Monday, November 3, 2008

“Continually Learning to Live Out the Fruit of the Spirit”

You've probably wondered why it's taken us so long to write since we've been back in Poland! We're wondering the same thing because we should've written sooner! After almost two months, we're still trying to get things settled and organized and back in place! What we do know and want you to know is that we surely haven't forgotten you! We think about you pretty often and the wonderful time we could have in the States this past summer! We have not forgotten either how the Lord brought us back on our desired return date. We will always be thankful and keep that experience as a remembrance of God's faithfulness and a growing time in our lives.

Since returning to Poland, we've plunged into our regular activities almost as if we hadn't been gone! Two days after we got back , the kids got off to a great start in school. They were excited to see their friends again and Alaina especially to begin 1st grade!

It was so good for us to see our church family and teammates and worship together again! It was fun catching up with friends and contacts in the community, many wondering why we would want to come back! “It's our home here, we help and work here, God wants us here,” we say. What a deep-down joy to be back and continue on building relationships with our friends, saved and unsaved.

Our expression this time about living out the Fruits of the Spirit is something we are learning yet again! Always! It has not been easy since our return in some areas. There have been cultural and personality issues that have been a source of struggle, unlike it's ever been before. I went to a teacher store before we left to get some things for English and saw a colorful poster with the verses of the Fruits of the Spirit listed. Though it doesn't exactly match the “decor” of the house, I put it up right in our entryway anyway in a place where we often look. It's good to be reminded often!

There have been times in the last couple of months that I have literally bitten my tongue. What I have wanted to say actually does need to be said but not in the way I wanted to say it at that time. Ohhh, to constantly see things through God's eyes and act and react as He would! Living out the Fruits of the Spirit puts things in perspective- looking and acting as God would- so that our “humanness” in us does not take over. “And they'll know we are Christians by our love”. That's how we want those around us to see us. That's how we'll make a difference here. Please pray for us, for daily wisdom and Fruit-filled lives so others can see the Spirit in us!

We are so thankful to be involved in people's lives here. Thank you for being a part of the work here!

Blessings,
Paul, Carlene, Andrew, Aaron and Alaina

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