December 13, 2001

Journal Entry for December 13, 2001

GRADUATION !!!

We made it!!! It's hard to believe that we have finally graduated from Spanish School. In some ways the year has flown by, in other ways it seems like we have lived in San Jose for years. It was sad to leave our nice little apartment and our new found friends, as well as some old friends who were there at school. But - it is definitely time to move on and continue the work that God has planned for us. With His help and direction we will move ahead to the "next phase" of this wonderful adventure that He has put us on.

Ed & Linda with the Paraguayan Flag

Enjoying the "afterglow" of graduation with the Thompsons

Our good friends Tim & Daina Datwyler who are on their way to Mexico

The crew from El Redentor Methodist came to see us graduate

(L-R: Jennifer & David Thompson, Elaine Arthur, Ed & Linda,

Dinia & Efrain Bermudez, Aulden Coble)

What Next??

Well - we will spend the holidays with family and friends, and visit some of our supporting churches while we are in the States. We have a lot of unpacking and packing to do, as well as a TON of paperwork for our Paraguayan residency visas. It is interesting to fly when you are taking a year or more of belongings with you - lots of trunks!! We plan to fly to Paraguay about January 21st, God willing ("si Dios quiere" in Spanish). We do not yet know where we will be stationed in Paraguay, but it will probably be in an outlying region called the Chaco. This is the area where the Methodist Church is starting new congregations, and also where the water needs are the greatest. We will find out when we get there!!

Prayer Requests

1. We ask for your prayers for safe travel as we go to Paraguay.

2. We ask for your prayers that we will BOLDLY proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ at all opportunities.

3. Please pray that we will each have a national friend when we get to Paraguay. We ask that God will make ready the hearts of two special nationals.

4. Pray for the health and safety of all the missionaries here at the Institute and abroad - especially those witnessing to Muslims.

5. Pray for the peace of Jesus Christ to be poured out upon the United States and all of her allies around the world.