a little MORE R and R than planned

We've been praying lately that God would give us insight into what He has for us during this 6 month delay. I am sure God has many things in store, but recently I shared with Tim that I think God is impressing 2 things on my heart. It is to rest and re-connect. Now we have already been working on these while home this year (among a lot of other things). But we'll definetly continue to rest and re-connect during our remaining time here in California. REST

Now rest doesn't necessarily mean putting up our feet or taking a nap (although that sounds pretty good right now). It's more the idea of being refreshed and renewed.

A few of the things resting means to us is:

- take time to read spiritually challenging books

- be refreshed by quality and quantity time in God's Word

- have time to be still, think and pray as we process what God has been and is up to in our lives

- take time for our family to be together

- have the time and energy to address family, ministry, marital, etc. issues

- soak up fellowship and worship times in English

- take a break from the burden of ministry that usually weighs us down

- allow ourselves to "re-coup" from the stress of last term and recent uncertainties

RE-CONNECT

Re-connecting with people is something we do all home assignment as we travel to visit our supporting churches as well as see as many of our prayer and financial partners as possible. (Hey, when we are gone for 3-4 years at a time...you know, "Out of sight, out of mind"!) It's also about connecting and re-connecting with our home church in our new hometown where we've only lived 2 years. We often still feel like we are new here and are trying to "fit in" as we:

- work hard at "getting to know and being known"

- serve (leading Bible studies, etc.)

- share in small groups and Sunday schools about our ministry and God's heart for missions

- get together with people, pastors and church leaders and build friendships

- be involved in small groups, youth group and Bible studies

Even though we are still sad and disappointed to be delayed, we can clearly see God's blessings in this extra time He has given us to rest and re-connect.