November 2012
Dear Family & Friends,
It is hard to believe I am coming up on five years living and serving with Word Made Flesh in Buenos Aires. I am grateful for family and friends who have accompanied me and faithfully partnered with me along the way. During these past several years I have become more aware of two parallel vocations that have taken deeper root in my life since moving to Argentina. In addition to my heart and desire to serve among the poor, I have also come to recognize my growing vocation of encouraging and accompanying others in spiritual formation. These two vocations continue to shape my passions, decisions and commitments. Thankfully, WMF has provided roles and responsibilities that have allowed me to serve, explore and grow into both these vocations at the same time.
When I began my service with WMF in Argentina, I also took on the task of developing a formation process for all our WMF staff and communities. This responsibility eventually led to my role as “Coordinator of Vocational Formation” for our global community, which I do in addition to my local responsibilities in Argentina. These formation roles and responsibilities have influenced my desire and passion to pursue more formal training in spiritual direction, which brings me to some news I have to share. In January I will begin a study program in San Francisco for more formal training in spiritual formation and direction. The on campus courses will meet for three consecutive Januarys. I will then be able to do the additional course work from Argentina in between January courses. After a lot of prayer, discernment and conversations with others, I feel that this program is a good fit and next step all that is still ahead. I am excited and hopeful!
Following the January courses and some vacation time with family, I will return to Buenos Aires in February. In the midst of a lot of change and transition for WMF, God has deepened my personal commitment to both our global WMF community and our Argentina community. As we look forward to 2013, we are beginning to imagine and envision local partnerships and involvement in new ways. We see lots of potential for Argentine volunteers and staff moving forward. Our new Argentine board of directors will no doubt have much to offer in this area. I invite you to join us in prayer for these goals moving forward.
I would also appreciate your prayers for my financial support needs in 2013. Inflation in Argentina continues to impact the cost of living here. Most prices have doubled since moving here five years ago. Up until now my support account has been able to sustain all the higher costs. However, the growing cost of living along with study program expenses leaves me with some increased support needs in 2013 and beyond. Let me know if you might like more information on being a part of my support team, if you are not already partnering in this way. I am happy to share more about any of these future plans and needs if you have any questions. Thank you!
Much Love, david