Back in TN

We have been having a blast staying with our friends in Tennessee during this support raising trip.

Here's a glimpse into our time here:

On our first night here we visited Jenna's 242 group. This group of 7th grade girls had collected money from babysitting job, taking on extra chores, and dipping into their piggy banks to help support us. It was fun and humbling all at once.We had the young adults group at church scheduled Thursday night but nothing during the day... until Kelli (the Lukes friend) got involved. She picked us up in the morning and took us to a meeting she had planned with a pastor at a local church. Then on the way back suggested that we stop at another church in town to see if the pastor would support us. It was wild and so far outside are box but so fun. We had a great day with her and her husband.

Today we hung out with Zack and Paige. They have led mission trips from their church (here in TN) to Slovenia to work with Johnny and Brooke. We had a blast hanging out with them, hearing their stories and getting to know them better..and enjoyed some local cuisineThe sweet potato fries were to die for! (Have any of you ever eaten here before?)

The Lukes have a trampoline out back. Matt has enjoyed hours (and I do mean hours) playing with the kids. Got a fun shot of him with Eliana:Eliana was having fun - really she was :-)

Encouraging Times

Two months ago we were down. We felt stuck, defeated, and tired in the support raising process.

But God has been moving lately! It has been so amazing to watch our support jump from 30% up to 50% the last month and a half. He has also brought us into contact with people who have been an unbelievable encouragement to us. God has placed people like Brandt & Shannon Luke, Aaron Schaefer, Mike Fitz, Christina Stanton, and Curt & Jana Austin in our life at just the right time to say just the right things. Thanks for allowing God to work through you.


Another key moment was hanging out with Josh Patty on Tuesday, he was in town from Slovenia for just a few days. It was so encouraging to talk and dream about our roles and the future of Slovenia. One thing that stood out was the need for extreme discipleship among university students. He mentioned that the old Bible study once a week just isn't cutting it. It is so hard for the students who follow Jesus to continue in their faith in the midst of the constant pull/pressure of their family, friends, and society to abandon or minimize their relationship with God instead of following hard and pressing into Him. One of the long term dreams of JV in Slovenia is to start a dorm house for the college students to live in community and love Jesus together as they study. To be honest, our hearts began to pound in our chest’s as we thought about the possibility of walking with Slovene students in that way and entering into intense discipleship with them.

Things are coming together and we are so stoked.

first cold

Eliana had her first cold a few weeks ago.
Honestly, I mention this just so I could post this picture Sharon caught of our little girl blowing a snot bubble.

Nashville was amazing

Last Friday Sharon, Eliana, and I flew to Nashville to visit some dear friends and work on raising some support.



We got in Friday evening and Brandt Luke, (my first mentor), picked us up from the airport. It was so good to see him and to catch up on what God has done over the last few years. One thing I love about Brandt is that no matter how long its been since I've talked to him or seen him, he makes it so easy to jump in right where we left off. We got to his place and were very warmly greeted by his 4 wonderful kids and his wife, Shannon. We spent the long weekend thoroughly enjoying the really fun times and great conversations with our friends.



It was so encouraging and honestly just what we needed in the midst of this long process of raising support. . . Speaking of which, the Lukes introduced us to quite a few of their friends so that Sharon and I could share about what we will be doing in Slovenia. It was exciting to share our hearts and vision with others outside of our sphere and to watch God stirring something in TN. We hope and believe that God is opening some doors in the Nashville area for people to join participate in what the Lord is doing in Slovenia.












This trip was Eliana's first flight and she did better than we could ever have imagined. We were a little nervous after hearing many stories of kids that wouldn't stop screaming. Many people recommended Benedryl, but she slept most of the way without needing any medicine.

The Hibbs are off

This last week our good friends Peter & Jen Hibbs left for Australia with their two little ones. It was a bitter sweet day for us. On one hand we are sad to be absent from such close friends and on the other hand it was good to see them heading to the ministry God has prepared for them. Honestly it was personally encouraging for Sharon and me to see that it is possible to raise support and report to the mission field right now too.

As Peter was getting ready to walk through security I looked at him and said, "One day, dude, one day." You see we love the Hibbs and love doing life and ministry with them. So I was reminding him that one day we do just that again.

May God bless you and your ministry Hibbs. We love you.