Prayer Update

I usually keep my blogs and my prayer letters separate, but I've been so busy with my new book release that I haven't written anything lately. Here is last night's update.

Ryan finished his first seminary class. He's gathering further training to help him in his mentoring/counseling roles at Rift Valley Academy. It was the perfect course for him..."Cross-cultural Counseling." The two main things he got out of the class were A) relating to people of other cultures truly requires a new way of thinking and B) counseling isn't about having all the answers but helping people find the truth (God's truth) on their own. He'll take "The Gospels" with Dr. Mark Strauss and "Family Systems" with Rev. Powell through Bethel Seminary next term.

Heather continues to lesson plan for the Rift Valley Academy history department overhaul next year. There have been numerous hurdles along the way over the past three years, but it appears that the textbooks are finally bought and are on their way to Africa.

We've had lots of great visits so far in San Diego, but we still need to get together with so many of you. Please call or email us if you have a good time to get together. We don't want July to be here and to not have seen you. We're driving up to the Sacramento area to visit friends and supporters this week...please pray for traveling mercies.

Heather's still subbing at local schools. Ryan's working on his book and other writing projects. His book is due for release on May 1, 2010. We attached a flyer for his "Book Release Party" at a local bookstore. The best way to get it is when you see us in person, but if you would rather order some, send us an email. His publisher is offering a great rate for orders of 10 or more.

We've had some health troubles recently. Ryan has a stress fracture in his foot and had strep throat last week. Heather seems to be coming down with it tonight. More significantly though, Asher was diagnosed with asthma. We're glad he's on medication now, and we're hoping he's more comfortable because of it. We're also hoping that this is the kind he'll grow out of as he gets older. Many children do at 5 or 6 years of age.

We celebrated both of our boys' birthdays in the last month. That's probably the greatest lesson the Lord is teaching us right now. Time here on earth is so short. Every moment we have together is so precious--time with friends and family, time where memories are created. Eternity is literally a breath away for each of us, and we want to make the most of it, whether we're resting our heads in San Diego, York County, or Kijabe. And making the most of it for Christians means making the most of Him at every opportunity.
Ephesians 5:15-20 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil... Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We've reached the half-way point in the San Diego leg of our home assignment. We have a lot left to do before July, but we are so encouraged and grateful for God's goodness to us. Thanks for your support all along the way. Please keep praying for us; we know you are.