Tuesday, June 12, 2012

June Adventures

In our last update we mentioned how it was getting hotter here, well it is still hot, but we thankfully have been able to take a couple of quick weekend trips during Memorial Day and our Anniversary to some of the nearby hill/mountain towns. In these areas we are close to 5,000 ft above sea level and only about two hours from our city, but at that elevation the climate is much cooler.

Our first trip was to Darjeeling, world famous for tea. It is a busy little tourist area full of tea shops everywhere, good mountain views, and a nice zoo. This trip allowed us some much needed relaxation, some time with close friends, and a chance to cool off a bit.


The next trip was to Kalimpong, which is less touristy of an area, but also has some great mountain views,  places to do outdoor activities, and provided a nice relaxing anniversary get away. This was the first anniversary with Elliot included, but we loved having him with us as he brings us much joy.

Aside from these two mini-trips we have been very busy the last few weeks. Matthew has started weekly traveling to our focus area to spend time with and network with leaders. These trips have opened many doors and provided upcoming training opportunities. In fact he led his first broad training this past weekend that although had some cultural setbacks, it provided him with many learning opportunities.

Our team had the privilege of hosting a short-term team from Humble, TX this past week. This team conducted a leadership training conference for those out there doing the work in our focus area. Overall the conference went well and it was an encouragement to have them in town. They also made it feel like Christmas as they delivered packages to us from our family members. We also received a large package, pictured above, from a partnering small group from the Summit Church, love this group and their partnership with us. Thank you all so much for the love through care packages.



Andrea was involved with helping the other part of their team within the red light district. They threw a birthday party for all of the women working the red light district as nobody knows their actual birthday, nor is it likely ever celebrated. In these parties they loved on these women, washed their feet, and served them as Jesus served us. Andrea also did a Bible story in the art form of Henna, which is very common here.


Now that we are close to reaching the mid-point of June we are working hard on getting further into our work here and also mobilizing teams to come out in partnership with us in the next six months. If you or a group would like to come and out be a part of the work here, please send us an email and we will get you connected.
As your summers are getting started please take time to remember us in the following ways:

  • Continuing to look for a regular translator for Matt.
  • Wisdom/Discernment in who to work with in ministry.
  • Wisdom in decision making.
  • Continued spiritual growth as individuals, a couple, and a family.