Preparing for 2016

Nancy and I love to travel. I believe you can learn so much about each other on trips. I grew up traveling a lot, and I desire to pass on that legacy to Mark, Nicole, and Anahi.

This month we took a week off to visit family in Buenos Aires—aunts and uncles whom I rarely get to see because of the great distance—and get away while the kids are out of school. As we merge two families into one, we are all learning new skills and sharing our preferences on everything from the music we listen to on the radio, how money is spent, where to sleep, what to eat, and what activities to do. It's an adventure—and often a challenge—to reach a consensus. Trips are great triggers to bring out our best and our worst.

At the beginning of our trip, I took a retreat to look back and look ahead. It’s something I have enjoyed doing f

or a number of years at the beginning of each year. I can’t tell you how good these retreats have been for my soul, for my emotions, and for ministry decisions. This year I am trying to be more organized and strategic with my time, energy, and resources. I want to do so much, but I realize that focusing is one of the biggest skills I need to develop in this season of my life.

The kids have two more weeks before school starts. Nicole says she already misses school and is ready to begin again. Mark, on the other hand, enjoys his time off as much possible. If anyone has good ideas for fun, summer family activities, please share! We are looking forward to this year as a family, as we continue to grow and minister together.

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Passion for Paraguay

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