Starting a new life

We got good news today from Colombia. Julian was given an out from the military--a pretty costly one that we'll help him pay, but at least it's an out. Now he can officially move on and take the steps to begin a whole new life. Looking back over all the scenarios he could have found himself in, what a blessing to see how God provided for him and kept His hand upon him. Not only is he in a safe place with very open communication with us, but the person he's living with is having a godly influence on him daily. He's learning how to cook a few things, has someone to help him learn how to track his spending and keep a budget, has a fellow companion that shares his love and fascination with music, and he's learning SO much English, SO fast. I told him he's got three months till we get there to learn to communicate more easily with Mike and David. :) (I probably should be ordering those airline tickets already, huh?)

Tomorrow morning he has a job interview--hoping this one works out well for him because it sounds like a job very suited to his personality and interests.

We're all just so relieved to know which direction his future does not HAVE to go now.

I've gotten some really nice feedback on the book so far. I've only actually heard from one person that finished it (who said she was awestruck by such an amazing story), but others that are in the process of reading it have all basically said the same thing......"I just didn't know the depth of what you all went through and the relationship you had with those kids." Others have said they can't stop crying (and they're not even to the sad part yet!), it's hard to read through it and feel it all with me when they know what's coming, and that it's the kind of book you can't read through quickly--it's one that you have to take your time to really absorb it all. I've also gotten some nice comments on the poetry. (Those are my kindred spirits). The first six chapters were all pretty much the story that everyone knew--just maybe not in the depth that I shared it in the book. It's the last eight chapters that many people never knew about, so I'm anxious to hear more feedback on their reactions to those eight chapters (and, of course, the ending). I'm very anxious for the book to arrive at its destination in Colombia so Julian can have his story in his hands, and so the missionary he's living with can read the story that she had no clue God was going to have her become part of.