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I’m running a bit behind on writing my newsletter this month, but as always, it is great to sit down and address you all. It has been a summer of farewells and of reconnecting. I am so blessed! Though I recognize that transition will continue to define much of my life in the coming months, this initial transition back to the US has gone well. The busy travel schedule has provided a degree of structure without any significant individual responsibilities, and I have really been able to dwell in the possibilities and excitement of the uncertainty. REALLY – the uncertainty HAS been a blessing and a joy. I am confident that God has a plan and (so far) have truly been able to rest in that, exploring a wide variety of possibilities without any urgency to know. I am waiting expectantly. Pray that God will continue to grant me peace in the journey and that I will learn to walk in the balance of waiting on the Lord and acting in obedience.
Cameroon in Minnesota! With Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne (executive president of the Cameroon Baptist Convention) at the NAB Triennial, celebrating 50 years since we handed over leadership of the ministry there to the CBC.
Triennial, as always, was a great opportunity to connect to a wide variety of churches and individuals across the Conference (read: denomination), to see how God is working in and through them, and to spend some special time with other missionaries. Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, this year was also a blessing in that it put me in a position to attend a short institute at the University of Minnesota sponsored by their Global Studies Initiative and to connect with a former student and her husband who live in the area.
Hair braided one last time.
As the new academic year begins across much of North America and in many other places throughout the world, please join me in praying for both teachers and students. Pray for true connections and opportunities to speak into the lives of others. Pray that needs will be recognized and met. Pray for eyes to be opened to the amazing and often unexpected ways God is working in, through, and around us.
RFIS class of 2024 – they may be a small group, but God is going to use them in MIGHTY ways!
Senior Trip – and we are off!
Stealing a few moments alone during senior trip to savor my last time in Kribi while the kids are having fun on the beach.
RFIS Director Anna Irby and I leaving the RFIS admin building for the last time . . . keys are turned in.
One last farewell and picture before heading to the airport.
Some final farewells to some dear neighbors and friends.
A little taste of what a family reunion with 130+ people looks like. My grandfather and various combinations of his siblings’ families started coming up to a different lake in Minnesota 70 years ago. We outgrew several resorts before settling at this one for the past 20+ years. Very few of grandpa’s generation remain, but the tradition continues. What a special blessing to spend time together and worship together!
Thank you for continuing this journey with me!