Celebrating Milestones

Liz Ortiz
Jun 10
3 min read

For most of my youngest brother’s life, our dad has been battling MS. There have been uncertain times for our family when we didn’t know if our dad would make it or not. Recently, my brother shared with me that in middle school he wasn’t sure what the future looked like for our dad. He began to pray then, “Lord, help my dad be there to see me graduate college.” Last month, God answered that prayer. My little brother proudly walked across the stage to receive his diploma as we all cheered. It was such a special moment. I am grateful that I was able to be back in the States to celebrate this milestone with my brother.

It had been 5 years since I last celebrated my birthday in the States. It was a fun day celebrating with friends and family. There are 3 things I love to do on my birthday. First, when I’m in the States, I love going to my favorite local restaurant with my mom. Second, I love ice cream cake. Third, I love playing games. I enjoyed doing all those things with my family. The tulips were beginning to bloom in my hometown, my mom and I took a nice walk enjoying God’s creation. It was a good day. I’m thankful for another year that the Lord has given me.

It was fun that I was able to be back for Tulip Time. It had been a few years since I last participated in Tulip Time activities. I enjoyed walking downtown, watching parades, and seeing the Dutch dancers. It brought back memories from when I was a Dutch dancer in high school. Tulip Time was exhausting back then, but so much fun. It was nice to be able to enjoy it again.

Last month I was able to visit FBC Albion and share a ministry update. It was an encouraging weekend. I participated in a Bible study on Friday. On Saturday, I had lunch with some former Togo teammates and then had dinner with the missions committee at FBC. It was a good day of fellowship. I taught children’s church and then shared during a brunch on Sunday. It was great being back at the church and connecting with many. I am looking forward to when I can return to FBC!

Furlough is wrapping up quickly; I fly out today! (I'm writing this as I sit at my gate.) I am thankful to have had this season back in the States, and I have enjoyed spending time with family and friends. I’m also looking forward to getting back to Togo. Ariana, a sign language interpreter who spent a year with me in Togo, is flying back with me! She will be in Togo for two months to help with VBS, deaf camp, and a teachers training. In July, my friend, Kristin, who came last year, is returning for a month! It is going to be a full Summer. Please be praying for safe travels, a smooth transition back, and wisdom in planning.

Thank you for all your encouragement during this furlough season. It has been great to connect with so many of you during this time. Praise be the Lord that I have received all my funding! Thank you to everyone who has prayed and given. I am grateful for each of you. Thank you for walking alongside me on this journey.

God bless,

Liz Ortiz

Prayer Requests:

· Pray for safe travels as Ariana and I fly to Togo on June 10^th

· Pray for Ariana’s family and my family while we are away.

· Pray for wisdom as we prepare for the summer ministry events and all the details to come together. (VBS, teachers training, camp)

· Pray for Kristin as she wraps up school at the end of month and gets ready to come to Togo.

· Pray for someone(s) to join me in the ministry.

Praises:

· Praise God for a good trip to FBC Albion!

· Praise God that I am at 100% of my monthly support!

· Praise God that S, a teacher at the deaf school in Togo, had her baby!