Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Second Lieutenant Matthew J. Sanders


Good grief!!!!! It has been months since I've updated this blog...you must have thought I've dropped off the edge of the earth. Actually, I almost have :). It has been busy, busy since we moved back to the U.S. and lots has happened for sure! Matt was sworn in as a Chaplain Candidate on June 20, Father's Day. It was a special day as our 8 yo son, Aaron, was also baptized that day! Matt's brother, retired Army Major Mark, was able to come and be Matt's commissioning officer. It was wayyyy cool. So, now we're waiting for Matt to be attached to a Reserve unit. That will be exciting for him. He is studying hard, hoping to finish his MDiv by next December. He has already completed one class this summer, Hebrews, and he finished with FLYING COLORS!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Developments

It's been a while again. We're enjoying being home, but I have to say that I miss Uruguay too. DH hasn't really heard about his commission; it takes a while they say. He's busy looking for a job, not an easy thing these days. God has provided us with a nice minivan and DS1 has a job already. DD1 wants to get her driver's permit soon. The Lord has provided for the kids to attend the Christian school here, for which we are very thankful! My parents leave the day after tomorrow for their next mission field, but I sure will miss them! My husband starts classes on May 17; I'm sure he's looking forward to it. I need to start back to school (to finish this school year) on Wednesday~yikes!

Friday, April 16, 2010

and...Time to say Hello!

It was a long trip. But God brought us safely to our country again. Our trip started out a week ago when we left Salto, Uruguay. That was a sad day, when we said good-bye to so many dear friends. Then, we spent happy days with friends in Montevideo. We love the Parnells! God, bless them always... Then, on Tuesday afternoon we headed to the aeropuerto de Carrasco to check in our, ahem, 28 checked bags. We didn't get too many weird looks, but I did see a girl behind us counting them :). We had no problems checking in. At around 9, we got onto the plane. and sat. and sat some more. worked several sudoku puzzles. We taxied. Then, the pilot told us there were technical difficulties, so we would not be leaving that night. Swell. We had to "re-enter" Uruguay, and get our 28 bags back. Fun, fun. We didn't want to have to transport all that luggage again, so a couple of our "peeps" stayed with the luggage all.night.long while the rest of us got to go to a hotel. The next day, all over again! But God really was in control of our trip! Pretty much the rest of the trip went off w/o a hitch! God allowed our family of 7 to travel STANDBY from Montevideo, Uruguay to...somewhere in the Midwest! It was nothing short of a miracle and I'm very thankful for my friend, C*, who made it humanly possible. Thank YOU, God! Here on this end, my parents and a friend were at the airport to receive us. I would say that I am definitely experiencing some "culture shock". I know, that's shocking for those of you who have never lived out of the US, but it is definitely so. For example, everything is so neat and tidy. The stores are open 24/7. There is SO MUCH food! People are a little...um..*heavier :) We are looking forward to getting used to being home!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Time to Say Goodbye...

I haven't been on here to say all that has happened... We did move out of Salto and we are staying with friends in another Uruguayan city. Last night was the last night we slept in Uruguay :( Mostly, I feel sad to leave Uruguay right now. My heart is very heavy knowing that I will probably never see my friends here or Salto ever again. The night we left Salto was very sad, and my little Sophie just cried and cried. Saying goodbye is never easy, in spite of the fact that I've been doing it for years and years... I HATE CHANGE. But I know that change helps me grow. In some time, I will grow to love the new thing, but for today I'm JUST SAD. :(

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

Happy Easter...a little late :)


Arrghhhh...I just lost my whole post! I hate re-posting when it takes me LONG enough to just post once... Happy Easter two days late! We had a nice Easter and it was my sweet oldest daughter's sixteenth birthday too! We've been busy, busy around here packing, getting all last minute things done. It is very annoying to find all those drawers with itty bitty things~to take or not to take? Anyway, about Easter... we had shishkabobs (sp?) and unfrosted chocolate cake per birthday girl's request. It was a nice day, on the which I, unfortunately, got sick... We have just two days left in this town that has been our home for the last almost-2 years...only 8 until we get back to our hometown! We are excited to go home, but a little sad to leave this behind. Nowhere is as tranquil and peaceful as Salto, Uruguay :) That's another thing on the list of things I'll miss. Well, I close now. Above is an Easter picture, taken by my genius, awesome photographer daughter!


Wednesday, March 24, 2010

WooHoo!

Hello all! Today DH found out that he, indeed, passed the review board! HE IS A CHAPLAIN CANDIDATE IN THE U.S. ARMY! Wow! We are so excited to have jumped through all the flaming hoops and be able to say that! The next step that we know about it attaching himself to a Reserve Unit close to where we will be making our home. Praise the LORD!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Please pray!

Today is the day that DH's chaplain packet possibly goes before the review board! Please pray that God would allow us to enter the chaplaincy if it HIS will. Whew~the American military is ALREADY interesting, and we haven't even officially entered! God is OUR BANNER! Jehovah-Nissi!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Back

Wow...I just realized it has been a while since I posted. Hopefully, DH's packet was received and should be reviewed by this month's board. Then we will know more about the future. We are packing and selling and packing and pitching. My friend C and her dd J were here to visit and we had a nice time. She was a huge blessing (as usual)! Also, this week was my ds#2's 14th birthday~what a blessing that boy is to me! We had Mediterranean fish per his request and not 1, not 2, but 3 cheesecakes, which my friend brought the mixes for! Yum, yum! We just finished the last of it yesterday :). I have not been feeling 100%; I need to feel better to get everything done! I think part of it is *trying* to not drink so much coffee~makes me feel rotten. Speaking of coffee... :) Happy day, peeps!

Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Good News!

Yesterday we received the good news that Matt's medical info got the waiver it needed to be able to be turned in in his packet. We are hoping that his packet made it in time to be reviewed by the March board. Matt also might have a job possibility in our hometown, which is very good news! We're praying for everything to fall in place~GOD IS GOOD.ALL.THE.TIME!

For today... March 9, 2010

Outside my window...
a little cloudy...


I am thinking...
of how much I have to do!

I am thankful for...
good news from a far country :)

I am wearing...
a green (another of my favorites!) blouse and jeans

I am remembering...
how blessed I am!

I am going...
to make a menu

I am reading...
through my Bible;
reading the Horse and His Boy to the little ones;
Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

I am hoping (praying)...
for my friend, Tonya, who has a jail ministry opportunity

On my mind...
some conflict :(

Noticing that...
the house is very messy!

From the kitchen...
kinda messy ...

On the menu...
T ~ breakfast-whatever; lunch-
milanesas w/mashed potatoes, carrots; supper- tuna salad sandwiches
W ~ breakfast-cinnamon rolls; lunch-
estofado de pollo, rice, salad; supper-eggs/rice
Th ~ breakfast-scrambled eggs, toast; lunch-
fish romano, sauteed yellow squash, rice;supper- smashed sandwiches
F ~ breakfast-French toast; lunch-
spaghetti, garlic toast, cole slaw; supper-leftovers
S ~ breakfast-cereal/toast; lunch-hot dogs, oven-fried potatoes; supper-grilled cheese
Sun ~ breakfast-donuts/bread; lunch-asado, veggies, saltenitas/mayo; supper-ham/cheese sandwiches

M~breakfast-waffles; lunch-sweet/sour meatballs, rice, broccoli; supper-pizza

Around the house...
lots of activity~5 kids!

I am creating...
several crochet projects!

I am hearing...
traffic out front, little kids "talking" to the cat

One of my favorite things...
COFFEE

A few plans for the rest of the week...
work on our homeschool lessons;
pack, price items for garage sale; clean the house; trip to get my friend

Picture to share...




















http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Sunday, March 07, 2010

Packing, packing

We found out today that the owners of the two places we rent here (our home and the church building) are giving us permission to turn in the keys in early April....yeah! Until I got to thinking...wow, that's less than a month away...LOTS TO DO! Yikes. Better get started.right away!

Thursday, March 04, 2010

We will Trust

We heard today from Matt's recruiter that his MEPS physical was declined... More opportunity to trust in the LORD! We have peace that God is in control. The recruiter seems to think that there is great chance that this will be able to be waived by the army chaplain doctor. It seems that our "destiny" is the hands of this one Dr., but the truth is that our future is STILL in the hands of our ever faithful GOD. We will trust!

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Moving on...


Well, DH is home and boy, are we glad about that! Now that he's home, things are officially MOVING! We are in the process of trying to find a home to rent in our hometown, looking at dates of leaving this home, packing a little here and there, pricing our stuff for sale. Lots going on! Meanwhile, though, life continues...gotta keep schooling, eating, cleaning... I'm feeling a little "fibromyalgic", as I usually do when I am stressed. I just need to leave things in God's and my husband's very capable hands :) I found out after DH came home from the U.S. not too long ago that he not only wants to be an Army chaplain, but he also wants to be an Army chaplain R.... Can't believe it! Is this what I signed up for??? Haha I think my husband is awesome, never shooting low, always at the very top! Not mediocre.AT.ALL.

Monday, March 01, 2010

Simple Woman's Daybook-March 2, 2010


For today... March 2, 2010


Outside my window...
bright sun shining on the inviting pool...


I am thinking...
of how exciting this new phase of my life is/will be!

I am thankful for...
my husband's return!

I am wearing...
a sleeveless orange (one of my favorites!) blouse and jeans

I am remembering...
how blessed I am!

I am going...
to pack and pack and pack

I am reading...
through my Bible;
reading the Horse and His Boy to the little ones;
Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

I am hoping (praying)...
for my son, Ethan's, future


On my mind...
a visit from my sweet friend, Candy, and her daughter


Noticing that...
I am very warm!

From the kitchen...
pretty tidy :)

On the menu...
M ~ breakfast-pop tarts!; lunch-leftovers; supper-more leftovers
T ~ breakfast-pancakes and peanut butter; lunch-
pasta c/carusso sauce; supper-smashed sandwiches
W ~ breakfast-omelettes; lunch-
crock-pot bbq chicken, steamed potatoes, salad; supper-eggs/rice
Th ~ breakfast-cinnamon rolls; lunch-
fish romano, sauteed yellow squash, rice;supper-tuna salad sandwiches
F ~ breakfast-cereal/toast; lunch-
mega cheesyburger, french fries; supper-leftovers
S ~ breakfast-bakery; lunch-ham fried rice; supper-grilled cheese
Sun ~ breakfast-donuts/bread; lunch-asado, saltenitas/mayo; supper-ham/cheese sandwiches


Around the house...
quiet...quiet

I am creating...
several crochet projects!

I am hearing...
the cat playing, crickets outside

One of my favorite things...
my family

A few plans for the rest of the week...
work on our homeschool lessons;
spend as much time as possible with Matt; errands;
sort/pack

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Headed HOME!!!

Today my almost-chaplain-candidate husband is headed HOME! It takes quite a while to get all the way down south, so he's been headed home for a day already. I am anxious to have him home so that our family can be all together again! Also, it will be exciting to hear all about the trip and what things happened and what that means about what to do next. Matt is trying to get his "packet" in to the Army this next week so that it can be reviewed by the March "meeting of the minds". These are the sign-your-life-away papers, so Matt asked me if I was sure about this... Sure I am! I'll be happy when this whole thing is finally in the works!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

MEPS


Well, another hurdle hurdled! Matt had his MEPS (military physical) yesterday, all in one day, which is good. They had told him it would take 2. I've sure he's relieved! Now he has 5 more days till he'll be HOME! We can't wait...we miss him so much. It feels like a "dry run" for days ahead, when he will be away from the family for extensive periods of time. Here's a picture of him and his Mom. I'm sure she's enjoying this alone time with her son. I'm glad for them~she's an awesome Mom!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Simple Woman's Daybook...Feb. 15, 2010


F
or today... February 15, 2010



Outside my window...
just beginning to dawn...my favorite part of the day


I am thinking...
of how long this week will be without Matt


I am thankful for...
the reminder that things done without love are indeed vain

I am wearing...
jeans and a striped shirt


I am remembering...
to make a menu for this week!


I am going...
to be more scheduled this week

I am reading...
through my Bible;
reading the Horse and His Boy to the little ones


I am hoping (praying)...
for Matt's MEPS today and tomorrow


On my mind...
a move in our near future~LOTS to do!


Noticing that...
I am very warm!



From the kitchen...
pretty tidy :)

On the menu...
M ~ breakfast-cinnamon rolls; lunch-pasta salad; supper-tuna sandwiches
T ~ breakfast-scrambled eggs/toast; lunch-grilled asian chicken with rice and corn; supper-leftovers
W ~ breakfast-bakery; lunch-bbq gyros, salad; supper-ham/cheese sandwiches
Th ~ breakfast-pancakes; lunch-indian lentils and rice; supper-biscuits/gravy
F ~ breakfast-cereal/toast; lunch-Sourdough pizza; supper-leftovers
S ~ breakfast-restaurant; lunch-eggs/rice; supper-grilled cheese
Sun ~ breakfast-donuts/bread; lunch-ham/cheese sandwiches; supper-Make Mine Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, steamed carrots, chocolate sheet cake


Around the house...
quiet...quiet


I am creating...
several crochet projects!


I am hearing...
the clock ticking....

One of my favorite things...
chocolate!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
work on our homeschool lessons;
park with friends;
errands;
get the big kids ready for a little trip down south;
clean the church; clean the house in preparation for hubby's return!


Saturday, February 20, 2010

Hallelujah!

Matt is on a trip to States, and he was really, really hoping to be able to get his MEPS while there. It was looking like it was not going to happen. Yesterday, though, he got an email telling him that it is scheduled for Monday-Tuesday next week! We are very happy about this, as it will be another step down in order to oficially become an Army Chaplain Candidate. Pray for Matt, as I'm sure this is not a *pleasant* examination :).

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Next Step


Matt left on Sunday for his endorsement interview. It was today. He did awesome! He said that it was an incredible group of kind pastors/chaplains. He received their UNANIMOUS approval, and he was given "permission" to attend the seminary we really want to attend. Now he's hoping to get his MEPS scheduled for next week and enjoy a visit with his Mom and Stepdad. We're very thankful to God!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

God doesn't waste anything


A couple of weeks ago on Facebook, I put "soon" on my status. Then I put "finally". I was thinking about those two words, and what people might think that they mean. They might be taken to mean, "SOON we will FINALLY be leaving Uruguay." That is not at all the way I feel about this. A friend wrote to me: "I heard the bad news about you having to leave and come back..." I don't understand WHY God brought us to Uruguay...no church has been established, no one has been converted, we've worked, but.... BUT GOD DOESN'T WASTE ANYTHING. For some reason, God brought our family here almost 2 years ago, and I'm sure it was His will. He alone knows the purposes for it. I know that He will perfect His will concerning us! Back to what I was saying at first, I meant that SOON we would be able to share our news. FINALLY we were able to. And I don't think it's BAD NEWS to be moving on. Sad, but not bad. I'm very excited actually! God, what will you do with seed sown here in Salto? I don't know, but YOU do! I praise YOU!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

What a Friend!

Last night I was on Facebook chatting with an old friend. She is not old (because I am not old :) ), but we have known each other forever. I am privileged to be her friend :). Anyway, my friend, who works for a major airline, offered me her standby passes, which will allow our family to travel back to the States for about 1/3 of the price we have been planning on! What a blessing! Thank You, God! Also, she and her daughter are coming to visit us in March and she has offered to take 3 duffel bags of our stuff back with her! We are sure going to have fun while they are here. Just sharing the blessings!

Friday, February 12, 2010

What's Done is Done...

Today, Matt sent out our "change of ministry" letter. We all prayed together as a family before he sent the email. It was a sober moment, as we reflected on these past 18 years as a missionary family. We are so thankful for all those who have supported our ministry, in prayer and with funds. An awesome array of churches and individuals has participated in the Sanders ministry! We are so thankful. On the other hand...we are so EXCITED about the possibilities about ministry in the military! And (I thought I would NEVER say this), I am looking forward to living back in the good ole U.S. of A. again for a while. The next step, after Matt's trip to the States next week, is securing where Matt will be going to seminary. Pray with us about that. Then, it will be probably two long years of seminary, but we're looking forward to the whole journey. Woohoo!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

New Journey

This is my first post on this blog, although I am not new to blogging. I had a blog before when we were missionaries in Venezuela, but things are changing so much that I wanted to start something fresh. My husband and I have been missionaries for 18 years. We are getting ready to embark on another journey, one which requires more faith on my part. We have been missionaries here in Uruguay for 2 years. We have not seen the results which we had hoped for, prayed for...*sigh* Back before Christmas, Matt began to have a yearning for a field he had thought of before, but had not honestly pursued before: the Army Chaplaincy. These have been 2 anxious, whirlwind months! There is MUCH to do to be able to get into the Army Chaplaincy. First of all, you must have a "religious" endorser. This might seem easy, but it requires a lot of patience and work! After much paperwork and such, Matt is headed soon to his initial interview with the board of whom we hope will be our endorser. That will be exciting! On that trip, he hopes to complete another crucial step: his MEPS (army physical exam). As we are currently on the field, we will be sending out our "change of ministry" letter, probably tomorrow. That is HUGE, as it really means that we are resigning as missionaries. That is kind of sad, after so much time. We are thankful for such awesome supporters and prayer partners as we've had! Another very important thing is education. Matt will have to finish his MDiv, and we are praying that we will be able to go to a seminary in our hometown. That would be awesome! We are very excited (and anxious) about the days ahead. After 16 years of living outside of the U.S., it will be strange to live in our country again. We are looking forward to this new journey though! Join us!