A lot of you who read this little blog also receive our weekly prayer update (if you don't and want to join our prayer team, leave a comment with your email address or email me at agreenwald@maf.org and I will add you to the list) and have heard our amazing news.
But in case you haven't heard, as we were packing our crates and preparing for our big move to Indonesia and our trip to Idaho, we received some great news - we hit 100% of the on-going funding we needed to go overseas! It was a milestone Pete and I will never forget. Throughout the past year of focus on developing a partnership of faithful givers and prayer warriors, we have seen God do amazing things and how He completed our team was no exception. This year is a testament to God's faithfulness, goodness, and promise to work in us until we reach completion (which we are by no means close to). It is a year that we will look back on as a reminder during tough times that He is for us, not against us, that He loves us, that He has plans and purposes beyond what we see and know. Beyond what we can comprehend. Beyond what we can ask or imagine.
A year ago 100% seemed daunting and impossible - but nothing is impossible with God. NOTHING!
We could not be more thrilled to be at a point where we are fully-funded and doing the last preparations for our move. We will continue to seek the Lord for new financial partners throughout the length of our ministry, because we are excited about what He is doing in Indonesia and want others to experience the joy of joining in His work, and because giving fluctuates and costs increase.
Join with us as we praise the Lord for all He has done - for He has done GREAT things! - and pray that our Visas come in soon so that we may purchase our tickets to Indonesia.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
It Takes a Village
An old proverb goes a little something like this, "It takes a village to raise a child." I must admit I was always one of those women who didn't think she needed the village. Wouldn't ask for the help. Couldn't possibly impose on someone else for something that she should be able to do herself.
But being a mom, being a wife, being a "missionary"... I've learned a lot about the village it takes.
The village of supporters.
The village of surrogate families.
The village of helpers for Cade.
The village of friends and encouragers.
All who truly care, desire to help, enjoy rejoicing with us and express their deepest sympathy when we mourn. The village of people with whom we do life.
Over the past year our village has been in Georgia, with our blood relatives, Pete's parents, my parents, Pete's sister and her family, my best friend and her wonderful husband, the amazing amount of people who have come alongside us in ministry and in life... to help us raise Cade... to help raise us.
Right now our village is in Nampa, at MAF headquarters. It consists of amazing home staff who love seeing how big Cade has become, who help as we prepare for our big move, who want to form memories we can hold onto and relationships we can return to in four years. It consists of four wonderful, rowdy, older boys who love to show Cade the ropes, ask him for a fist bump every time he see's them, and teach him new games with the ball. And it consists of other MAF families preparing for their big moves. Some going to Indonesia, like us, others to Africa, all of us mourning the distance we are about to put between us and our villages here, yet eager to go to the land God has shown us.
In a matter of months our village will change again. And we can't wait to see who the Lord allows us to encounter, the village of people He will put us in, the ways He will grow us and raise us in Indonesia, and the people who will come alongside us to help raise our son into the man God desires him to be.
It takes a village to raise a child... to raise a family... to raise missionaries... It takes a village and we couldn't be more privileged for the village God has provided!
But being a mom, being a wife, being a "missionary"... I've learned a lot about the village it takes.
The village of supporters.
The village of surrogate families.
The village of helpers for Cade.
The village of friends and encouragers.
All who truly care, desire to help, enjoy rejoicing with us and express their deepest sympathy when we mourn. The village of people with whom we do life.
Over the past year our village has been in Georgia, with our blood relatives, Pete's parents, my parents, Pete's sister and her family, my best friend and her wonderful husband, the amazing amount of people who have come alongside us in ministry and in life... to help us raise Cade... to help raise us.
Right now our village is in Nampa, at MAF headquarters. It consists of amazing home staff who love seeing how big Cade has become, who help as we prepare for our big move, who want to form memories we can hold onto and relationships we can return to in four years. It consists of four wonderful, rowdy, older boys who love to show Cade the ropes, ask him for a fist bump every time he see's them, and teach him new games with the ball. And it consists of other MAF families preparing for their big moves. Some going to Indonesia, like us, others to Africa, all of us mourning the distance we are about to put between us and our villages here, yet eager to go to the land God has shown us.
In a matter of months our village will change again. And we can't wait to see who the Lord allows us to encounter, the village of people He will put us in, the ways He will grow us and raise us in Indonesia, and the people who will come alongside us to help raise our son into the man God desires him to be.
It takes a village to raise a child... to raise a family... to raise missionaries... It takes a village and we couldn't be more privileged for the village God has provided!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Nesting
Many of you know that on Saturday Pete, Cade and I flew out to Nampa, ID for MAF's Standardization and Orientation. (When Pete learns how to operate safely and within MAF guidelines both flying and maintaining the planes and when we both learn how to integrate into a new culture.)
Due to a good-sized crew up here for Candidacy (what Pete and I did a year ago - learning about MAF, receiving our assignment, and preparing to raise support), field staff home on furlough, and Technical Evaluations (what Pete and I did 2 years ago - the two week long job interview when the MAF flight and maintenance staff see if you have what it takes to fly for MAF overseas), we were put up at a local hotel. The hotel was nice, had a pool and hot tub, with a restaurant just out the door. Cade enjoyed playing in the lobby, finding things in the room that were "no, no's," and walking across the parking lot for lunch.
But, today was move-in day at the apartments. And boy did we live it up. All the bags are unpacked and clothes, toiletries, etc. put away. Groceries are purchased and ready to become delicious meals. Toys are out of the closet and in a Cade-friendly place for easy accessibility, without being constantly under-foot. But the best by far - the playground, outdoor toys, and luscious green grass is just out our front door. Ahh, we are seriously blessed!
I've always been one to not feel settled until everything was unpacked and all was in its place. And today was no different. As soon as all the bags were unpacked and put away, I hunkered down for a good nap - in fact, Pete came home from work (which is just a short walk away) to me snoozing on the couch. My nesting complete, our home - for now - prepared.
Nesting today reminded me that in a few short months I will be nesting again, setting up home, preparing to begin language school, figuring out the lay of the land, but this time on the other side of the globe, in a country I've only dreamed of! I look forward to sharing with you how our move goes and what the Lord teaches us as we move around the world for Him!
Due to a good-sized crew up here for Candidacy (what Pete and I did a year ago - learning about MAF, receiving our assignment, and preparing to raise support), field staff home on furlough, and Technical Evaluations (what Pete and I did 2 years ago - the two week long job interview when the MAF flight and maintenance staff see if you have what it takes to fly for MAF overseas), we were put up at a local hotel. The hotel was nice, had a pool and hot tub, with a restaurant just out the door. Cade enjoyed playing in the lobby, finding things in the room that were "no, no's," and walking across the parking lot for lunch.
But, today was move-in day at the apartments. And boy did we live it up. All the bags are unpacked and clothes, toiletries, etc. put away. Groceries are purchased and ready to become delicious meals. Toys are out of the closet and in a Cade-friendly place for easy accessibility, without being constantly under-foot. But the best by far - the playground, outdoor toys, and luscious green grass is just out our front door. Ahh, we are seriously blessed!
I've always been one to not feel settled until everything was unpacked and all was in its place. And today was no different. As soon as all the bags were unpacked and put away, I hunkered down for a good nap - in fact, Pete came home from work (which is just a short walk away) to me snoozing on the couch. My nesting complete, our home - for now - prepared.
Nesting today reminded me that in a few short months I will be nesting again, setting up home, preparing to begin language school, figuring out the lay of the land, but this time on the other side of the globe, in a country I've only dreamed of! I look forward to sharing with you how our move goes and what the Lord teaches us as we move around the world for Him!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
His Power in My Weakness
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. ”Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."
2 Corinthians 12:9
I haven't stopped thinking about this verse all night long. Last night we received a message from a family friend letting us know that they wanted to be a part of our ministry team and they were hoping that we would ask them to join the ministry of MAF as we seek to follow Jesus in Indonesia. Needless to say, we were (and are) thrilled that they would want to join our team. But all night long, all I could do was think about how it would have been so easy for them not to send us a message, for it to just slide right under the table and not ever have been mentioned, for my lack of faith, my timidity in sharing His call, my weakness to have kept a generous and caring long-time friend from being a part of His Kingdom work in Indonesia.
And all night long, as I have been thinking through my weaknesses, I have been reminded that He is perfected in my weakness. That His power can come through in my weakness. That it's not about me, it's about what He can and will do regardless of my fears and failures. And for that I am thankful.
Thankful that He is the One who soften hearts. He is the One who draws people near to Him. He is the One who tenderly speaks to our heart and desires to be loved, because He first loved us. It is He who does the work. Whew! A relief, and yet we are still called to share, to speak of His truth and love, and to act it out as His body here on earth.
I am grateful, that despite my weakness, and in fact because of my weakness, He is made GREAT! He can show His power. He can dwell in me and strengthen the work that He is doing in my heart. And He can give me the grace to boast only in Him and have faith in His plans and purposes!
He is made strong and is glorified in my weakness, as I surrender to Him and let His power move me.
Monday, July 16, 2012
UPDATE: 50/50 Challenge
Yesterday was the official end to our 50/50 Challenge. We have spent the past 50 days asking the Lord to build our ministry team by 50 financial partners and boy, did He answer our prayers!
Over the last 50 days, the Lord has added 27 new monthly financial partners and 38 new one-time partners. Along with the increase in ministry partners, He has added over $6000 to our outgoing fund, which is now complete at over 100%! We have also seen an increase in our monthly giving by over $1600 per month! Join with us as we rejoice in the goodness and faithfulness of our Lord!
We now lack only $760/month in order to be fully-funded and on our way to Indonesia! That's only 30 people giving $25/month!
In the coming weeks we will be packing all our belongings into crates (or getting rid of them - email me for details on the items we are selling at agreenwald@maf.org). After we have completed packing, we will head up to MAF Headquarters in Nampa, ID for Pete to complete his Flight and Maintenance Standardization, followed by MAF Orientation before our departure.
If the rest of our funding comes in and our Visas are approved by the Indonesian government, it looks as though we will be heading to Indonesia early November!
Over the last 50 days, the Lord has added 27 new monthly financial partners and 38 new one-time partners. Along with the increase in ministry partners, He has added over $6000 to our outgoing fund, which is now complete at over 100%! We have also seen an increase in our monthly giving by over $1600 per month! Join with us as we rejoice in the goodness and faithfulness of our Lord!
We now lack only $760/month in order to be fully-funded and on our way to Indonesia! That's only 30 people giving $25/month!
In the coming weeks we will be packing all our belongings into crates (or getting rid of them - email me for details on the items we are selling at agreenwald@maf.org). After we have completed packing, we will head up to MAF Headquarters in Nampa, ID for Pete to complete his Flight and Maintenance Standardization, followed by MAF Orientation before our departure.
If the rest of our funding comes in and our Visas are approved by the Indonesian government, it looks as though we will be heading to Indonesia early November!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Shopping & Packing
A year ago we prayed for (and were assigned to) serve in Indonesia with MAF. Just one year later we are seeing the Lord complete our financial ministry team - if He is leading you into financial partnership with us, it's not too late - and are beginning the tough job of shopping for and packing our crate.
With lists from wives living in different Indonesian programs, along with our own personal preferences and items we already own, we have begun the adventure of shopping (the packing will come once our crates arrive and the shopping is completed).
To date, a couple trips to SAMs Club and a lengthy stay in the bedding section of Target have occurred. With every trip, items on our list get checked off (not crossed, so I can see what we have purchased later on). And with every trip our move seems more real. This idea of moving half way around the world is becoming our reality... YIKES and YAY!
Some friends, knowing the task of purchasing all the items we will need is large, have begun an online Going Away Party/ House Warming Shower. Here is Valerie's invitation:
It's about time for the Greenwalds to take off to Indonesia. We sure will miss them and I know you will, too! I've asked the Greenwalds for a list of items they need in order to set up their home on the other side of the globe.
These items will be much needed and are either difficult or impossible to purchase in Indonesia.
If you would like to help them, please choose an item(s) from the list on amazon.com or Sign Up Genius and send it to them as soon as possible. Or, you can send a cash gift if you prefer.
Please postmark your gift by July 20th, so that they can begin packing their crates.
Pete & Ashley Greenwald
5650 Preserve Circle
Johns Creek, GA 30005
Thank you so much for helping Pete & Ashley! I know this will be a huge encouragement to them. Please keep them in your prayers during this time of huge transitions.
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/2U006WZIRSNVP/ref=cm_wl_search_1
Sign-Up Genius: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090C4EAAA62CA02-greenwald
As our move becomes a reality, we are reminded of the amazing friends and family that we will miss so dearly when we are in Indonesia. Many people have asked us if we are concerned or scared or nervous about our move. The truth is that we are not. We are only sad that each of you won't be able to physically join us on this journey, but we are so glad that through technology and your faithful prayers and support, we will remain in one another's lives!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Eternally Grateful and Incredibly Overwhelmed...
The last two weeks of our lives have been an absolute blur - to say the least. On our drive out to Houston, we had the privilege of meeting the newest member of the Shanahan family, and oh my word is he PRECIOUS! It's always so much fun for us to see them and we had a blast playing with Andrea and Jackson, and holding little Owen. Did I mention that although I am a momma, I had COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN how to hold an infant. Seriously, it looked like I had never been around babies in my life as I stood there in the kitchen holding Owen as Holly made dinner. Pete thought it was hilarious, but I can honestly say that it made me nervous about ever adding another to our family...
We then completed the journey to Houston and had an amazing time with many Indonesians at the house fellowship, Indonesian Consulate, and IFGF Houston. We are always overwhelmed by the generosity and hospitality of our Indonesian brothers and sisters in Christ - truly blessed, and overwhelmed (in a good way)! We had the chance to fellowship, sing praises, and share in the Word of God, not to mention try the infamous Durian fruit.
Our host in Houston was a kind, caring, and incredibly hospitable man who will forever hold a special place in our hearts as just one of the many ways the Lord has shown himself to us along this journey of support raising. No words can express the depth of our gratitude and the blessing we experienced while being in Houston with Irfan and the IFGF community.
We also had a chance to see some friend in Houston - shout out to the Gibson's, Uncle Tim, and Skinny - before heading to Longview for a much needed face-to-face goodbye with dear friends.
In Longview, we updated a very special small group on our journey and timeline, enjoyed dinner with our dear friends the VanBrocklin's, and had some dessert as we met little Logan Arnold for the very first time! Our home away from home, the RV in the Ash's back yard, was as comfy and peaceful as we had remembered and we enjoyed being with the Ash family - picking out paint colors, shopping for Indo supplies, sharing meals, and being amongst family who have been where we are going and have helpful advice and tips for our journey!
Upon our return we said a few more goodbyes to Pete's brother's family. The hugs were a little longer than usual and a few words my sis, Stephanie said will forever ring in my ears, "I can't believe I'm about to have a sister in Indonesia." For this only child, those words are very special and even as I type this, I find myself tearing up - grateful that the Lord has provided in so many ways, including that childhood prayer of having sisters! To both of my sisters - I love you and thank God for you (and my awesome brothers, too)!
God is incredibly good to our family and we are eternally grateful and incredibly overwhelmed by His faithfulness and love which is lavished on us.
We then completed the journey to Houston and had an amazing time with many Indonesians at the house fellowship, Indonesian Consulate, and IFGF Houston. We are always overwhelmed by the generosity and hospitality of our Indonesian brothers and sisters in Christ - truly blessed, and overwhelmed (in a good way)! We had the chance to fellowship, sing praises, and share in the Word of God, not to mention try the infamous Durian fruit.
Our host in Houston was a kind, caring, and incredibly hospitable man who will forever hold a special place in our hearts as just one of the many ways the Lord has shown himself to us along this journey of support raising. No words can express the depth of our gratitude and the blessing we experienced while being in Houston with Irfan and the IFGF community.
We also had a chance to see some friend in Houston - shout out to the Gibson's, Uncle Tim, and Skinny - before heading to Longview for a much needed face-to-face goodbye with dear friends.
In Longview, we updated a very special small group on our journey and timeline, enjoyed dinner with our dear friends the VanBrocklin's, and had some dessert as we met little Logan Arnold for the very first time! Our home away from home, the RV in the Ash's back yard, was as comfy and peaceful as we had remembered and we enjoyed being with the Ash family - picking out paint colors, shopping for Indo supplies, sharing meals, and being amongst family who have been where we are going and have helpful advice and tips for our journey!
Upon our return we said a few more goodbyes to Pete's brother's family. The hugs were a little longer than usual and a few words my sis, Stephanie said will forever ring in my ears, "I can't believe I'm about to have a sister in Indonesia." For this only child, those words are very special and even as I type this, I find myself tearing up - grateful that the Lord has provided in so many ways, including that childhood prayer of having sisters! To both of my sisters - I love you and thank God for you (and my awesome brothers, too)!
God is incredibly good to our family and we are eternally grateful and incredibly overwhelmed by His faithfulness and love which is lavished on us.
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