Miriam’s Song:
The art of embracing family photos with a two-year-old that just wants to run & play
After the craziest setbacks, the kind that make one question the possibility of survival, the Ottesons, party-of-four crossed the threshold of the U.K. border with long-stay visas in hand. Woah.
We’ve faced uncertainty about funding our living expenses while here. We had a baby back in the States, and endured two 3-5 week episodes of separation as Sarah and the kids were required to be back in the U.S. long before Gloria’s due date, while at the same time, I was required to be here in Oxford for the end of the Michaelmas and Hilary Terms.
Well, we found funding for the $9,000 price of long-stay visas with healthcare for the family. A couple we met last year basically gave us their flat for the cost of taxes & HOA for the rest of our stay in Oxford. And dozens of families and friends have given to support our living expenses for the next 14 months. We even got an unexpected upgrade to first class on the flight back over the pond! Seeing Emmaus dwarfed by that British Airways “club seat"/bed was unreal!!
That all amounts to the most significant challenge Sarah and I have overcome in 10 years of “going steady.” To be candid, we’re still recovering with long-form evening teas on the couch before bed. With the exception of a bit more fundraising (≈$20k to go), we’re pretty much set to stay in place until graduation in the summer of 2025!
Last night, before dinner, we read “Miriam’s Song” from the Exodus story. It’s straight to the point: “Sing to YHWH, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.” God did that!!
It’s been daily Leaps of Faith like no other. But I just keep hearing the Spirit reaffirm: “I have sent you to Oxford for the Master of Theology. I will take care of you. I will show you where you’re going from here.” Each word but the third has proven true! I’m sure God will come through on that last point soon!
Such an honor to do this! I’m sure we’ll soon reflect this time with amazement, having seen God’s hand of leadership and provision through an audacious season of the calling!
OTTESON FAMILY OF FOUR! …🏃➡️