A Little Q & A

I have started to notice the "out of the honeymoon" stage has come into our lives recently.  One thing that Nathanael said he really would miss about Belize is the laid back lifestyle.  Here we have much to do, and it feels like less time to do it in. 

We are working on being as clear as possible with you, so I thought I'd have a question/answer post.


What are we doing?

Nathanael is working for North Penn School District's ESY (Extended School Year) with two students. Spring is working part time for Child Evangelism Fellowship's Good News camp, and a homecare agency.  The children go to daycamp where Spring works, and are involved in outside activities as well.  We are still working on unpacking and organizing. 

How long will we be in PA?

That is a good question and if you know the answer please inform us.  Really our answer this time is similar to last time. We have to raise all of our funds before returning to Belize.  The earliest we could leave PA is January 2017.  Fundraising could take longer than we expect and we might not leave till June 2017 or June 2018. 

Are you on furlough?

The short answer to this one is no.  Since we were mission interns through Eastern Mennonite Missions, our term ended with us returning June 21st.  Nathanael started his job here June 22.  We have committed to another term with EMM but right now we are working, fundraising, homeschooling, and planning for our next term.

Where are you living?

We have the huge blessing of living with my parents. My children were able to return to the same house they left in August 2015.  We are grateful for the adjustments my family has been willing to make to allow us to stay here. We still own our house in Lansdale, and that is rented. 

What are your next steps?

We had a MST meeting this past week. Some people are changing their positions, or have had to leave the MST because of other commitments. We are praying about people to join in the vision with us. The main goal is for the MST to come alongside us in our efforts to fund-raise

Most obviously our next step is fundraising. We are working at filling our August and September schedules.  We are looking for opportunities for ways to share the vision God has given us.

If you have a unique way for us to share (meet with your friends for dinner, speaking at MOPS) we would love to have a conversation with you.  If you have a passion for missions and want to be involved in our MST, please feel free to contact us. Having a MST is an important part of what allows us to minister.  It is a way to be involved in missions right in your backyard.

Pictures are from our time at Global Fair. We didn't have a table this year since we just arrived in PA 2 weeks prior to Global fair. We did enjoy seeing old friends, good food and getting re-connected.

How many Many Mennonites does it take to put up a tent? (our trip to Emm's Global Fair)

Apparently more than we had.. ;)

On Saturday, we had the privilege (again) of having a table at Global fair.  Nathanael asked if we could borrow a tent from our church.  We picked it up on our way and headed out. Once we got there it was spritzing small amounts of rain. 

I felt it would be a good idea to set up the tent.. so we wouldn't get wet .  Nathanael was reluctant as the tent seemed extra big and complicated.  He did agree because I was also concerned about getting sun burnt. 

After an hour of laughing, about 10 people attempting to read the directions, push together poles, and watch us, we gave up.  It seems that there were some poles missing from the bag, and the wrong canvas in it. 

Nathanel told some of the people helping us that this is a "Secret team building" exercise.. Oh well it was fun to try!




We are so thankful to Summer, Ray and Mary Bergey and Debbie Ulle who came to be with us.
  They also escorted our children around and made sure we were fed!  I love the chance we get at Global fair to get to know other missionaries and their callings. It is also fulfilling to interact with the people of other cultures who bring food to sell; and the other organizations (like MCC and LMC)