This month has gotten us closer to our goal and with it, a fuller picture of the reality of our transition. Conversations of dreams and schemes that we haven’t had up to this point are now becoming more palpable. What are we bringing vs what we need to get rid of? What type of bags do we need? What is the cell phone situation? How do we find a place to live when we get there? These questions are exciting, and we are glad to be finally at the place fundraising wise (we are around 70%) where those questions become legitimate. At 80% we will be able to apply for visas which we anticipate we will do in January.
It was certainly an unusual December, marked by nights at home with just the two of us cozied up by our Netflix fireplace. Yet, that doesn't mean it wasn't full of rich connection and laughter.
It's also not too late to make an end of the year gift! Did you know you are eligible for a charitable $300 tax deduction (even if you don't itemize)? Learn more from the IRS.
Highlights:
· Watching the virtual edition of Sacred Sounds—SPU’s annual Christmas concert Meg was a part of in college
· A Young Life Drive Thru Christmas party! Complete with personalized hot chocolate and real snow (picked up in a cooler earlier that day). It was so fun to see our students, even through a car window!
· Time in the snow, including a white Christmas! What a dream!
· A quick trip to the Oregon Coast. A walk on the beach does wonders for the soul.
From Chase:
What I’ve learned: The experience of fundraising these last couple of months makes me want to help others in similar positions. There are a lot of great non-profit organizations that might just need encouragement and/or someone to be excited to share with others what they are doing. Because of these last couple of months, we know how to help and care for others better.
Where I saw God: This season of advent has been the most advent-y advent I’ve ever been a part of as we wait with anticipation for a life-altering event. In the midst of that, I have identified with ancient Israel and the prophets during this season. God is in the here and now but also in the not yet. This season has helped me into that reality.
What I hope for next month: Consistency. We have averaged about 14-15% increase every month since September. If we stay the course, we will hit 100% of our goal by the end of February.
From Meg:
What I learned: While I began the month in a state of unrest, wrestling with all this season of fundraising/preparation is asking of me, I finally came to peace. I’m not sure what changed, but as I faced my limitations and growth areas (instead of avoiding them) my heart and capacity to hold those conflicting emotions increased. Instead of looking at our progress from the perspective of all we still have left to do, I began to celebrate how far we’ve come. All I can do is be faithful to the next step, we will get there in God’s time, not mine. I can’t tell you how relieving that is!
Where I saw God: I experienced God throughout the Advent season, as we wrote about in our blog Incarnation: Moving into the Neighborhood. In our waiting, God chooses to be with us. The hope and joy of Christ’s birth have been so tangible and authentic in this season, it has replaced my restlessness with contentment (mostly). Waiting seasons are difficult for so many reasons, but they also offer such rich opportunities for reliance, trust, and connection with all that is “Really Real.” God is with us. Amen.
What I hope for next month: This could be the month when it all gets real. When tangible plans can start to become reality, when visas can be started, etc. I hope for continued capacity to hold all the emotions, to remain faithful to the present moment and all it offers and asks.
I have no doubt this will make many positive things happen and you both will be exemplary Christian Soldiers!