Emerson's B-day Party...

Today was Emerson's B-day Party. It has been such a blessing to see our daughter grow so much in just a year. Parenthood is quite a radical experience that can't be matched. Her Aunt Desi made the cutest & best tasting cakes.



Emerson didn't know what to do with herself when she first saw the cake...



But she soon figured it out & enjoyed every minute...



The pinata was a big hit (sorry, I just couldn't help myself)...



All in all, it was a wonderful time of fellowship & an opportunity to meet with friends and family before we make the big move to SA. Please continue to pray for God's will to be done in South Africa, that He would use the Portland's in a mighty way that brings glory to His name. Pray for God's provision for this ministry & that the Holy Spirit would guide us through this journey in every step of the way. Thank you so much for your love & support.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

God Bless <><

prayers are meant to be answered...

"We just wanted to let you and Joy know that we found a place to live..."

This news was waiting for Joy & I in my email inbox as we awoke this morning. Great news! Mike & Misty have found a town home in Paarl & are moving in June 1st. They informed us that there are apartments close by with our name written all over them, as well. We're ecstatic! So here we go. The ball is rollin' now.

God is faithful to answer prayer. I could leave it at that, publish this post, and that is completely sufficient; but really, God is faithful to answer all of your prayers with a definite yes, no, or wait.

When Joy & I were contemplating this great opportunity for ministry, we prayed for God's will to be done in our lives. With much prayer, God confirmed in our hearts that this move to South Africa is anointed & appointed by Him. (answer: Yes)

In the past, there had been other opportunities to pursue, but with God's wisdom, we knew that He had something else in store for our lives. (Answer: No)

And throughout this amazing process in preparing to move to South Africa, God's answer to our prayers have consistently required patience. (Answer: Wait)

Through all of this, there is a repeated stretching & molding of our lives to mirror that which God would have for us. There have been tests, trials, and tribulation; but there has also been blessings, rejoicing, and unmeasurable love displayed by the will of the Father.

Without all of the above, we wouldn't be fully prepared for such a journey.

We thank you for all of your prayers & urge you to continue to pray for the many aspects involved in such an undertaking. Please search your hearts & ask the Lord what you might be able to do to help further His kingdom in this awesome work of God.

We cannot express how thankful we are to be blessed with your prayers & support.

In Christ,

Anson, Joy, and Emerson