Here we go…
I quit my job on Monday. This was a really easy decision to make. I had grown increasingly unhappy in my day job, and with both Joel and I working full time it was hard to have the capacity to do much more than send a few emails once a week. And if I’m really honest, for a long time, I was scared to let go of my comfort of two incomes. “What if..” was a regular question I’d put ahead of faith in God. But finally, my heart and soul were ready to do something that actually furthered the kingdom of God and I feel that peace right now.
We’re already experiencing the rich generosity of our friends, families, and our church family. People have opened their homes and we have shared meals with people that want to know more. Our support raising coach, John Mark (the absolute GOAT) reminded us that people want to support us. They want to be a part of this mission. God called us to go and he called them to send. You can’t argue with that or feel any sort of shame asking for help with God is leading our steps and theirs!
The love we have felt has been overwhelming. I did joke with Joel that if this all falls through, at least we got to reconnect with my cousin Jake and his wife, Becca, and kids, Micah, Hazel, and Millie and new puppy, Luna! And have the BEST lasagna I’ve ever had in my life. Also, can you stop right now and pray thanks for this family? Jake and Becca lead their college ministry at church as well as help with the youth group. They are stepping in to be like parents to the college kids that are away from home. They are raising up the next generation of their kind, compassionate, funny, and talented children, and they want to be good “senders” and truly walk with us in prayer and encouragement.
I don’t exactly know what will happen next. I am just walking through the doors God is opening. I feel the supernatural freedom of living with my hands open to God’s will. Every morning I start with prayer that my heart stays in this posture. I love a solid, laid out plan and this entire experience of saying yes to Germany has been a whole lot of “wait”, “maybe”, and “I don’t know”. Yet again, God has been faithful.
What’s next? You’ll be hearing from me soon. I’ll email or call you to set up time to chat about how you can support us. Your prayers are being answered and we feel so peaceful about our current path. I went to a conference called “The Art of Neighboring” and had the question of “Who is my neighbor?” answered. It is anyone in front of me. With that, I am still praying “God send me” so even while I’m here in Omaha I have the heart to put myself aside and show the love of Christ to everyone I encounter.
Prayer requests:
That we would continue to recognize the rest and peace God is giving us in this crazy time.
That we would hit our support raising goals.
This the first time of any of this for us and it can get really overwhelming when it comes to logistics on renting out our house and how to get the dogs safely over the ocean, and all the things that will come up.
How can we pray for you? Please send us an email at joelandkateinberlin@gmail.com and let us know.
Love,
Your Omaha Damons
(Joel, Kate, Samson and Juniper)
