Monday, June 9, 2008

WHERE IS HOME ANYWAY?

If you want to hear a missionary hem and haw, try asking that question. It's one we've been asking ourselves for the last few weeks as we've moved into a new apartment and are also preparing to go on "Home Ministry Assignment" in the U.S. this summer.

First, our new digs: After house-sitting for the last year and a half, we've finally moved into our own place. Now the kids can destroy our furniture instead of someone else's! For the first time in our married lives, we've bought a fridge, stove, washer and dryer. It's said that "stuff ties you down," and in a good sense, we feel that by furnishing our own place, we've crossed an emotional threshold toward making Quito our home. We've even got a spare bedroom, so ya'll come down to visit now, ya hear?


Second, even as we've been settling into our new home, we've been dreaming of going "home" this summer to the U.S. As a missionary kid, Dave learned that "home is where the people you love are." So we'll be going "home" to see those we love in IL, MN, CO and KS.

The summer ahead of being "pilgrims" reminds us that our true home is in Christ. What a comfort to know there is a place where we will always belong!

SUMMER ADVENTURES

Even as our eyes glaze over while dreaming about U.S. playgrounds, Wendy's Frostys and thrift store shopping, what we most look forward to this summer is visiting our friends! Here's is a brief overview of where we'll be. Please let us know when we can take you out for a meal or outing. We will continue to check our e-mail address (see bottom of the page) and can give you phone numbers of where we'll be if you drop us a line.

June 18: Arrive in Chicago
June 22: Share at Palos Bible Church in Palos Heights, Illinois
June 23-28: Reunion with Beth's family in Minnesota
June 29: Share at Hope Christian Church in Shoreview, MN
July 12: Leave MN for IL
July 13: Share at Trinity Vineyard in St. Charles, IL
July 21-31: Reunion with Dave's family in Colorado
August 1-3: Attend seminar at IHOP in Kansas
August 4-13: In Illinois


JOURNEYING TOGETHER

In the final days of the Alliance Academy school year, Dave has heard from a number of students who are eager to take his Bible classes next fall. We are encouraged by their interest and hope you are, too, since our work here is a team effort with you!

Recently our average support has been running about $200/month under target. We also are at a point where purchasing a car makes sense both for our family's needs and for more opportunities to connect with students outside of school. If you could help with a monthly pledge of support or with a special gift for a vehicle, please contact HCJB Global by phone, internet or mail. Thanks so much!!!