Who Gets the Grease?

Last night we said goodbye to my parents... the hugs with "see you in a year or so". My parents have spent the past week or so in Phoenix, AZ with the primary reason of spending quality time with Mike and me... before we return to Honduras. Problem is, we don't know when we are returning to Honduras.

We have been approved as long-term (career) missionaries with Mission to the World.

(even though we are a little crazy!)

We have attended all the necessary trainings. (my bum print in many a chair)

We have been in contact with our supporters. (friends and family fun!)

We FEEL more than ready to return home... (home, home, home...)

But... we can't return yet. (Is the word "stuck"  appropriate here?)

~~~~~~~~~~~~

We originally went to Honduras as short-term (2-3 years) missionaries which meant that we did not receive retirement, some insurance benefits, or a full salary (among other things)... Now that we are career missionaries, we receive those benefits! (WOOT WOOT!) So... we get to pursue more relationships and invite others to give financially.

Not sure why we raise support?? Watch this 2-minute video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OoABUs2N40

The short answer: Because God says to.

We long to return to Honduras by May 9. Why?

My daughter, Dixi, is in Honduras.

The contract on our house ends June 18 and we have to find a new home before then and move and...

My best friends are in Honduras.

My family is in Honduras.

God is working in Honduras...

I have been designed and equipped to serve the people of Honduras with my husband.

Home (on earth) = Honduras

Therefore, I become a squeaky wheel.

We can't return to Honduras until we have an additional $1,800 a month

committed by you (and others like you).

Are you already supporting us? (thank you!! and can you give more?)

Think you can't support us? (we have supporters who give $5 a month, and some who give $300 a month)

Know someone who could give? (rich aunt or friend who loves Jesus)

Have more than you need? (sell something, transfer funds... get creative)

I can say with certainty that God will provide for us when He wants to, how He wants to, through whomever He wants to... even through you, right now...

Consider it. Pray about it.

I am a squeaky wheel... and the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

To give online (credit/debit), click here.

To give through EFT (bank account), print this.

Have questions, www.troxellmissionaries.com, michael.a.troxell@gmail.com, (602)464-4531

Life in Luggage (moving 17 times in just over 2 months)

Mike and I made the decision to transition between my parents and his parents every 4-10 days during our time in PA. That's two months of back and forth. Now we are in Atlanta for 7 days. That means that in the past 72 days, we have moved 17 times. Let me reiterate - Mike and I CHOSE this. Do not feel sorry for us - it is what we expected... and it is typical for many missionaries when they are in the States on furlough (or HMA).

Choosing to switch homes so often means that we didn't wear out our welcome in any one home (very important). I am happy to say that I still love and want to spend time with my mother - and Mike's too! That's a big deal. What's not so much fun is living out of suitcases.

Think about your travels... can you relate? Have you experienced something similar? Tell me about it! I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. I'd love to hear your experience.

Now, on the bright side, we are flying to Michigan on Monday at which time we will be settled into our own 1-bedroom apartment and will not move from it for a full 3 weeks! This is exciting for us and we are looking forward to storing our clothes in a dresser and our toiletries in a drawer. Our suitcases could use a break. :)

Snow in PA (pics)

We have spent the last 2 months in Pennsylvania.

Here are some of my more artsy photos of the area for your enjoyment.

This Sunday evening we will be flying to Atlanta, GA so I'll be in touch from there.

Shivers, Snow and other S Words

It's Snowing!

The news says the winter storm is on the way.

The world holds its breath in anticipation.

Schools begin closing early.

The snow plows sit idling on the freeways.

For me, I find a fleece blanket to wrap up in, a mug of something hot and delicious, and let my mind wander as I wait... for what? Snow.

Does snow change my plans? No.

Does it impact my day? No.

Yet I sit and gaze out of the window.

Dixi has never seen snow.

She waits for me

in tropical 72 degrees.

I send her pictures of snow.

She can't understand water, in its solid form, falling from a white sky.

Dixi knows that the Bible says:

"Come now, let us reason together, says and Lord:

though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red like crimson,

they shall become like wool.

(Isaiah 1:18, ESV)

So I send her pictures of snow.

Drifting, flaking, sighing, swaying in the breeze.

Snow in Pennsylvania. I shiver.

It's been two months now in this snowy state.

Some of our time was spent watching buggies pass

horses' breath puffing with each step.

Hugs and a squeeze of "see ya later" and the buggies are an hour away.

Now Sitting in a bright room, windows all around... watching the snow.

People who love me surround me.

Family - in one way or another.

A nervous glance out the window - probably should go.

roads may be bad...

it's snowing.

Another pair of warm socks. 23 degrees. Offices closing up early.

The ground is a dull gray - yellow grass peeking through.

the hum of the heater, ticking of the clock, creak of the house...

the fireplace giving warmth – even to my cold toes.

My thoughts drift to home.

La Fe.

Friends... no, family.

Tropical sunshine.

Oppressive humidity.

Green, lush, growing, life-giving, fruit-bearing...

Home.

Soon – not soon enough.

For now, family, friends, sharing, travel…

snow.