Dear Faithful Supporters,
Today I woke up and realized that in two months I will be boarding the plane for Portugal. It is hard to imagine how this is even possible…it feels as if just six months ago I was wondering if this would ever come together. A year ago I had no idea that God would be leading me in this direction. In fact, a little over a year ago I began to pray that God would lead, guide, and direct me to whatever He wanted for my life and ministry. It is incredible to reflect on how He has done this. I am so thankful for a faithful God that guides, directs, and provides for His people.
Over the past two months I have had the wonderful privilege of getting to know a few of my fellow servants and future roommates. I am so thankful for the technology that we have! It has been so neat to get to know each other through emails and Facebook. One of my roommates, Laura, and I have already been able to discuss a Bible study for the 7-12th grade girls at Greater Lisbon Christian Academy. I am so excited and thrilled for this opportunity. Please be praying that God would move mightily in their hearts.
Even though I spent two weeks in Portugal last summer, preparing to live and teach in a foreign country for two years has left me with so many questions. It has been so neat to see how God arranged to have Cal and Joyce Voelker in Iowa during my time of preparation to leave. I was able to meet with them recently and ask them question after question. It was so relieving to sit down with them face-to-face and hear about my future students and the families I will be able to serve during my time there. I learned that I will be teaching a combined classroom of 5th and 6th graders. I will have a total of six students, four boys and two girls. Please pray for me as I seek to teach them academically and spiritually.
Continue to pray for my Visa situation. This continues to be the last item I need to obtain before I leave. I am praying that my proof of insurance will be the last document necessary for the Visa. Please pray that the insurance company sends the correct document quickly, and that the Portuguese Consulate would approve my Visa for two years.
As I am faced with the reality of leaving for two years, God has reminded me not to "shrink back" in fear of the future. My challenge throughout this year (and I am sure it will continue to be a challenge) has been to live in by faith…not common sense, or human reasoning, or earthly advice. Rather to believe in faith that God would do what to me seemed impossible. As I begin to realize the changes that are soon to come (and wonder about all the changes I don't even know about yet), I am constantly encouraged when I look back and recall all the ways God has already proved Himself to be faithful. I know that this journey will bring challenges…but I am so grateful that I go with a living and powerful God who is the same "yesterday, today, and forever." He is faithful.
Thank you so much for going with me on this journey. I can't wait to see how the Lord works.
In Christ,
Erin M. Wahlstrom
