Next Steps

The school year is about to end. It hasn’t been the school year that I expected at my new job, but it has been good. We had to be creative on how we could reach our students. I was able to use skills that I hadn’t expected to be able to use, like making videos! I made a series of cooking videos inspired by children’s books. My family enjoyed this aspect of my job because they got to eat the recipes creations I tried!

Besides the cooking videos, I have been busy studying for the doctrinal exams with ABWE. These exams are important for my next step to become a career missionary. I will be taking the online written exam on June 4th at 3pm. I will be taking the oral exam by video conference call on June 10th at 10-11:30am. Please be praying for me as I take these exams.

Sometimes I found myself discouraged about the pandemic. I long to be with people, to go to church, and just be back to a “somewhat” normal again. However, I am reminded to view this time as a gift. I have more time to study God’s Word, go on walks, and spend time with family. I have enjoyed sitting down as a family at dinner. No place to be, just be there with family. I missed that in Togo, where I often ate alone. Sometimes I needed the quiet after a busy day, but it's nice to have the option of eating with others. I’m choosing to enjoy these moments with family while I have them.

Thank you for your love and support during this journey with me. I can hardly believe it has been 6 months since I returned to the States. I look forward to the day I can return to Togo. I’m excited to be continuing my missionary journey and be another step closer to Togo. I will be attending the New Missionary Orientation (NMO) at ABWE headquarters on July 10-17. Please be praying as the details of this training come together.

Liz Ortiz

Praises:

• Praise God for the extra time to study for my ABWE doctrinal exams!

• Praise God for good health!

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

• Praise God for the new job!

• Praise God for a recent sign language course I was able to take!

• Praise God that I am feeling less anxious lately!

Prayer Requests:

• Pray as I prepare to take my doctrinal exams where I defend my faith with ABWE on June 4th (3pm et) and June 10th (10am et)

• Pray that the details will come together for the New Missionary Orientation I will be attending July 10th-17th.

• 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