What Africa Has Taught Me

The boys and I are in Florida now visiting my parents, friends and supporters. I have been trying to purposefully take some time to think about what Africa has taught me. It seems like so much yet it is hard to put into words but I will make an attempt at some of them. I think this may be an ongoing list.

1. Making new friends is so important. If you are open to God forming them it will not matter what color, language, culture or religious bent they possess.
2. We should treasure the simple pleasures we are granted in life.
3. God does not focus on what we are but who we are in relationship to Him.
4. There is an extravagant joy that can not be bought that I have seen some of the most physically and materially desperate people in the world possess.
5. Orphan's "teach" me how to persevere in life.
6. Love is what everyone longs for in life.
7. Family is a blessing and often you don't realize it until they are gone.
8. African's are forgiving when you attempt to speak their language.
9. The prayers of others strengthens you in desperate times.
10.God is always working details in our lives we just don't recognize them.
11.Coke can mean home to you.
12.Coffee time in the afternoon is a valuable ritual.
13.Simple courtesy and respect get you a long way in life.
14.When you live in a foreign country it does not matter what the laws of your home country are because things operate differently overseas. WAY DIFFERENT!
15. Taking time for conversation and genuine interest in others lives is a learned art.
16.It is wonderful to have fresh baked bread everyday.
17.Rats and bugs sometimes are just part of life. Get over it!
18.Gratefulness is important!
19.God loves all of His people throughout the world and is honored by simple faith.
20.I am pretty good at improvising.

Changes for our Family

Dear Friends,

We wanted to share with you what has been on our hearts recently.

Over the last couple of months we have been praying about our future in Mozambique. We have spent time in prayer, time fasting and sought counsel from our church and mission leadership. It has been an emotional time and a difficult decision to make but we have felt strongly that the Lord has said it is time for us to remain in the US. Honestly, we do not know what the future holds for us but we do know that we can trust the Father and that He only wants HIS good for us. We have had several wonderful yet really difficult years serving in Mozambique. We have not always shared the heart ache and rough times as it wasn't necessarily the right time or place. Part of our heart always remains in Africa and we do not know if the Lord will have us return one day. We will treasure our time there and will miss our friends and ministry work greatly. We appreciate your constant support, love, and prayers that have made it possible for us to serve. Your faithfulness has made a difference in our lives and in the lives of those we were able to reach in Mozambique.  

We have resigned from our mission, effective December 26th. We will be able to receive funds until then to help us make the transition and set-up our new home. We would appreciate your continued support until then if possible. Our plan is to remain in NH and settle near the Concord area. Marc has been offered his old position back at Concord Coach bus company with a pay increase which is such a blessing. Andrea will stay at home with the boys and continue to home school them. We plan to attend our sending church, Grace Capital Church in Pembroke and get involved as we feel the Lord leading. We would appreciate your prayers as we transition back into life here in the US. We need God's wisdom in decisions, healing from hurt, hope for the future, provision for our needs, and a sensitivity to His leading. God is so good and faithful and has always been more than enough for our every need. For the future we are open to wherever He leads and desire to be obedient above all else. 

We have been so blessed and are so grateful for your commitment to us.

Sincerely,

Andrea & Marc Pavkov

I Knew...

I knew this would happen.

I knew we would get back to the USA and I would not blog faithfully.

I told myself it wouldn't happen.

I promised myself that I wouldn't get too busy and neglect it.

But alas, here we are nearly two months later and I have been a slacker.

Well, I figured the least I could do is show you what I HAVE been doing that has kept me so distracted.

We've been traveling across the country.

Taking in God's beautiful creation.

Laughing with family.

Watching football....go ANTHONY (#11)!

Learning skills from cousins,

and from Grandpa.

And enjoying what is left of our beautiful (warm) time here in Washington state.



Dresses for Beautiful Little Girls

Recently a group of ladies from New Hampshire made some cute little dresses for us to distribute to orphan girls in Mozambique. We were not there to receive the dresses but thankfully our friend Jenn, who is also a missionary from the US, went to the post office and picked up the package. She is distributing them to orphan girls for us and was a sweetheart and sent photos of these amazing little girls. How special for them to receive their very own, new dress. Thank you ladies for your hard work and special gift.