Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Homeward Bound

We leave for the airport in a couple of hours.   We are a mix of emotions, and already tired.  We would appreciate your prayers for safe travel.   Also,  please be praying for my Dad as he adjusts to the quiet of the house.
Thank you! Joy

Friday, December 27, 2013

Set free

I was preparing to write a post with a litany of concerns and worries that I  have about out impending return to Gutemala, and then I read Galatians 5:1.  What a great reminder that I have been set free for the enslavement of worry.  So, instead of a list I simply ask for prayers to remember my freedom and relax.
Blessings...Joy

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Merry Christmas

So it was pointed out today that according our blog... we're still heading to Pennsylvania. Uh, we're back.

Our trip south started on Saturday, 30 November. We drove into New York City that evening. The drive down was uneventful, which is to say it was good. Our stay in New York was excellent. It was really nice to reconnect with the folks of the Oversea Chinese Mission. The blessed us immensely. Kenneth continues to finish up the work they requested and hopes to be done in early January.

From New York City we journeyed to Carlisle, Pennsylvania and visited with the Logan family. This was a short but outstanding visit as well. Don, Heather, and Joy sang a lovely version of Chris Tomlin's "I heard the bells on Christmas Day."

We left Pennsylvania just ahead of the snow storm. We stayed the night in Elmsford, NY and were able to have a short visit with our dear friend Liz Ramos. It was nice to catch up with her and see how God is moving in her life. The next day we left NY amid a snow storm. It was slow going but we arrived home safely. The original plan was to arrive back in time that the kids could go to Awana... well, it was cancelled.

Since our return we've had various speaking engagements and meetings with supporters. As I type this tonight, it is Sunday night, 22 December. We have Hannah and Julie for a sleep over. We are realizing this is the last sleep over for the girls on this visit. We are amid the "lasts" for a lot of things. The last piano lesson. The last Awana. The last small group. We still have some "lasts" to go - the last church service. The last game night. The last family meal...

As we reflect on the last seven/nine months it remains clear to us God is and always has been in control of the path and events of our family. Numerous people have said, "...we'd like it if you stay - but we understand God is calling you to return to Guatemala." We've considered this a lot over the past months. We remain steadfast that God wants us to return to Guatemala.

We could not possibly thank all the many peoples who have blessed us over this time in the States and Canada. It is not adequate yet I'll offer a "thank you" to everyone.

Happy birthday Jesus! Merry Christmas to all!

-knme

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Next visit - PA

We just concluded a wonderful four day visit at Oversea Chinese Mission church in New York city. Wow, what a wonderful experience! We're very thankful to the many members of the church who visited with us and made us feel welcome.

Aside from being able to share about our Guatemalan mission (Sunday morning) Kenneth worked with the IT team there on various projects.

Now we are visiting with the Logan family in Pennsylvania. We'll be visiting with them until Monday.