Vogel May 2019

Note: We sent some of this information out before our move to Kentucky, and we’re including it here in case you missed it. For the latest news since our move, see “Short-term plans” below.

Many of you know that in late January, I (Hannah) returned to the States from Liberia due to an infection. Felipe stayed behind to teach since I would probably be gone just two weeks. The doctors discovered that I had an E. coli infection that was resistant to almost all antibiotics. After two rounds of antibiotics I was not feeling any better, so I visited a specialist and an infectious disease doctor. The specialist recommended that I stay on a strict diet to bring down inflammation and the infectious disease doctor put me on one round of IV antibiotics to ensure that the infection was gone.

While visiting these doctors I asked a very big question: “When do you think I can go back to Liberia?” Both doctors advised the same thing: “Wait six months to a year to go back since this was such a bad infection and if it came back while in Liberia you could die.” This definitely was not the feedback we were hoping to get, but we are very thankful that the doctors were completely honest. The lab tests show that my infection is currently gone, praise Jesus, but my body just needs to time to heal. Unfortunately, there is hardly any lab equipment at the medical facilities in Liberia, and the antibiotics I need are not even available in the country. Due to the doctors’ advice, Felipe and I have decided to resign from Rafiki.

This was a very hard decision, and it was not taken lightly. It breaks our hearts to be leaving Liberia and the people with whom we have already fallen in love with. Liberia holds such a special place in our hearts, and the people are in so much need. Even though we only spent a short time there, it truly felt like home and it was such a joy to see the difference we were making in our students’ lives. All the people there are so special.

What now? Short-term plans

Felipe and I have both moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where we will live near Felipe’s family and church family while I recover. We have accepted teaching jobs in Christian schools in Lexington for the coming school year. Meanwhile, I am teaching and tutoring over the summer, and Felipe is still looking for a summer job. We are living with Felipe’s brother’s in-law’s family, long-time missionaries in Brazil and Thailand, until we move into an apartment later this summer. Also, friends from church have graciously lent us their spare car to use until we can buy our own. We are so thankful for all the help we are getting from friends and family in our transition.

Then what? Long-term plans

Felipe and I have every intention to not get stuck in the States. It is still our dream to serve in Africa, and to raise our family while serving Him. Yes, I am confused and discouraged at this turn of events, but I know and trust that God has a good plan for us. Our current chapter may be one of grieving for the people and work we have to leave behind in Liberia, but we have every confidence that through Jesus we have a narrative of joy.

Thank you all so much for your prayers, support, kindness, and encouragement during this time. I pray that with the coming of this spring season my soul will bloom with praises for my loving God. Rather than being filled with anxiety and doubt during this time, I want to trust Him completely as I wait for His blessings and sustenance to fall like manna. He is strong, He is loving, and He has a good plan.

Please Pray:

• My infection does not come back, and that I would be back to full health soon.

• For Felipe’s health since he has been dealing with a possible parasite infection.

• For a summer job for Felipe.

• That God would keep the missions fire roaring in our hearts during this time of waiting and healing.

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