and I can put you in touch with one of the sellers. =)

Here’s some pictures of our last week in Portugal. Click on them to see the full sizes.

: Layne’s last night in Porto

: Jon’s last night in Porto

: Us in Class

September 26, 2009

Layne

Angola, Personal, Portugal

4 comments

Afternoon classes

a layne post

This week had a bit of a different feel, as our classes did not begin until 3 in the afternoon, as opposed to our usual 10am. Originally I did not know which I would like better, but looking back the morning classes are definitely better. I would say this for a couple of reasons. First, because our mornings seemed to go by entirely too slow, leaving me munchy and drowsy. And secondly, the buses we usually catch are terribly inconsistent in the afternoons! One day we waited for an entire hour, while some six buses did not come at their scheduled times. When a bus finally did come, it was so packed the doors barely squeezed shut behind us… talk about hot and uncomfortable, and this is afternoon standing irritably for an hour in the scorching sun!

Anyways, on a more positive note, our classes went well and we learned quite a bit. As we quickly approach the end of our time here, we are encouraged about our Portuguese and feel confident in all that we have learned.

We continue to make contacts for Angola, and we feel that we are being diligent with what we have. I am extremely thankful to all those who have made effort on our behalf; it is humbling. I do not feel like we are at a standstill with things, which is encouraging, yet no definite progress is being made. We only trust the Lord and His perfect time.

The evenings here for the next week and a half or so are going to be in the upper 50’s. That is right, the 50’s! One word: glorious! I love needing a little sweater; it makes me feel “Fall-ish”. The only thing missing now is my pumpkin spice latte, a pumpkin cupcake from Sprinkles, a piece of pumpkin cheesecake (yes, 2 desserts!), and my pumpkin colored toe-nail polish. Mhmmmm. What cozy thoughts!

Jon and I will be returning to the states now in a mere 2 weeks. Wow! We will only have 3 weeks in Arizona and about the same in Corpus Christi before we head back to Southern Africa. We hope to be able to connect with as many people as possible during those times, while also allowing ourselves time to pack, prepare, and process prior to our “one-way” trip to Africa.

We love you guys. Thanks for helping us feel encouraged and supported. Many blessings.

Portugal 010.2

September 11, 2009

Layne

Personal, Portugal

1 comment

2/3 along the way…

a layne post

We are at the two-thirds point now, as we only have four weeks left. That Mexican food keeps calling to me, keeping my loyalties to America strong. Pathetic! ;)

Classes have continued to be productive, and Jon and I feel very good about our progress. Over the past couple of weeks one particular thing that has improved is our writing. I believe this is because we have learned a handful of new verbs, which allow us to speak more specifically about the past. Also, our comprehension is gradually improving. We are still not where we would like to be, but we are on our way! By October, we should be set. One of our goals when we arrived was to be able understand our host, Maria. Now, we can! There are a few times when she gets going fast, and it all becomes blurred, but for the most part we can understand. Hooray!

Even still, every now and then I will reach busy counter of people ordering and asking questions, and for some reason my mind goes entirely blank. I say really silly things and use big hand motions. Then I walk away knowing exactly the beautiful sentence I should of said, full of adjectives and adverbs… it is sad!

I had a new surge of inspiration this week to scour the internet for Angolan contacts. I thought I had found everything, but this time I found some new working emails and sent some inquiries. I have had a couple responses, and now we wait. One good contact I will not be able to chat with until the end of September. Honestly, we have so many wonderful people working hard to assist us in this process; people who believe in what we want to do, and are being so very helpful. We are blessed.

This weekend I am missing the birthday party of one of my nieces… these are the times when I remember the sacrifice of leaving. I can overwhelm myself with emotions when I think of these sweet little ones and the fact that they may never know their Aunt Layne and Uncle Jon the way I would want them to. We have counted the cost, and we know it is worth it, but it can be a little tough sometimes. Thank the Lord for internet and Skype. It is more possible than ever before for missionaries to remain connected to their families.

Thank you for your continued prayer and support. We hope in the Lord and trust in His perfect plans for us.

(Click photos to see larger version)

: Layne in the Library

: Us at Coimbra University

: Jon in the Library

August 28, 2009

Layne

Angola, Portugal

No comments

Half way

A Layne Post

We are half way through our time in Portugal! Can you believe it? I hardly can. The next six weeks, I believe, will fly by. In some ways it is sad, but on the other hand, to be around family and loved ones is much welcomed… not to mention the Mexican food and Dunkin Donuts that have been appearing in my dreams at night. Sad thing is, that is not even a joke.

Jon and I are feeling quite good about our language acquisition, and we continue to have high hopes for the level will achieve before we leave. Thank you for your prayers. I would continue to ask you to pray for our retention now and when we leave. We have every intention of practicing daily during our month in the states, but some supernatural help would be fabulous.

The past week has been the hottest week since arriving. You may laugh at the temperatures being only being between 89-92°, but may I remind you that we do not have air-conditioning or a fan. Let’s just say that our nights have been a bit on the horrendous side. The cool air only decides to grace us with it’s presence at about three or four in the morning. According to forecasts though, the upcoming week will be cooling off, and I will praise the Lord, I assure you.

Today we took a trip with our school to a town approximately 1 hour via train from Porto. The town is called Aveiro, and we had a lovely time. We had coffee, rented bikes, and practiced our Portuguese with our tutors and fellow students. The bikes were a lovely surprise and much enjoyed. It had been so long since I had ridden a bike, that it took me a bit to get my bearings, while Jon enjoyed the comedic show.

Now, I think I will give you a little glimpse into my “oh so human” heart. I like to think that you and I have a relationship, and because of that, I want you to know me. So here I am…

This week has been emotionally straining for numerous reasons, but one major reason is a longing for a place to call “home”. Without a completed visa, Jon and I are in this homeless state, a place full of the temporary. (Actually, I have felt this way since our marriage.) It has not all been bad, and in many ways wonderful, but now I am tired. As days pass without progress on a visa I have a hard time seeing the end. I know full well this world is not our permanent home, but girls, you gotta feel me right here… I want to settle. I want a family. I want a home. And for now all I see is temporary in my future.

Because of the excessive tears, I felt an explanation was due to my husband and family as well. I did not want people to confuse my physical state with my spiritual state. This is my description:

I have had times in my life when my very soul was shaken, when it was in complete unrest. That is not the case now. My soul remains at peace, undisturbed. (Thankfully!) There have been times in my life when I have fretted about things to the point of becoming physically ill. That is not the case now. I am not worried about the provision of the Lord; in fact, He continues to amaze me on a regular basis. Just the other day I was in awe.

I think I am simply uncomfortable. Words do not seem to fit this feeling well, but uncomfortable may be the close. I trust the Lord. I can rest in His peace. I am positive He is near. I am not doubting, or really even questioning. I am just sitting. Uncomfortably.

We are learning and growing, being prepared for a work that is greater than us. Our hearts remain soft and our ears open. Thank you for your trust and support.

Be looking for a full length newsletter soon!

We love you. Click on the pictures below to see the full sizes!