The Nelson Family Indonesia

In just under two weeks we’ll celebrate our 1-year anniversary of our arrival in Medan. Hard to believe it’s been a year. Also hard to believe it’s only been a year!

We’ve met a lot of people in this year, and continue to meet new folks regularly which is a joy and blessing. But there are also goodbyes. And reminders that Satan is not happy to have God’s people working around the world. This week a young family who arrived in Medan last August left to return to the States. I’m sure there were a variety of factors that led to this decision (they intended to stay here for two years). But in with and under all those reasons is the reality that living abroad is challenging. How challenging, and challenging in what ways only becomes apparent once you arrive.

While it’s sad to see them go, we pray the best for them. Far better to determine it’s not for you and find a better situation than to live in denial. Far better for everyone, in fact. Nobody benefits from a worker (in any line of work, really) imploding rather than finding a better situation.

We continue to work at figuring out what is healthy for us as individuals and a couple and a family, trying to be proactive as much as we’re able to. God is good and we’re deeply blessed, convinced that the Holy Spirit wants us here even if we aren’t always clear on why. God doesn’t promise us things won’t be hard or difficult at times, but He promises to be with us in the midst of it.

Thank you for your continued prayers and partnership. All of you are another reason we’re able to stay here and do what we’ve been Called to do, and we remember that every day! News is a little slow at the moment but don’t worry, it’s going to get pretty crazy in the next few months, and we look forward to sharing that journey with you both spiritually and literally!