Welch Update #1 - 12.25.23
“the weary world rejoices”
(Enjoying a day in Chicago after our French Visa application interview)
We are much overdue for an update since our initial support letters were sent out.
These past few months have been filled with quite a bit of traveling to see friends and family prior to our departure – and it has been such a blessing for us to connect with many of you and feel so supported and loved as we prepare to leave.
(Thanksgiving with Joe’s side of the family)
We recently turned our home in Lafayette, Indiana into an Airbnb and moved in with Joe’s parents in southwest Michigan for our last few weeks stateside. We are excited to be able to spend some quality time with both sides of the family for Christmas.
Amidst the packing and traveling, we have been cherishing the time as a family of four. Eden is almost 2.5 years old and Gil is 4 months old already.
(Eden and Gil ready for winter)
We officially depart for France on December 31st – It will be quite the way to ring in the New Year! Our French language classes will then start on January 8th.
(A bit of the chaos of packing)
As we celebrate this Christmas season and the birth of our Savior and the Hope that it brings, one line from the Christmas song “O Holy Night” in particular stands out to me.
“a weary world rejoices”
I don’t know about you, but these past few years our world has felt more and more weary. It’s hard to navigate the seemingly conflicting feelings of grief, loss and suffering, both personally and in our world, with that of joy. But then I reflect on the words right before which say,
“a thrill of hope”
Although I don’t always understand, I am grateful for the Hope we have in Christ. He too came into a world that was hurting and suffering and He too suffered and died to bring hope outside of our circumstances. So wherever you find yourself this season, I pray you can find peace in the Hope that we have in Christ.
Praises
· We are at 100% of our monthly recurring financial support goal! We feel incredibly humbled and blessed by so many of you who have partnered with us financially.
· Passports and Visas have all arrived and flights are booked!
Prayer Request
· House – unfortunately our first tenants vandalized our home fairly extensively this past week which will delay any further bookings for a while until things can be repaired. It has been demoralizing. Prayers that it will be fully restored quickly, that the Lord would be glorified some way through this, and that these people would find Jesus.
· Travels – for smooth travels with the kiddos and that all of our luggage would arrive safely
· Goodbyes – for peace and comfort as we say goodbye to family, friends and “familiarity”.
· Adjusting/Language –for quick adjustment to a new culture and way of living and also that we would have aptitude for learning a new language
