God directing our steps

       


       Proverbs 16:9 "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps."

This past month has been a whirl wind of surprises and emotions.  The best way to share the information is to just start.  Let me begin with Caleb, my oldest son.

Many of you have had the pleasure of meeting Caleb.  As you may know he is full of spunk, personality and compassion.  He is the kind of kid that loves to spend time with people, playing with his brothers and staying 100% active.  He has been such a joy to Alli and I (we are both very thankful that he is our first born).  As Caleb began to get older we started to  notice that Caleb's speech seemed a little behind for his age.  With a standard evaluation it was determined that he has Childhood Apraxia of Speech. It was recommended that he begin speech therapy to address his Apraxia.  Depending on how he responds his therapy could last until he is 8 years old.

 Upon hearing this, I had so much fear and many questions that I needed to be answered. Will my child overcome Apraxia?  How much therapy would he truly need?  Is God shutting the door to Costa Rica?  If we were to go to Costa Rica would I be capable of giving him what he needs to overcome Apraxia?  This is a child that God has given to me to take care of and will I be failing as a father if I take him away from the professionals here that can help him?  I began to watch YouTube videos of kids with a Apraxia and I melted.   My wife, seeing my distress,  sweetly kissed me and shut my computer.  She was able to look past the diagnoses and help me gather my emotions and together we cried to Jesus.  Jesus reminded us of His Word, Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."   

Throughout the weeks to come I was often reminded of James 1:2-5  "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,  for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

We prayed for wisdom and we prayed for answers.  God quickly answered and gave wisdom. I am thrilled to share what God is doing.  For many reasons out of our control God has shut the door for our May 15th departure. As this was extremely disappointing we find peace knowing that God is working this delay for our good and His.  Our new launch date is sometime in August.  

This will give Caleb 5 solid months of speech therapy. He begins this Friday through the local elementary school.  Not only that but God has also provided a speech therapist that will be able to work with Caleb via Skype and Ipad apps while we are in Costa Rica.  God is so good!

For the next 5 months I will continue to run the thrift store.  God knows what He is doing as the store takes a new direction and this will allow time for a smoother transition.  I am traveling to Costa Rica in May with my Church Freedom Way for their first cross cultural missions trip.  I look forward to being back in Costa Rica. I will be able to not only help lead the team but get some additional things done for our move.  

Oh, I forgot to mention, Judah Charles McArthur was born on 3/14/14 weighing 8 lb 11 oz and measuring 21 1/4 inches.  He is doing great and is growing quickly, ranking in the 90 percentile in all categories for his age.  Isn't he a cutie?

Alli is an incredible mother and is handling 3 young children wonderfully.  All of us boys are so blessed with such a wonderful woman in our lives. 

Micah and Caleb are adjusting really well and they love their new brother.

       Children are truly a blessing.  Alli and I couldn't be more excited to move to the ranch and start bringing in more kids into our lives.  We are so blessed to have your support and prayer. 

 Thank you!