You have to come see this! 

Noah burst into the house bouncing with excitement. “There’s a baby deer in the yard, you have to come see this!” We came quick, excited, cautious, and there it was, a little baby deer in the shade of the maple tree on our front lawn. So small we couldn’t see it until we came within a few feet on the growing spring grass. We stood there in awe and enjoyment for a few moments until we retreated back to the house to keep an eye out while giving space for the mama deer to make it back without scaring her off. Sure enough, a few hours later, we watched as mama deer called her baby from the edge of the trees across the road, then baby wobbled and bounced across the lawn to meet her, disappearing into the safety of the trees.

Hosting feels a lot like this. Excitement and joy, anticipation and welcome, preparing a space for guests to rest and preparing our children to love without smothering the families who stay with us. Sometimes, we have said our hellos and given space to hide and rest or enjoy the local nature without our company. This spring, we were able to welcome a Pastor and his family not just for rest and vacation but also time together with us. Our collective 8 kids enjoyed exploring our property and the neighborhood, we ate delicious meals together, and had great conversations. 

I also enjoyed the surprise of a visit from a missionary Tim and I met briefly after we first married 17 years ago. I was his daughter’s small group leader for a short time, and a mutual friend connected us for a quick stay and networking connections while he was passing through Cincinnati. He is leading a team of high school students to Nepal this summer, and we are hoping to see him again in September or January. 

Its been a fun spring! Far less heat than I had expected, and an enjoyable break from the busyness of team sports. Family pizza movie nights have been a highlight of our week and time spent together after Tim finishes a long work week.

Prayer request and praises 

Praise God that Tim has completed his second CPE unit towards becoming a Board Certified Chaplain. Please pray for the right chaplain position to work as he moves on to the next unit. 

I am still looking for a set of bunkbeds for the kids guest room. Our next kid crew arrives at the end of July, and I am hoping to be set up before they get here. Please pray that we find a clean, sturdy, and affordable set of twin bunk beds this July.

God brought us better health and less sickness this spring. Please continue to pray that we would stay healthy.

Pray for our upcoming summer guests as they minister in Peru this summer, that they would be a good support to the long term missionaries and ministries in the areas they will be in, and that they have smooth travels on their way home. 

Will you continue to pray with me for a separate home for long term missions housing in the Cincinnati area, and that God will bring the provision and and line up all the necessary details? 

Thank you for reading our newsletters, for praying for our family and our ministry, and for your donations that allow us to continue caring for missionaries. 

Grace and Peace,

Codi Gauci