Canceled

I was about to finish my first week at my new job as para pro at a special needs school, and I was ready for things to start feeling “normal” again. The four months, since I returned from Togo, had been a transitional season that was challenging both emotionally and physically. However, God gave me the grace that I needed as He taught me to wait on Him.

The beginning of new season had me eagerly anticipating a new normal. Little did I know what was about to come. I was scrolling through facebook when I came across posts that said, “ALL SCHOOLS CLOSED FOR THE NEXT MONTH DUE TO COVID-19.” I was in shock. Events and plans canceled. The missions conference at my church, canceled. The storytellers abroard trip, canceled. ABWE’s annual conference, canceled. Social distancing became an unwelcome new normal.

The changes can feel a bit overwhelming, and at times I find myself becoming depressed. At these times I try to pull my head up and focus my eyes on Christ. The world may be in chaos, but HOPE is not lost! John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” God's plans haven't changed!

My pursuit for long term missions has not changed! I am still planning on attending the ABWE new missionary orientation in July. I am currently studying for the required written and oral doctrine exams, and hope to have the exams completed this month. Please pray that I will be diligent in my studying.

Something special (and happy) last month was that both Jonas and I celebrated birthdays! Jonas turned 9 years old! I was able to send a video signing “happy birthday” to my friend Christy who went and visited him. She sent me a video in return of them signing happy birthday and Jonas blowing out a candle on a cake. He is doing well. The schools in Togo are shut down due to the coronavirus, so Jonas is home with his family. I miss him and Togo so much. I look forward to the day I can return. I won’t forget my birthday last year. It was quite a bit warmer, and I got to fly in a small plane across Togo! This year it was different. Stuck in quarantine, and it snowed! However, it was a nice celebration with family. I’m thankful for the life God has given me. I look forward to what this next year will bring.

Thank you everyone who gave towards my advance media training trip to Nicaragua. Unfortunately, it had to be canceled for this year due to the pandemic. However, they are looking to reschedule for 2021. I will keep you up to date as I learn new details. Thank you for praying!

Liz Ortiz

Praises:

• Praise God for a new job!

• Praise God that Jonas is home, safe with his family!

• Praise God for good health!

Prayer Requests:

• Pray for health and safety in Togo and that Christ’s name would be proclaimed.

• Borders are closed.

• Schools and churches are closed.

• Oxygen machines are scarce.

• Pray as I prepare for a doctrinal exam where I defend my faith. This part of the process to become an ABWE career missionary.

• Pray for health and safety for my family during the pandemic.

• Especially since my dad is in the high risk group.

• Pray for peace when I feel anxious or down during quarantine.