Earthquakes & Eruptions

Well, we've been in Guat for about three weeks now, and we've survived a volcanic eruption, four earthquakes with additional tremors, a landslide, and Spanish classes. The most intense of these--classes. You don't think of it before learning another language, but having a 5 year old's vocabulary can become very personal and very draining.... but I think we're quickly approaching age 6.

To be fair, these natural disasters sound a lot worse than they truly were. We even roasted marshmallows on an active volcano last weekend. And that hike kicked my butt.

We are loving this adventure that God has so kindly called us to! Until next time....

Guat.

So it's difficult enough for me to find the motivation to blog, and now..... all the choices are in Spanish! AHH! I mean, I'm learning, but c'mon!

We're safely in Guatemala for language school, and we just love Antigua. It is an adorable town with cobblestone streets, flowers everywhere, colorful markets and buildings, and we're surrounded by active volcanoes.

Now that we're here, there is such a sense of relief. Unpacking was extremely settling. No more living out of suitcases... at least for two more months.

Last week was Austin's birthday, today is the presidential elections, next week is Independence Day, and in a few days we'll be celebrating our housekeeper's birthday, too. Needless to say, we've been experiencing a lot of Guatemalan culture. We even stumbled upon our "dream job"...

A "moto cafe"... they are a full-service cafe with high-end coffee. lattes. pastries, etc. and they offer motorcycle tours throughout Guatemala and the surrounding countries. So when you're not ascending active volcanoes on your moto, you can exchange stories over coffee.

How To Pack.

Thanks to  JH Ranch, I am a champ at packing for a three-month adventure.  Language school, no problem.

But how in the world does a person pack for two-years though? Where do we even begin? What to take? What to leave? What to ship? What to store? What to sell? We haven't really started.... I'd rather be baking & shopping.

Here goes nothin'

Winning the Lottery

I have so enjoyed spending the last few days & weekends with sweet friends who are the image of Proverbs 18:24.  (I would post a picture here, but some how we've neglected the picture taking the last several days).

Not to mention, I have won big time in the in-law lottery. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful family to marry into.

In His kindness, I believe that at times, God uses our emotions to speak to us. However, I'm being challenged not to live by emotions. See, I'm in this season of life that is easy to do and believe what I momentarily feel like. I'm learning, though, that God is Sovereign, my emotions are not. I am called to believe Truth regardless of how I feel. 

Just my few thoughts for the day... going to NYC this weekend. Perhaps I'll have more to say upon our return! :)

May 10th

Well, two years ago today was my first date with Austin.

Last year, at this time, I was working at Starbucks & planning our wedding.

This year, May 10th was also a significant day for us.... we got our first donation for our ministry in Nicaragua! (Thanks Barkers!) We're excited to see what the Lord has in store for us in the years to come. He is already faithfully providing encouragement, wisdom, funds, and relationships.



If you're interested in giving, checks can be made to Students International  with "Hofsommer" in the memo line. If you're interested in giving via debit/credit card, you can download the form here.  Both checks & forms can be mailed to P.O. Box 2733 Visalia, CA 93279

The Big News

Well, Austin & I are back safely from our one week trip to the Dominican Republic. We're glad to be home, but didn't want to leave. Our time there confirmed our call to long-term missions.

We are officially going to Nicaragua to serve with Students International.

The week in the DR was my first time on a mission trip &  my first time in a 3rd world country. Austin was so glad to be back there and the radiance on his face never dimmed. He truly is created for missions. I got a small taste of what the social work site would/could look like, and I got a huge taste of investing in the students. This particular ministry does a great job of focusing on both the poor people in the community and the students who are visiting on short-term mission trips... It seems like a perfect fit for us.

A few of the baseball boys during devotions at the sports site with Austin.

Making casava with one of the women in the community.

Currently, Students International does not have a base in Nicaragua, but we will be on the seven-person team to launch it. We can tell that God is already at work in Nicaragua, and He is perfectly orchestrating a network of resources.  We have established a relationship with a local church, and we're excited to partner with them. A lot of the other details are unknown at this point, but it's clear that the Lord is simply inviting us to be a part of what He is already doing there.  We will be in Masaya, which is southeast of the capital city, Mangaua.

We are extremely aware of our need for support. Friends who believe in us, encourage us, pray for us. Anyone who knows me even a little knows that I thrive on relationships and fellowship. Although we'll be away, we don't want the distance to cause a barrier... rather, we want our friends and family to know they're on the journey with us.

To be frank, we were given an idea for our budget, and I felt sick. It seems so overwhelming at this point. We have to trust that when God calls, He equips. We are praising Him for providing.We are certain that it will be a faith-builder.

It's exciting to see how the Lord has given each of us experiences that will be perfect preparation for long-term missions. As we continue this journey, I will do my best to continue updating everyone.