“From this time many of his
disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the
words of eternal life.” – Jn. 6:66-68
DiscombobulatedWe just finished our first month in Wheaton, continuing to settle into our new home, new schools, a new job, and new community. We’ve had moments of delight, and moments when we have each longed to “go home” to Ecuador. Beth keeps reminding us that “it’s ok to feel our feelings.” But what is that feeling? In a word, “discombobulated.”
Moving from the southern to the northern hemisphere has turned our lives upside down in multiple ways. Instead of teaching, I (David) have become the student. I am taking two courses at Wheaton College: Transformational Learning and Human Development & Ministry. Instead of leaving for work each morning, I see Beth off to her nursing job, while I study, manage our home, and plan connections with supporters.
Our kids’ lives are now more separate as they attend three different schools. But they each feel the discord that comes from appearing to be in the majority (a first!), but experiencing life as cultural minorities. The food tastes different, the weather keeps changing on us, and even though new friendships are forming, they are not the same as our longtime friendships back in Ecuador. It’s all so disorienting!
Our new family chant has become, “Live in the present.” It echoes Peter’s heart when he declares “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” We know that running away is not an option. We must be present now! For it’s here that God is giving us life.
We want to thank everyone who has generously contributed to the various setup needs. Your prayers and gifts are a profound affirmation of the Lord’s gracious hand working, even in the bumpy patches of reentry to the U.S.
Monthly Support Needs and Goals
Our current support level required by Reach Beyond is short about $1000 a month. We have been instructed to seek out new monthly support to make up the difference. Please consider joining our monthly donor team. Every new commitment or increase in monthly giving helps sustain our work with Reach Beyond.
Donor Page:
https://reachbeyond.org/missionaries/read/david-and-beth-saavedra-1
Our account number is:
110518
