The shadow proves the sunshine...

Justin and I decided to watch a documentary titled "Fading West" by Switchfoot last weekend. It was a really inspiring story and made me think a lot. I actually have been in a contemplative state for a little while, and I am now taking the time to sit down and write out a bit of our story over the last few months and where we are in this journey we are on.

When I was browsing alone on YouTube watching surfing videos (strange, I know, but a slight obsession of mine), I came across this video advertising for the "Fading West" documentary. I was reminded of the song "The Shadow Proves The Sunshine" by Switchfoot, and I thought about how the lyrics were so appropriate for the journey Justin and I have been on together since we got married.

Sunshine, won't you be my mother?

Sunshine, come and help me sing

My heart is darker than these oceans

My heart is frozen underneath

We Are

Dry eyes in the pouring rain while

The shadow proves the sunshine

Two scared little runaways

Hold fast till the break of daylight when

The shadow proves the sunshine

Crooked souls trying to stay up straight

Oh Lord, why did you forsake me?

Oh Lord, don't be far away (away)

Storm clouds gathering beside me

Please Lord, don't look the other way

We Are

Crooked souls trying to stay up straight

Dry eyes in the pouring rain while

The shadow proves the sunshine

Two scared little runaways

Hold fast till the break of daylight when

The shadow proves the sunshine

When we embarked on this adventure of marriage, we really had NO idea what we were getting into. Justin was happy with me doing missions on my own short term, while he pursued his dreams of studio success. We tried to buy a house before our wedding, but were unable to. We were helping with a church plant in Brandon while we were engaged and then decided to help with another one just before our wedding in New Port Richey. We wanted so badly to live close to our church, but we were unable to because of work and because we could not find a house. We settled for an apartment in Tampa, and made treks in all directions to make our lives work.

In the spring after we got married, I stopped working with the missions organization I was with because of finances. Then, in the summer, we began the house search again after moving in with Justin's parents. After a long struggle, we got a house and were getting ready to move in. Then, everything changed, we were suddenly given the opportunity to come to China in the new year, to try something for six months. We moved into our house, lived there for three months, found tenants, and moved to China.

We were not met without opposition, because no one understood why we would make such a rash decision. For both of us, it was a perfect solution. Justin could still do his studio work while I pursued my dreams of doing work in another country. We were happy to quit dead end jobs without meaning and run to greater horizons. We could not answer the questions: What will you be doing there? Are you going to be working? Where will you live? How will you communicate?

We just did not have the answers. We still do not have all the answers.

This is where the shadow comes in. Everything here is much different than we ever pictured. I did not get a job at an international school. It is very difficult to get a teaching job here without a teaching degree and many years of experience. Justin did not get huge opportunities to work in the music industry. It just does not work like that here.

Our situation with our house dramatically deteriorated as well. We are currently in the process of evicting tenants and are looking for new ones. We are behind on mortgage payments. We have thankfully been able to make payments on everything else at home. We have literally had to wait on the Lord for every penny. Which is a constant battle within my control freak soul.

We have questioned God on what our purpose is: Why did you bring us to China? What do you want us to do? Do you really want us here? Why is all of this happening?

His answer to us... "Just trust me."

So, here comes the sunshine!

Justin and I have an awesome church community here. We are both in discipleship groups and are actively participating in a community of believers that come along side us, support us, and encourage us. We are both able to serve in multiple areas of our church and work within our areas of strength. We have grown together as a couple in Christ so much. We study scripture together and pray together. We have no choice but to lean on God and take each step alongside him. We have gained so much perspective on our purpose as a couple and what God desires of us.

At home, in our crazy lives, in our comfort zones, this would have NEVER happened. God got our attention!

We are so thankful for the support of our parents in this insane journey. We are thankful to our faithful friends, John and Megan, who put up with us in insanely small quarters (we are upgrading soon!). We are thankful for our church in the US and here in China for being such awesome brothers and sisters in Christ.

We ask that you PLEASE pray for us. For our work here. For our journey in our relationship with Christ. For our house and how to move forward.

We would love to set up a communication through email with those of you who would like it. My email is blythe.ure@gmail.com.

We are also needing some physical support. We need to take care of our house and need help moving forward. We need to find tenants, so if you have any advice or know of someone needing a home, please contact me. Also, if you are able to make a financial donation on our behalf to help with our US home, please contact me.

We love you all so much, and miss our US family and friends!

Happy Valentine's Day!