Not so fast my friend ...

In my previous blog (on July 31) I said I would post next from Ecuador. As ESPN's Lee Corso might say, not so fast my friend. It's a month and a half later and I'm sitting in our house in Lancaster. Here's how we explained our situation in our August newsletter.

"As many of you know, our family spent this summer preparing to return to Shell, Ecuador for the upcoming school year. We were excited about teaching, reuniting with friends, and not having any snow over the winter months. It was a refreshing summer and we were grateful for the opportunity to visit with many of you while we were home.

We also took time this summer to pursue an evaluation for one of our children for some concerns that arose during this past year. Shortly before we were to return to Ecuador, we received treatment recommendations of things not available in Shell. After much prayer and counsel, Jodie and I both felt that it would be the right decision for our family to remain in Lancaster and not return to Shell for the upcoming school year. We will have access here in Lancaster to needed resources for our family. MAF was understanding of this decision and showed great support for the well being of our family.

Jodie and I were able to return to Shell earlier this month to pack up our belongings, say goodbye to our missionary and Ecuadorian friends, and bring closure to our year. Our family will now settle in Lancaster and begin looking for jobs, starting school, and moving back into our home.

Although Jodie and I both feel that the decision we made is the right one, the last few weeks have been very emotional. Not only have we been dealing with the shock of our plans for the next year being uprooted, but also with deciding how to best care for our family’s needs. Despite these storms, God has proved faithful. We’ve been buoyed by the knowledge that God is directing our steps and pray that He will be honored both in our family’s lives and in the lives of those in Shell, Ecuador. Dozens of people have offered their prayers, encouragement and practical help during this time. Jodie and I don’t know what lies next for our family, but we know that God does.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support over the past year. It’s been such a privilege to partner with you in serving those in Shell. Please don’t forget to keep us in your prayers as we enter this next stage of life. Please keep praying, as well, for the people who live, work, and worship in Shell and the rest of eastern Ecuador."

Well, we're back in our house now and getting settled in. There's still some stuff unpacked on our living room floor. We've had some job interviews. The kids are enjoying school. We've enjoyed getting involved at church. Life is good. It's not what he had expected for right now, but it's good. We're so thankful for our time in Ecuador and are looking forward to what is in store for us in this next chapter in our life.

This will be the end of Shell Shocked. Please e-mail us or check out my Facebook page for updated news from the Richardson family. Blessings!