Going to Costa Rica

As much as I would love to be going permenantly, I am going for about 9 days. Hopefully this will give me the opportunity to really get to know the people I will be working with and also to get some tools to help with support raising. Please pray for a safe and productive trip. Mel

Still Grieving

I just wanted to say thank you for all your prayers and please continue to pray for me. I have been having terrible nightmares and am struggling with how to grieve. I have had very close family members die and have been able to grieve, but this is significantly different. Thank you to all of you who have called or emailed. I am just not ready to really talk to anyone yet so please don't take it personal.

I am getting more responses to my need for monthly support, but am still about $1200 shy of what I need. Remember no amount is too LITTLE or too GREAT. I would love any references of people you know. I know this is blunt, but remember this that to serve God takes sacrifice, not just missionaries, but those who remain behind to pray and pay. Please look at your budget and pray about what is necessary or frivolous or perhaps just a little indulgent. God will lead your hearts.

I can't leave until my support is completely in, so please don't delay if you plan to support me. Grateful with all my heart and chomping at the bit to go, Melissa

Prayer Request

Hello Everyone, I wish this blog was to tell everything is going good, but I had some news that broke my heart. My biological father Bob Schiesler passed away. This was hard enough news to hear, but my family chose to keep it from me for 4 months. My father and I were not as close as I would have liked, it happens when your parents don't stay together. I did try to keep up some contact with him and the rest of my family. Why they did this hurtful thing to me, I may not understand, but I ask that you would pray for understanding, peace and eventually forgiveness. For those of you who have been praying for me Thank you and I will answer your calls, it is just really hard to talk about right now. I have amazing family (love you guys) and friends who have surrounded me with love and support. If anything comes of this heartbreak, I know that there are people out there who love me more than I knew before. Sorry if my grammer is bad, I just can't think clearly. Love you all, Mel

Still working on support!

Things are picking up, but I can't wait to get to Costa Rica. God is really teaching me patience. I have been able to spend some quality time with family and friends, but the desire to leave is stronger each day. Thank you for all your prayers continue to pray for me and if there are any opportunities to share with anyone you know please let me know. Melissa

Go Giants

I spent Sunday afternoon with my church watching the Patriots get whooped! It was a good time and I also had time to get some support letters ready to mail. Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Mel

Muchas Gracias

Thank you for your prayers. I am working only part-time so I can concentrate on full time support raising. It has been a steady but long process but God is providing. I am anxious to get to Costa Rica and have a hard time being here, but this is where God has me now and raising support is just as much apart of ministry as being on the field. So continue to pray for patience as I wait on His perfect timing. I have been trying to make the most of my time left, by spending it with family and friends. I was given a going away party by my friends at work. They are always joking that I will never leave and this is the cake they got me. I think it is funny. Blessings, Melissa