We are blessed

Words alone can not simply state how incredibly blessed we are. 

On a recent trip to Rhode Island (to visit with family), we visited the Warwick church of Christ where they allowed Ronald the opportunity to present our mission. He shared our intentions for the Philippines with such confidence, never stumbling and knowing exactly how to answer the many questions thrown at him. I was a proud wife and, being encouraged by my husbands words, I found a new sense of excitement for this journey we are on together. Not only was I encouraged by my husband that wonderful Sunday morning, but I was also uplifted by the encouraging spirit of the church. 

It was during the pot luck lunch that I knew God had brought us to a special place. One person after another gave us their blessing, telling us how excited they are for the work that we plan to do. We have so much support! I’m not talking just monetary, I’m also talking spiritually. These people clearly took an interest in the work that God has charged us to be apart of. I can’t formulate a sentence strong enough to tell how excited and uplifted we feel about this. People that have never meet Ronald, people I have known for nearly 18 years, people we both have never meet, took an interest in the work that we want to pursue on the other side of the WORLD.  God is good. He blessed, encouraged and made His presence known to us this weekend. It is my prayer that even in the tough times, we will always remember the people that support and love us. It is those people who will encourage us to keep following the path of our wonderful merciful Savior. 

Other than visiting with the church in Warwick, we had a fabulous time with family. Here is our weekend in pictures: 

Transition and Preparations

So much to talk about! These last few weeks have been full of such great time with family... laughing, playing games, and good food are among some of the great moments shared in the Amaral household.

On New Years eve Dad thought it would be fun to try to go fishing. So we did. And we did exactly that, we fished for about 3 hours total. We caught NOTHING. It was very disappointing... but I am convinced that before we leave FL I am going to catch a BIG fish. For dinner that night Mom, Dad, Ronald and I went to the Olive Garden (which was extremely different from any OG I have ever been to before ... we sat in booths) had some GREAT food and

then preceded to go home where we ALL feel asleep before midnight. Yes, for the first time in 10 or 12 years, I didn't watch the ball drop ... and surprisingly I was WAY okay with it. Tradition is SO over rated. :)

To celebrate the first day of the year we helped Dad clean out the garage. Actually ... Dad helped Ronald and me go through all the stuff we brought from TN. We organized everything that needs to be sold, stored and shipped. It was a VERY productive first day.

Since then, Ronald has began crocheting a blanket ... its coming out GREAT. And, I have started to finish a few blankets that my grandmother started before she passed about 15 years ago. I have to say ... I am no Grandma 'A', but I do sew pretty well. :)

After 7 months of searching, God has answered our prayer and hope for a sponsoring church. We are blessed!! We will be traveling to KY in a few weeks to meet with the church in hopes to plan some details for our trip. Of course these last 7 months of searching have not been easy. Our faith, patience and perseverance have been tested beyond what I ever thought I (and we as a couple) could handle. Obviously, God knew better. He a different plan of action, that has been revealed to us at exactly the right time. And just so we are clear, His plan had nothing to do with what our plans were. After everything that has happened, we are excited to be going to the Philippines with a sponsor. :)

We are also going to RHODE ISLAND this weekend !!! They are predicting lots of SNOW! Woohoo!!! It will be nice to see a real snow again. We are happy to have this chance to spend time with our New England family. They are so welcoming and we always have such great visits.

Other than the above updates, we have been tying up loose ends and are closer and closer to finally leaving for the Philippines.

-I got my Florida drives license

- We paid some of my student loans

-And we have done lots of letter writing.

Each day that draws the Philippines closer, is another day that God gives me peace and contentment with the path He has set before us. I am confident that God will continue to guide me through this transition with flying colors! :)

SOoooo, I have told you what's going on in my/our life ... what's going on with you guys? How is God working in you this year?

If you don't want to leave a comment feel free to shoot us an email.

Love and Peace.

-Caidy

caidyandronald@gmail.com

A little help from my friends

Dear blogging friends,

I need your help. I'm not very blog savvy and I want to know how I can spicy this one up a little bit. It took me about an hour to post the pictures from my pervious post and they were not even arranged how I wanted them to be ... I am sure that there is a faster/more effective way to get that done! Also, I see other blogs with super awesome backgrounds and some even play music. How do I do that fun stuff??

I know, I know "the grass is always greener on the other side" ... but can you blame me? My grass is looking a little lame :/

Help is welcomed! Thanks friends.

-Caidy

Our last few weeks in pictures.

A new leaf

***DISCLAIMER: As many of you may know, I am having a REALLY hard time forming complete sentences these days .... so please bare with me as I try to get my thoughts/feeling down. Some things may not make sense but translate for yourself. :) ***

It's that time. Ronald and I begin a new journey today. Today we move to FL for the holidays ... there we will spend time with my family and tie up lose ends. In a few weeks we will be making that LONG trip to the other side of the WORLD ... all the way to the Philippines.

So many emotions are rushing through me right now. I didn't realize how hard it would be for me to say goodbye to my BFF's. God has blessed me over the last few years with GREAT friendships here in Nashville. I am sad to leave them, knowing that it might be years before I have friendships like that in the Philippines. However, God is good, and if He blessed me once I know He can bless me again.

I will never have friendships like the ones I have had here .... I will never have a friend who I tell anything to without fear of losing her. I will never have another number 1a. I will never had another friend with a loud high pitched laugh. I will never have another friend who can make a room of confident people feel SO uncomfortable with just a few words. I will never forget the memories made over the last 5 1/2 years, and I will always love and cherish the many friends I have made here in Nashville. You guys have been a great love and support to me ... encouraging me to follow Gods plan, no matter how difficult it would be to stay bye. I love you guys.

I know that God has new friends for me, just waiting for my arrival in Cebu. New friends to make new memories with. I am excited to see who God puts in my life and how these friendships form. I am excited to see how God will use me (and Ronald) to impact His people in the Philippines.

We are turning a new leaf today. Leaving behind what we know and are comfortable with to pursue the Lords plan for our lives.

I love you, Nashville.

Watch out Cebu ... here we come. ;)

Love and Peace.

Oh how divine.

As of 4:00 this morning Ronald submitted his very LAST college paper (yes, 4:oo AM ... )!!! He has worked so hard over the last 8 years and now it is all coming to an end. On December 18, 2010 Ronald will walk across the stage in Lipscomb University's Allen Arena and receive his Maters of Divinity degree. I couldn't be more proud of my husband. It's been a long journey ... many books read, papers written and class lectures. He made it through ... WITH FLYING COLORS!

And now begins a new journey ... teaching in the Philippines. WOOT WOOT. Bring it.

Peace, light & mercy

Coffee with egg nog creamer, 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, and a quiet warm apartment. The calm, peacefulness before the moving storm hits.

We have less than 3 weeks to sell all our stuff and move. Crazy. This is actually happening. I can't believe it.... well I can, it's just that for so long we only talked about it and now it's happening. We are moving to the Philippines. WOOT WOOT! Watch out Philippines this wild New Englander is headed your way.

I have been overwhelmed at times, super anxious at times, and stressed most of the time. (Which I am sure all those words mean the same, but I like lists). However, after this mornings time with God, He calmed me right down.

"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God ... For God, who said 'Let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ" 2 Corinthians 4

God has brought us to this point. He will continue to lead us. It's "through God's mercy" we have 818 ministry. We are going to bring it to the Philippines and shine some light where there is much darkness, and God will be with us the whole time. Stress, all gone. Thank you, God.

If you remember all of that, then moving should be a breeze ... we are doing this for God glory ... thats the big picture.

Love & Peace.