Sharing is not always easy (especially Christmas treats!)

My family’s favorite Christmas treat is my mom’s Special K bars. They are made with sweet peanut butter coating on Special K cereal, and then covered in a layer of melted chocolate. So good! Growing up, over the holidays, whenever we would have guests over, my brothers and I would try to hide the Special K bars behind other treats so they would least likely be selected. Whenever my mom would offer one to guests, my brothers and I would shoot each other with disappointed looks knowing there be one less Special K bar to fight over.

Sharing isn’t always easy. Christmas treats are one thing, but personal struggles are another. The last few months I have been struggling with depression. I try to hide it, but it’s real and there. I miss and long for the pre-covid days. I miss going to church and fellowshipping in person with other believers. I miss seeing the smiles on people’s faces. I miss not worrying about whether or not I’m exposing my dad to covid. This year has not been what I expected.

When I was in Togo there were many things I missed and longed for. Although video calls were great, they're not the same as being next to the people I love and care about. I missed sitting by my dad while we watched TV. I missed the laughter with my brothers as we played a game together. I missed meal time with my family, especially my mom’s Special K bars! This year God gifted me with all those things I missed. Because of the pandemic, I’ve spent more time at home enjoying those moments with my family that I so longed for in Togo.

Even on my down days, God continues to show His never-ending love and kindness. God has used so many of you to bless me. The missions offering at my church last month for my one-time expenses came in at over $21,000! That’s 40% of my one-time needs met! I also gained more monthly partners. I am now at 64% of my monthly support! Praise the Lord! Even in this difficult year, God proves Himself to be faithful.

“For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:5

Thank you for committing to God’s work in Togo! As much as I long for things to be “normal” and for the days ahead in Togo, I’m grateful for the here and now where God has me.

Grateful,

Liz Ortiz

Prayer Requests:

● Pray for wisdom on balancing my job and pre-field ministry.

● Pray for health and safety for my family during the pandemic, especially for my dad because he is in the high-risk group.

● Pray for an ASL interpreter for Togo – big opportunity for one!

● Pray for more opportunities for me to practice signing.

● Pray for additional partners for my ministry.

Praises:

● Praise God for 64% of my monthly support!

● Praise God for over $21,000 that came in from the missions offering!

● Praise God that I completed level 2 of my online ASL class!

● Praise God that Jonas is doing well adjusting back to school and his host family.

My goal was to complete level 2 of ASL by the end of the year. And I did it! I love the startASL.com program. Now onto level 3!