Hello from the Hand household!

As most of you know, David is the best writer in our family (I usually stick to editing) and faithfully pens our monthly newsletter. However, this month I volunteered to give it a shot and share our family updates and prayer requests with you.

I must admit that the past few weeks have been a little busier on the home front than we prefer–seems like this time of year lends itself to that. Here’s some snapshots of what we’ve been up to:

1) We put our house on the market at the end of March.

2) The kids and I wrapped up our home school year (1st grade for Avery and Pre-K for Addison). We had a great year; although I’m quite certain that I learned or relearned more than the kids did!

3) Avery had the opportunity to attend a home school fine arts program one day a week this past school year and absolutely loved studying the Classical Period of history. She dressed in Colonial attire for her part in the end of the year play about Benjamin Franklin.

4) Both Avery and Addison finished up their dance classes with a Spring Recital last weekend.

5) Not to be left out, Toby just celebrated his 2nd birthday (complete with an airplane cake) and moved into his “big boy” bed.

In the midst of all these “big” events, David and I continue to work on expanding our ministry partnership team to be able to make the move to Orlando this summer. We are so grateful for each of you and your many prayers for us during this time. We continue to be confident of the Lord’s direction in our life, but it has been challenging to patiently wait for his timing. We had hoped to have completed our partnership team by now, have a contract on our house and begin the packing process.

Last week in my neighborhood women’s Bible study (definitely a highlight for me the past couple years), we learned that:

The Greek word for God is theos. It is rooted in the word theo meaning “to put in place,” the idea being that whoever puts things in place is by definition God. God is “The Placer” not only in the lives of (Biblical characters) but in our lives as well.
–excerpt from Life Principles from the Women of the Bible by Barber, Rasnake, & Shepherd

The thought of God being “The Placer” in our current reality (i.e. wanting to move, but still in the ministry partnership development process) was a much needed reminder for me. We are exactly where God has placed us and we can completely trust Him!

Please continue to pray:
1. That we would walk in the expectancy of God’s promises, in the confidence of His “placement” in our lives and in the joy of knowing His purposes and timing are always perfect.

2. That our house here would sell and that the Lord would lead us to the people He has chosen to join our prayer and financial partnership team so we can move this summer.

Please join us in thanking the Lord for:

1. The new ministry partners who have joined with us the past couple months.

2. The friendships and activities that we (and the kids) have been blessed with here…we appreciate these more as we think about leaving them behind.

3. YOU!!! We are humbled by your giving and prayers that make our ministry possible.