Part 2
The long awaited Part 2
Looking back on the time that has past since we first decided we wanted to go where the need is great, we would have to admit that there have been set backs, doubts, and even times we wondered if we would ever reach our goal before the New System. (seriously, it felt like forever). However, the time has given us much to look forward to, an opportunity to share our goals with others and to do lots of research.
We knew that Eli needed to get his citizenship finalized just in case something happens. Being a US citizen has incentives and protections for travelers-better safe than extradited! And now with both of us working part time we got on the Pioneer list (YAY!) This was something both of us had talked about doing for years but we never felt like we had the circumstances. The blessings have been numerous: my parents and their willingness to help and work around our service schedules, all of the friends in the hall constantly reminding us of our goals and encouraging us to continue trusting in Jehovah for whatever we may need now or in the future, the many young ones in the hall who encourage us with their willingness to work long days with us in service and who constantly remind us that they are coming to visit or more.... wink, wink, and of course, Jehovah who has shown himself to be generous in so many ways.
One of the most memorable ways we think Jehovah has shown us his favor is when we were deciding to purchase our tickets. So here were our dilemmas: 1) Money- (600 per ticket) 2) Timing-most of the flights we found were in the middle of the night and not very convenient for travel in the city or for friends to pick us up 3) Layovers -most of the flights we saw had layovers in Mexico for over ten hours 4) Decent Airlines- we heard crazy stories about Spirit and didn't care to chance it.
So this is how it went down....
We had been searching for weeks for a flight that was a straight flight with no layovers and an airline that wasn't Spirit, and if we could get a great deal that would have been helpful seeing that every time we saved, something would happen that need our immediate attention and well ....money.
One time.... One time I saw got a notice from Trip Advisor saying we could get a flight that fit our very description for $311.... If we left in July and if we bought our tickets immediately. Needless to say we didn't have the money or the time to make the trip that early. It was really disappointing that we weren't able to take advantage of such a great deal! So we resolved that when that deal came around again we would be really ready. We were more careful with our budget and started looking for more clients to work with. But in all honesty it wasn't any of our efforts that made what happened next happen.
In July, we had the C.O's visit. We were super excited because it would be our first visit while pioneering together and it was special for us. We had been checking on flights for weeks again and no results that worked with what we needed. One day while we were in service, we got a notification from the bank that our rental payment was paid 2 weeks early, and the next day we would be paid from our day job. If only the tickets were $311 we would be able to buy our tickets that day!!! So Eli and I talked about praying very specifically about what we needed. We asked Jehovah for a straight flight, at a normal time of day, on a reputable airline, and the kicker was we asked that the ticket cost $311. We knew that if they were there before Jehovah could make it happen if it was his will that we do this. So we agreed to pray separately because we were still in service. After a very anxious and excited prayer (honestly I have never asked for anything so specific from Jehovah) I keep hitting refresh on our flight search. I had read many times that the best prices on flights were flights out Tuesday and Wednesdays so that's what I searched for. However, when we got to the Hall before the afternoon meeting for service, I sat down but I didn't see Eli and I was seeing the same prices and flights as always. So I asked myself why am I relying on mans advise about the Tuesday and Wednesday thing... I started to check out other days. Then Eli sat down and I hit refresh.... and wouldn't you know it .....$311!!! United Airlines, in the middle of the day, straight flight, and bonus: one free checked luggage each. I couldn't help contain my excitement. Needless to say we bought the tickets after the meeting:)
We have no doubt that Jehovah maneuvered things for us. Experiencing him answer our prayers gave us all the confidence in the world that he would help us in our Nicaraguan need greater adventure! We can't wait to see what else he has in store for us!
We love you all and hope that you can continue following us as we share our experiences with you!
