Gosh, have we only been back here a week and a half???

I (Erin) really struggled with my emotions about coming back. It's not at all that I was having second thoughts, but I certainly wasn't excited to leave home! It definitely did NOT seem like we were gone for a month -- we barely even made a dent in the time we wanted to spend with everyone, and some people we didn't get to see at all... Plus it was a double whammy because we were so spoiled at home! Matt worked 8-5 (what a blessing!), but it seemed like we were practically obligation free! We could use the sink/bathroom/shower/ laundry any time we wanted!!! We could go outside at our leisure. I often went to bed before 1 am!! We constantly had great meals and great fellowship! I guess the bottom line is, life is a whole lot harder here -- and it's hard to re-leave the great life we were (are) so fortunate to have at home.

But all of this is a reminder that what we are doing comes at great cost -- and it is every bit worth it. I'm sure it will never be easy to leave home or not have enough time with the people we love -- but the bottom line is that there are people we don't know who are dying without hope, and nothing we could lose or no convenience we might miss is worth holding us back from the opportunity to learn more to share with them.

We are more and more awed by the amazing privilege it is to know and be used by God. We do not believe that you have to be a missionary to do great things for God; but it is such a privilege to see God move so mightily and in so many subtle ways. Now we have a completely different perspective of when we prayed for and gave to missions before; from our current vantage point, we realize much more what an important part of the team we were, and now
it is so humbling and exciting to think that God will use you to help encourage and steer us! It has just been eye-opening to be constantly reminded that God is at work!

This block of classes is FANTASTIC; we are working very hard, but also with an ever heightened sense of eagerness. I can't imagine it can get better -- but I guess that's the beauty of really digging into God's truths. We are really looking forward to the classes next block, too.

The group from Indonesia that contacted me about teaching understands that we want to finish our two years here, and they are still interested in having us. They also have opportunities for Matt to serve in a capacity that would involve going into the tribes. This seems really exciting, but there are also many other opportunities out there; please pray fervently with us that we will clearly feel called to the area/role where we can be most productive and bring glory to Him!

Other areas for prayer: *Health and stamina in our living conditions and hectic schedule *Our mental and spiritual acuity and our ability to keep our priorities straight, as Matt has 16.7 and I have 17.7 very full credit hours this semester *Our hearts as we ache for home, and that missing loved ones will continue to bring many opportunities for us to pray for you! *Our relationships - that we can continue to encourage and grow with one another, and most of all, *for the hearts of the people that this ministry- God's ministry, in which each of you is every bit as important as we are - will ultimately touch.

Thanks so much for standing beside us and sharing in the burden and the privilege!

~Erin, for the Prices


Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we exalt in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance, and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. ~Romans 5:1-5

PS Thanks again to everyone who helped prepare for us to get home and took time out of a busy season to spend with us! It was such a great encouragement, and it really recharged us! We love you guys!