September 1, 2010
Dear Family and Friends,
Our time in the U.S. in July was truly fantastic. We were in Nebraska City for 2 weeks at the WMF Staff Gathering. Seeing long time friends and making new friends was one of the highlights of the gathering for us. The Children’s Retreat was a classic success that Cora and Amani loved being part of. During the gathering we participated in several helpful and productive workshops and labs as well as being ministered to by very powerful and deep reflections by speakers during the evening sessions. We left encouraged, challenged and a little sad as it will probably be another 3 years until we see some of these friends and co-laborers again at the next staff gathering. After the Staff Gathering we drove to Ft. Collins, Colorado to spend time with Walter’s brother and his family. It was great to play with our niece and nephew as well as have the beautiful privilege of meeting our wonderful 1 ½ year old nephew Luca for the first time! Our last week in the U.S. we spent in southern California with our families and reconnecting with friends.
The reentry into our personal, family and community rhythms after a 4 week absence always takes a little bit of time and effort. At first we felt a little rusty but thankfully we are now settling into a good life rhythm. Also, it doesn’t help that it’s terribly cold. On very cold days, I just want to stay inside with a good book, a cup of coffee and a blanket next to our space heater. I’m such a wimp when it comes to cold weather and I find myself constantly thinking of and praying for our friends who have to endure this extreme cold working outside or in their homes made of corrugated tin or plywood. I have started my second semester of the Master’s in Bible program. The two courses I am taking are Hebrew I and Introduction to the New Testament. Adriana continues to help coordinate and participate in the after-school tutoring program that the WMF community and our local church organize for neighborhood kids. Also, by the time you read this, a WMF Servant Team will have been here a couple of weeks. This four month internship program geared towards discipleship and vocational discernment will allow this team of 4 to enter into our community and ministry rhythm and learn about God’s heart for the poor. We ask that you pray through this welcoming we would all be pressed closer to God’s heart.
With October’s prayer letter we plan to further share with you in greater detail our plans and hopes for receiving sabbatical. We sincerely ask that you continue to pray for us, the WMF community in Buenos Aires and the youth and young adults God has placed in our lives to share hope and the deep and everlasting love of God with. As always, please remember that we could not live into our vocation to serve Jesus among the poor if it were not for your partnership in prayer and sacrifice.
Love…Walter