On the Road Again!

Preparing for travel has been a regular occurrence for our family to start the New Year. As we have the previous 6 years, 2016 will start out much the same, as we plan to embark on another journey to Guatemala. Like most families, our 2015 has been filled with ups and downs, victories and struggles, family milestones, and life's predictable normalcy, smattered with surprises.

Since leaving Guatemala in March, we are continually excited and encouraged to see steady progress from pictures on an ever changing construction landscape that is quickly becoming an actual hospital. When we left in March, most of the work was still being done undergrown in 8 foot trenches. These trenches have given way to footings, stem walls, foundation, and now the steel tresses which are steadily being formed into a roof. As with life, the construction progress has faced many obstacles, setbacks, but also victories. The Ficker family has continued to work diligently to spearhead this nearly impossible endeavor. They have dealt with equipment failure, weather challenges, shipment container delays, and personal family tragedy. Through all of this, they have continued to press on with the job God has placed before them. Most importantly, they have pressed on with a joy that even the most difficult personal tragedy has been unable to extinguish.

Having joy in all circumstances is something Shea and I are always striving toward in our lives. When things are going well, we feel elated. When hardships come, its easy sink into depression. But true joy transcends the rolling waves of circumstance. Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. When our lives are intertwined with His, He will help us walk through adversity without sinking into the debilitating lows, and manage prosperity without moving into deceptive highs. The joy of living with Jesus Christ daily should keep us levelheaded, no matter how high or low our circumstances.

Over the last several years, it has been a blessing to watch our friends, the Fickers, live out this joy-filled life. Things have not always been easy, and struggles have abounded, but their joy has been rooted in Christ, something so deep that no circumstance has been able to shake them.

As I write about this joy I'm reminded of Peter's words in 1 Peter 1: 8-9 "Though you have not seen Him, you love Him: and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls."