Jan 17, 2008

Howdy from Croatia!

Well we have officially been in Croatia for 1 week. We want to thank you all for all the prayers. We we're once again blown away by God's faithfulness. Many of you were praying about customs for the many extra containers we took home this time and we want you to know that God answered your prayers. We checked in 14 pieces of luggage and KD, our dog. When we checked them in it cost less than we expected and they charged only half of what they should have for KD. With the extra money our home church gave us for shipping we were only out about $150. God is so good

We are in our house and getting settled in. We have all the furniture where it goes now we only have to figure out where to put all my "pretties".

Before we returned I was so ready and we're really enjoying all the family time, but this time we are actually having a bit of culture shock. Who would have thought after 8 years here we would experience culture shock again. I thought about how it could happen and I finally think I got it.

We were very busy in the states, sometimes with 3 engagements on the same day. Then the holidays came and they were a whirlwind of activities with family and friends. When Christmas was over we started packing and getting ready, we were really running from them on. When we arrived here everything all but stopped. I'm sure this is what we're experiencing.

Also you ever remember something you don't have anymore and it's always nicer in memories then it real life. Well my memories of Croatia were just that. I remembered all the good times and nice people in the church but I forgot the people who weren't happy we there or the overwhelming oppression sometimes. I know these are just hurdles we have to make it through. What's really great is that we know being in Croatia is God's will for our lives and we're surrendered to that. It's gonna be rough sometimes but this is where He wants us and as far as we're concerned we don't have a choice about it. He is good and knows best all the time!!!

Wow I almost forgot what a great house God gave us. As soon as I find my camera I'm gonna take some pictures so you all can see how good God has been to us. The house were in is only 100 Euros more a month that the last one and it's 200% better. *Ü*

Oh yea and our dog likes it too!

So now that we're at our "Home Away From Home" things should be relatively normal, for the most part so I should be able to blog more often. Getting back to the wife, mom and home maker things really excites me, hope I remember how. *Ü*

19 comments:

  1. Tori...Glad you are safe and sound...the Lord will take care of the rest...and HE will give you peace and JOY as you climatize so to speak.....and you know you are being prayed for...and Praise the Lord for our computers....can't wait to see the pictures..
    Deby

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  2. So glad you are back home safely and getting settled in. Maybe you'll be able to visit VUH more often now. I'll be praying for you.

    Blessings,
    Mrs. C

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  3. So glad to hear things are going so well for you guys! God sure is good!!

    God Bless
    Jess~

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  4. Tori, I'm so glad that you made it to your "home"! I'm also really glad that I got to see you before you went back even if it was for just a minute.

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  5. I'm so happy that you are "home" in Croatia again! I'm also happy that I was able to see you before you went back!!

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  6. Praise the Lord for all the blessings in getting through customs!

    My sister and her dh are missionaries in Mexico. When they went back for their second term, she experienced what you're talking about, kind of a secondary culture shock. She had forgotten just how dirty and dreary the little town was that they lived in, and the first time around, they'd been expecting twins and then had another baby - she was very busy. Second time, she wasn't as busy with the babies, and noticed more of the dreariness. They've been back in Mexico for a year now, and she has done just fine, and I know the Lord will help you just as He did her!

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  7. I am so happy to see you blogging again! I got a book about Croatia from the Library and we are studying it in our Homeschool for geography...I figured that way I could have the kids connect through your blog and do missions emphasis and geography at the same time.
    We will be praying for you and watching for pictures of your life there.
    It is always nice when travel goes better than you had planned. Glad that it wasn't as expensive as you thought it would be.
    Blessings from Lancaster County, PA
    Becky K.

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  8. Sounds like you're getting settled back in at home. I'm glad everything worked out with customs. Can't wait to see your house!!

    ~Kristi

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  9. So glad you made it safely back to your "Home Away From Home". I will pray for blessings upon every remembrance. :)

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  10. So glad you made it safely back to your "Home Away From Home". I will pray for blessings upon every remembrance. :)

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  11. So glad you are all safe and sound! Can't wait to get to know you better over the next while. I am sure I will get to know a different part of you as your family gets back to a new rotine. Can't wait to see pictures.

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  12. So glad you're safe at home, and that the Lord has blessed you so much!

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  13. You made it!
    I always take about a month to get back into the routine. At first It all feels awkward, you know?

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  14. Anonymous6:01 PM

    Tori, praise the Lord that He has protected you and your family and you are back in Croatia! I have been doing some research on this country and you have your hands full. Praying for God's grace as you minister there! May countless souls be won for the Lord! God bless you, my friend!

    Kate

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  15. Tori, I am so glad you all got "home" safely. It was so good to hear from you. You are such a blessing. May God bless you and your family. connie from Texas

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  16. I'm very happy you all made it there safe and sound.

    Looking forward to the pictures of your home.

    Hugs and prayers

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  17. I'm so glad you made it back safely! And I completely understand what you were saying about memories being better than the reality.

    Blessings,
    ~Mrs.B

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  18. Thanks Ladies, We are glad to be back and luckily the culture shock is getting better. With God all things are possible!

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  19. Tori,
    I was wondering how you all were! So glad to hear you are back. I just got back to Brazil a year ago and went through the shock. I could NOT understand how, after 10 years, I could feel the way I did. Praise God for His grace and patience, amen! So glad you're doing better!

    Althea

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