God's Timing

We are not where we thought we'd be on this beautiful Friday. We are in Auckland, New Zealand. We arrived at the airport and the North Island and were able to call someone in Christchurch who told us that there was no water and sewage and recommended that we stay in Auckland. He set it up that we were to stay with a lovely family here until we can move down to Christchurch.
It's been a blessing in a way, as we were exhausted from the moving and flights. If we continued to Christchurch, we wouldn't have wanted to rest, but just go right to work. However, now that we have had opportunity to relax a bit, we realize just how much we needed it. Lord willing we will be able to continue our journey soon, but we are glad for this time to build up strength to help when we do arrive in Christchurch.
We've heard that y'all state-side aren't getting much coverage of the earthquake. If you are interested in getting more news about it at CNN News. The devastation is horrific. Over 100 are now declared dead with about 200 still missing. One building in particular pancaked as it fell and they haven't been able to rescue anyone alive from the building. The cathedral spire has fallen and the cathedral will have to be torn down because of damage. In fact most of the downtown will probably have to be levelled before it can be built back up.
I know we would ask for your prayers to be with the people, obviously, who were impacted by this earthquake. Beyond that, we pray that the Lord will use this to bring people to Him. We have been encouraged by the response when Dad has mentioned that he will be pastoring a church in Christchurch. Most people have been encouraging us to continue on when we can saying, "They really need you now." From a self-proclaimed godless country, this is amazing.

From the pictures you could probably tell we've been "touristing" today. We visited Auckland and just leisurely strolled around downtown taking in all the sights. Again, we praise the Lord for His wisdom in allowing us time to relax. And while we do appreciate it, please pray that we may move to Christchurch soon. We know that whereever the Lord has us is in His will and timing, but our hearts go out to those in Christchurch and we want to be reunited with our new church family soon.

Thank you for praying!

Tiffany (for the Rott family)

Happy Valentine's Day

I met the love of my life when I was four years old. My dad was a Navy chaplain and we were living in Guam. My parents were actually the ones who introduced us. I accepted my Beloved wholeheartedly. Our relationship has continued to grow throughout the last 24 years.

Not that I have been perfect. I've strayed and questioned and pulled away and doubted many times through that time, but he has always been right there waiting for me with open arms. And each time I come back, I'm closer to him.

He, on the other hand, has been perfect. His absolute love for me has always been there. His patience with me has been greater than Job's as I have wandered. His answers to my questions have alway been gently and quietly given. When I knew I was pulling away, I also knew he wasn't. And when I doubted he just quietly put him arms around me and held me.

The best thing about my relationship is that it doesn't have to be just mine. My Beloved is the Beloved of all those who trusted in Him.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tiffany

Family Games

Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous:

and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
Psalms 32:11

The last few weeks have been less than happy-go-lucky at our house. Somehow transcontinental moves do that. But we've also rejoiced to see how God has taken care of us and really carried us through many of the hardships that were thrown our way: He sold our house, He made ways for us to sell a lot of our things, He provided people who we could give things to, He is in the process of selling our vehicles right now, He provided a place for us to stay between selling the house and moving...and on and on.

It has been just a blessing to see Him working through this whole process.

Our family loves to play a game after dinner, and one of our favorites is Liverpool. But with the move and all, we hadn't found time to sit down and play....until tonight. How much fun it was to just sit with my mom and dad and play together!

I was rejoicing in our reestablishment of this favorite time of day and had to capture it on camera. May the Lord grant many more nights of family games!

Tiffany