...For a safe arrival to the U.S.! We had a few unforeseen bumps along the way and knew that travel could potentially be difficult on my weakened, pregnant body. Everything was going smoothly and comfortably until we arrived in Lima, Peru and our connecting flight refused to let us on board because of the perceived riskiness of my pregnancy. We are thankful that God worked it out so that we could get on another airlines' flight to Miami that was leaving immediately and we arrived to our destination several hours earlier than expected! The next morning, we were refused the rental car we had reserved online! We are thankful that my parents drove the 6 hours to come get us in a borrowed, larger vehicle, that the hotel we were staying in had a last-second cancellation to their completely booked schedule which allowed us to stay in our room throughout the rest of the day while we waited for my parents, and that we made it safely home in the wee hours of the evening.
...For our families and supporters! We'll be spending almost 6 months in my parents' home, eating their food, enjoying their hospitality and potentially slightly abusing their free babysitting services. We had the joy of spending a few days with Scotty's parents already and look forward to a more extended time later next year with them and their church in Tennessee. Our Vineyard church here has welcomed us as lovingly as they always do and we are excited to soak in their love for a while. Our church, Desiring God Community Church, in Charlotte has already sent us a lovely care package and we await the time we can worship with them after our baby is born. Scotty is excited to see friends and supporters at Bethlehem Baptist in Minneapolis when he goes to the pastors conference there at the end of January. We are surrounded by people who care about us and have been praying for us and we feel God's unmerited grace through all of them.
...For good medical care and good health! God miraculously got us in with a very respected high-risk pregnancy doctor in town who rarely takes new patients! He is kind and gentle and reassuring and his office staff have been nothing but friendly and capable. The medical experience we've had here is worlds apart from what we are used to...it's what I've been dreaming of since I found out I was pregnant! And, upon being reviewed by Dr. Duff (thank God for this man!), he pronounced everything good and normal and relieved me from my bed rest! He also informed us that we were having another girl, much to our surprise and great joy. Jubilee Sage will join us, Lord-willing, in early March.
...For rest. There's nothing like being in a place that is so comfortable and familiar. For me, comfortable is short sleeves in November, just the temperatures Gainesville boasts this time of year. But it's also the knowledge that this time is for us to unwind, relax, and rest in God's goodness. Natalie is thriving in this new place where she has not only mom and dad around, but Nana and Papa, too. She is running barefoot outside in the grass, playing in the sprinklers, learning to ride a tricycle, making new friends in the neighborhood and checking out lots of library books! Scotty finally has a break from the demanding ministry schedule that occupied much of his time the last few months, as well as the concerns he carried for taking care of a lot of my needs, as well as Natty's, mostly on his own. We are thanking God continually that we will be able to enjoy some activities together again outside of the house and do more together as a family. It is a true joy to be here.
...For our Bolivian pastor, Edgar Mamani. Edgar is the sort of pastor that you are honored to also call your friend. He is devoted to the faithful preaching of the Word and to the encouragement of his flock. He is a good husband and father. His life and ministry have been radically changed by what he has learned from pastor John Piper, through his sermons and books. We shared with you the plans we had to get pastor Edgar to Minneapolis this winter for the pastor's conference at Pastor John's church. So far, we are still in need of about $1500 to fly Edgar from La Paz and cover his expenses while in the states. We would be so grateful if you'd consider helping with this special gift of giving Edgar the opportunity to see the pastor who has made such a great impact in his life. Please also pray for Edgar's mother, who is not a believer and who has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. Please pray for her healing, both spiritually and physically.
...For God's abundant provision through His people in the past, present and future. We have been well-supplied for all of our needs over the course of our missionary career so far in Bolivia. We will be making some of our new financial needs known to you in our next newsletter, but want to express our gratitude to God and to you for generously supporting us in so many ways.
With love and gratitude,
Scotty, Lisa, Natalie and Jubilee Miser
Please call us! 352-450-1669
or email us! scottynlisa@gmail.com
Or check out our blog! http://scottyandlisa.
Or send us checks! SIM USA * PO Box 7900 * Charlotte, NC 28241
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