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Mercy and Grace

Hello Friends!

I pray this finds you doing well and encouraged in the Lord! It is hard to believe that this is November already, and even harder toIMG_1670[1]
believe that that means I have been in Paraguay for 2 months! The Lord has been (and is!) good and faithful, providing me with everything I need.
I am just starting out with my “official” language learning, and currently meet 2 times a week with 2 different Language Helpers. There have already been many opportunities for me to laugh at myself (and others to laugh with me) at my lack of communication skills. ๐Ÿ™‚ Other than that, I find myself going over the phrases and
words I am learning, as well as spending as much time as I can with anyone that will hang out with an American that they can’t have great conversations with. ๐Ÿ™‚
IMG_1705[1]I have a really HUGE praise: I am moving into my own apartment today!! ๐Ÿ˜€ I have lived in the Guest House that the mission so graciously has let me call home for the last 9 weeks. We found my apartment 5 weeks ago, but if you know anything about Latin culture, things just take longer sometimes. ๐Ÿ˜‰ So, I spent the last weekend scrubbing it well – I have a minor (to me, it seems like it’s major!) cockroach problem, which seems to be pretty normal here in Paraguay. But, you could pray that I can deal with them and and that I’ll be able to be as cockroach free as I can very soon. ๐Ÿ™‚
In these past 2 months, there have been some hard and discouraging times already. Being a foreigner is hard sometimes, and beingIMG_1638[1] away from family and friends is ALWAYS hard. It is a constant battle to make sure I am focused on the Lord and on things that are True. But, I always find exactly what I need in the exact moment I need it when I am walking with God! The Lord has amazed me a thousand times over with His constant faithfulness, love, mercy, and grace for me. I am so glad that even in the midst of those hard times, I have been able to still be 100% confident of the Lord’s direction and guidance in getting me here to my beloved new home, Paraguay. These verses have been such an encouragement to me, and I pray that they might encourage your heart today, too.

 

For we do not have a high priestย who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has beenย tempted as we are,ย yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

THANK YOU for your continued encouragement, prayers, and financial support. I know without a doubt that without them, I would not be able to be here in Paraguay and be a part of what God is doing to make His name known here. I’m praising the Lord for you!!

12 Comments

  • Jane Binger

    Katie sounds like things are okay, and I`ll always pray for your growth in the Lord, and for him to keep you focused on his promises. God Bless and hope you have concorded the bugs. lol

  • Jen VanWormer

    Dear Katie,
    I’m SOOOOOO excited about your new apartment! May The Lord
    continue to encourage & strengthen you for His call, & I pray EACH
    note, card, verse, etc… arrive at exactly the right time to strengthen
    your heart & give you His joy & peace! May God receive MUCH GLORY
    as you continue to serve Him with eyes fixed on Jesus! You are dearly
    beloved, to God & to me! (& a bazillion others!!!)
    Love you! ~ Jen

    • KatieMae

      Hello Jen! Thanks for the note, it’s always lovely to hear from you. ๐Ÿ™‚ Thank you also for praying for me, I appreciate it more than you know. I’m praising the Lord for you and praying for you as well!!

      Love,
      Katie

  • Dave Hasselbach

    Hi Katie,
    It is so encouraging to hear how you are doing well and that you now
    have an apartment! Your message expressing your faithfulness was very comforting to us who love you and pray for your ministry and adaption to your new home and culture. We will keep you in our prayers and look forward to hearing more about your new home Katie.

    • KatieMae

      Hello Dave,
      Thank you for the kind note, as well as for you prayers! I am so thankful for them both! I am settling in, and getting used to my cute little apartment. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Love,
      Katie

  • CarlA

    Hey Kathleen!

    I am so proud of you! Wish I could stop by your new place for a coffee and some catch up!! Miss you girl but am so glad for where you are!

    CarlA

    • KatieMae

      CarlA,
      I love you! I wish you could stop by for coffee, too! That is, if you provided the beans. I haven’t been able to find any good beans yet. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Miss you too, and praying for you guys often. LOVE YOU! Godspeed.

  • Cuzin Larry Hill

    This is just to let you know this note was meant to be an encouragement for you however the Lord’s watch care and Grace over you is the most encouraging for all of us who are praying for you. Larry