A Note from Elizabeth

Hi. It's Elizabeth here. A very happy New Year to all.
Certainly a roller-coaster of 8 and a half months that we've had on British soil! So grateful to be living near family, yet definitely experiencing the strangeness of a different place, and finding it hard that we don't know anyone well- yet - lots of culture shock to be had all round. The boys are adjusting keenly, finding friends and getting into life. We're praying for a house, preferably before the new baby arrives, but we trust in God's timing.... as much as we can! When we're not trusting, we're worrying! But I know to keep fast to the mission ahead, even if that's just taking it a day at a time and learning about what God wants for this town - or even for this nation.

The calendar is filling up - I have this incredible sense of the speed of life. Little chance to pause for breath. I am trying to clear and tidy after a busy (and fun-filled) Christmas, but this year is not giving me much of a run up, it is flooding in from all sides. Please pray that I can prioritize and not do meaningless tasks that God would rather I left by ......the .........wayside.....

Goodness, I'm having difficulty writing this.....Are you bored of reading this?

I really feel that I've been writing for the sake of an entry, rather than for the sake of those I know and love and for the sake of staying in touch with people I care deeply about. I've been so busy with house and children and family and a weary, sick pregnancy and numerous ministry opportunities, that I'm glad to have left the blog updates up to David. But I had wanted my first entry to be dynamic and encouraging about all that God is doing with the Fraser family's mission to Scotland.

The truth is, I need your prayers as we enter 2008. I am low in this cold wet town. The people we know are warm and welcoming but I am tired of not having a proper place to call home - a nest to feather, as it were.

I'm also tired of leaning on my family for support and advice because, let's face it, it's all new to me too and friends do not abound - solid, trusting relationships take time.

Mostly, I'm tired of misunderstanding my role in this life, and wanting to do it all, but only having the energy (at 5months pregnant) to manage the basics. One minute I am elated and joyful and throwing myself into a new season with the enthusiasm that only God gives. The next I am exhausted, fearful and withdrawing into a tight ball of self preservation, wishing for an easier way, and forcefully making time to call my own.

Please, please pray for balance and peace for me. In ministry, I have heard that one needs boundaries while still being available to people who may show up on your doorstep. Well, when the town is literally on our doorstep, I find it difficult to aptly judge what to say Yes and No to, and it's wearing me out!!! We have some kind of meeting or ministry event going on every night this week. Crazy.

So now I've written that, I'm not in denial any more!! :) Thanks for listening. Please bring it before the Lord if you think of us and have the time.

We miss everyone a lot. We miss California. We still know that we took the path God had for us. Please remember us, and please keep us posted on what is happening with you. We're blessed to have you as friends - thank you for your support.
Lots of love, In Christ. xxxx

(DF) PS we would love comments on these blogs and check all the time.