Where did November go?
Whew! Last month has been a whirlwind..but a good whirlwind! :-)
I was in 1 missions conference and 2 churches in November. The missions conference was in Frederick, CO. What a blessing to meet Pastor Gary Goodpaster and his wife, Linda, former missionaries to Australia! Their son-in-law, Pastor Randy Graham from Appleton, WI, was the key note speaker. I think my favorite part of missions conferences is the chance to meet other missionaries. One couple, Tom & Sandy Hastings, have been in Germany for 30 years!! Oh that I may be as faithful! While at Tri-Town Baptist Church, I got to share in the evening service, teach a missions lesson in the Cubbies class, play the piano, and enjoy a shopping excursion (Starbucks included!) with some of the ladies of the church.
My schedule also took me to Northglenn Baptist Church, a church that supports the Brouwers! Thank you for the opportunity to share what great things God is doing in Tanzania, Pastor Robinson! The First Baptist Church of Akron, CO also opened their doors to me this month. What fun to be in a church that knows and supports my dear friend, Kristine McLaughlin (missionary to the Ivory Coast)! :-) That Sunday also happened to be the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day...I got to enjoy a huge turkey dinner too! Thank you First Baptist church family!
November has also been a good month of studying. I'm in the middle of a class on the book of Isaiah (through Front Range Bible Institute). I've finished two projects so far (a Bible study on the attributes of God from chap 40-48, and faith in the book of Isaiah) with one more project to go! I'm also in the midst of language study, reviewing grammar lessons and practicing conversation with my mwalimu (teacher). My mom and I also attended a one-day seminar on world religions, including how to reach a Buddhist or a Muslim with the gospel.
The days have also been filled with babysitting my nephews and niece; sorting through clothes, books, and things (preparing for packing); helping mom and dad move my mom's home business (book bindery) into another room; catching up with friends; and keeping up with deputation phone calls, emails, and letters.
I wonder if life will slow down at all when I get to Tanzania!? :-)