Spring is Coming!

It's crazy to think that it's already the end February! The days and weeks are flying by here in Kyrgyzstan and, although we've really enjoyed all the fun and snow of the season, we look forward to the Spring with joyful anticipation and renewed motivation.

Ariana continues to homeschool the girls, work on language learning, and invest in her YouTube channel (You can watch her latest video from our recent trip to Karakol here!) She was also recently invited speak on a podcast about motherhood and parenting while living overseas, which felt like a real honor.

We have also recently stepped into a new role as Team Leaders with Pioneers, and Ariana has taken on much of the administrative responsibilities that comes with that position. This next week, we will get to be a part of a retreat here in Bishkek for team leaders within the Central Asia region. We are looking for to connecting and learning from everyone.

We did a quick trip to the mountains recently and the older girls got some more practice on the slopes!

Some days it feels difficult to persevere on, especially when we continue to face many challenges and see very little progress. Recently, I was encouraged by the words in 1 Timothy where Paul says,

" I thank Him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service." - 1 Tim. 1:12

I'm reminded that the Lord appointed us to this time and place and has allowed us to be part of what He is doing here in Kyrgyzstan. And while we would like to see big, tangible successes and progress, the Lord is at work. He judges us faithful for His service. And often faithfulness isn't measured by how smart or talented or successful we are. It is measured in the small things. We are called to be faithful with what we are given and where God has us. We must "wage the good warfare" (1 Tim. 1:18). We must continue to fix our eyes on the one who gives us strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, and persevere on, fighting the good fight of faith.

Fight on,

The Scotts

As the Spring approaches, the Integra Team has been working diligently to connect with locals farmers to build relationship and begin fertilizer trials as the growing season approaches.

Just last week, Brad and a few other Integra team members the had the opportunity to fly south to Osh to present our fertilizer to some local farmers, one of which was a large apple orchard farmer who has many other farmer contacts around the area. We were able to begin fertilizer trials with him and are praying for continued relationship and partnership in the future.

Meeting with local farmers in Osh

Huge greenhouses

Brad receiving our shipment of fertilizer to the south to begin trials with local farmers

Today, Brad learned of another upcoming agricultural expo in Osh and is already making plans to return next week to share about Integra and our fertilizer. Please join us in praying for these growing relationships and meaningful connections with local farmers.

While there is much happening and plenty of good momentum, progress can sometimes feel slow—and at times, even like we’re taking a step backward. We’ve also been working hard to obtain proper certification for our fertilizer so we can pursue online sales. However, new regulations have made the process more complex and longer than we initially expected. Even in these setbacks, we are trusting the Lord’s timing. We’ve taken this opportunity to refocus our priorities on building strong local partnerships and expanding sales within the community.

As we move forward, we are eager to find a local sales representative who can present the fertilizer at these agricultural expos and connect with farmers and store owners. Please pray that the Lord would bring the right person to fill this important role.

We celebrated Haven's 2nd birthday this month!