Jacob and I decided to start this blog as a way to keep in touch with all of our friends and family around the world. We have been blessed by each of you while we were single, dating, and now married and with kids! We hope to bless you all as well, even if it’s a fraction of how you’ve been encouraging to us. This past year has been challenging for all of us. It’s reminded us of how important genuine fellowship and community is. In many ways, primarily by moving back to the US and leaving our “homes” in Chad and Hungary as well as the pandemic and navigating the new season of marriage, pregnancy, and parenting, we feel the isolation more than we have at any other point in our lives. We deeply feel the need to keep in touch as a result, and recognize that the means of communication may need to change. On social media, especially, it seems like the shorter the post, the more read. But life doesn’t always operate in 140 characters. So…. we have a blog!

Here is a brief update on what we’re doing and how we’re doing! After the historic February freeze here in Texas, March was a welcome respite for us. The bluebonnets survived the freeze and have started to bloom. We are so grateful to live here surrounded by nature and to be able to take walks anytime we want as a family. Jacob’s family has also been such a blessing to us and Genevieve absolutely adores Jacob’s siblings and his parents. Jacob started his own house painting company, which keeps him busy most days. Karina teaches English and Hungarian online a few hours a week. Genevieve pops into most of the lessons too with her own vocal contributions :) We are seeking the Lord on when to return to Transylvania to serve in missions there. This has been a humbling process of relying fully on the Lord for His perfect timing and letting go of any fear about the unknown.

We’d love to end our blogs with a mini devotional as an encouragement to you all. I (Karina) have been reflecting on John 21. Peter asked Jesus about another disciple and Jesus answered, “What is that to you? You must follow me” (John 21:22). I struggle with comparison. Don’t we all? Our minds go there without even realizing. It seems to be amplified when you are going through a season of life, whether it be something like grief or marriage or being a parent, that is different from that of a close friend or family member. It’s hard to put yourself in your loved one’s shoes, especially if you are struggling while your loved one is in a joyful season. But if we haven’t gone through a trial recently, or are in one now, we will be soon. God promises us trials in life. And His grace is all the more. So what are another’s circumstances to us? They will know we are Christians by our love. So let’s make that love abundantly evident, without grumbling, and without comparison.