Have you ever longed to return to a place or season in
your life?
-Pray for my sister Noel as she explores opportunities in
Africa and finishes her time in the Czech Republic after nine years.
Maybe to see the smile of old friends or to tell someone
how much they mean to you?
Maybe to finish something you thought you’d have time to
finish?
Maybe to try to right a wrong?
Often times you’re taken out of a place or a season for
whatever reason. And many times you don’t get the chance to go back.
When I left Ethiopia late last summer, I wondered if that
was it. Would it only be for a one month break as planned, or longer?
As my plane took to the skies, I closed my eyes and remembered the paths walked, all the
memories made, all the things God had taught me in Ethiopia.
I tried to seer into my memory every student's face. I smiled thinking about afternoon
macchiatos; the smell of bunna and
popcorn and spices. The long walks. I remembered the
shared struggles; the laughter, the tears. I remembered all the classes and discussions. I didn’t want it to be over.
It was much a hard reminder to me that we’re not
guaranteed tomorrow. And that we need to make the most of our time...have the
conversations that need to be had...say the things that need said, while we have the chance.
Psalm 90:12
Teach us to number
our days…
Hebrews 3:13
Encourage each
other daily, as long as it is called Today…
I'm so grateful that a few weeks ago, I was blessed to return back to this
continent that I’ve grown to love.
The reunions I have had... the hugs, the happy
tears, the high-fives...have been what I’ve imagined in my sweetest dreams.
My prayer from here is that I MAXIMIZE every minute,
every hour, every day, back in these fields.
During the coming summer season (which is rainy season in
this part of the world)- I will be teaching a Beginners English Course for
seminary students. I’m excited to help equip future ministry leaders with the
skills they need to succeed in their ministry careers. I hope to get to share
with them some stories too from my ministry days.
I will also be helping with Hope University’s first
college graduation. At the end of July, 75 Marketing, Management, and
Accounting students will receive their degrees. I’m so proud of these students-
many of whom I were my students for all of their semesters of English. I will
help with putting together their graduation program and first ever yearbook.
 |
| some of the graduating class |
I also hope to finally finish the draft of my first book during rainy season.
Thank you for being part of my journey and for helping me be back here. Your
continued prayers mean so much!
May God help each us in the coming days- maximize our time in whatever field He has us in, remembering we're not guaranteed tomorrow.
Summer gives many more time to make those conversations happen. May we not lose time!
Onward with You!
Prayer Requests
-Please pray for my continued resettlement back here, for
good health and good connections
-Pray that out of the multitude of things to do and ways
to serve, that God will give me the best schedule for my time
-Pray for the upcoming English course that I will take
the training I had in Prague and my former teaching and ministry experience …..
and use ALL to be best teacher I can be for the students.
-Pray for two student trips this week that I will be
going on. One is a one-day trip with our girls school club. The other is an
overnight trip for graduating seniors. Pray for the chance to encourage these
students.
-Please pray for the graduating class of students here-
that they will finish well and will find good work after graduation.
-Please keep my parents in prayer as they enjoy their
summer time. For good health and great joy. We love them so much.
Thanks for your prayers!
