And we're back! After two glorious months in the southern hemisphere with temps hovering in the 80's, we hesitatingly entered the icy winter wonderland of MN... ugh. Thankfully, however, we apparently toted some of that Brazilian heat back with us, as the temps here have been gradually rising, the masses of snow, close to 7' high on our front lawn, slowly diminishing and the sun shining... phew! (Well, that was last week... today = Blizzard... *sigh*)While it was truly wonderful to see family, friends and supporters, we are grateful to be back "home". Benjamin was a trooper indeed, but by the end of our time the constant tra
vel and change had taken its toll on him. We both agreed that for his sake (and ours), we need to stay in one place for a time. Thirty-seven flights for a 15-month old is sufficient, thanks. He's well over-due for some good old-fashion routine in his life.
As I think we all are. It seems like we'e been living in a state of constant flux- ready to go or move or change at any moment. Our vision is propelling us forward, but our circumstances are hedging us in. One minute we're going to Sudan, the next minute, nope... Then we think of a new strategy, then we're going again; And then another hang-up, and we're not. Another idea, a new possibility; followed by yet another set back. Go, stay; Go, stay. And this has been going on for most of our 4-year married life.
And it's beginning to wear on us. While we'd like to be there, working among and serving the people God has put on our hearts, it's just not happening. At least not right now. So, we wait and pray and continue to listen and obey God as best we can. All the while, the "when" and "how" and "where" questions lurk in our minds.
So until those questions are answered we will be here, stateside, in MN... a
waiting the arrival of Baby Soboll #2, a girl-- due May 30th... Yay! Eddy is working part-time while also going back to school to finish his degree (online, so he can finish no matter where we are). I'm staying home with Benjamin, a full-fledged toddler now, who loves to take apart and undo all that I put together and do... *smile*.
And to help us feel a bit more settled for a time, and eventually act as a source of income for when we are overseas, we purchased a town home in a neighboring suburb here in MN. Prices are low and we found a great deal- a 3 bedroom, 3 bath costing us less than $700/month- for everything. We couldn't rent a place for that amount! We're very excited and are moving in this weekend- hopefully- and cleaning out Jess's mom's place, where we've been living.
Finally-- Eddy and his brother, Danyel, will be heading to the land of sand this next month to wrap up some loose ends, organize our stored possessions (currently scattered about the country)
and reconnect with friends/co-workers... We're hoping there are no hang-ups with their visas! Photos: Ben walking in Brazil... Ben
n Eddy in front of the Christ in Rio de Janeiro... Eddy n Ben on top of Sugar Loaf in Rio, overlooking Copacabana... And Sudan...
