Summer Breeze Come Back...

I can hardly believe summer is over already (though, not technically until the 21st), but the weather is certainly convincing. How did that awesome Summer sun turn into Autumn chills so quickly?? Another summer gone by that I didn't get up on waterskis, but it was a good and busy time...

This summer...

I completed another course for my M.Ed...

Youth Week was a great time of good learning (students did all the work) and stupid games and deep conversations. Adriana arrived a couple days ahead of camp (after a series of flight delays due to hurricanes) and we left very early (5am) yesterday morning to get to Buffalo to catch her flight home to the Dominican Republic. I meandered back yesterday morning - with a few stops along the way (Henry of Pelham, Gianna and Mattea's house...) - eventually arriving home again around 5pm. It was really incredible to have Adriana here for the week (plus a few days) to experience camp, my family, meet the youth and also to hear a bit about where God is directing her in life as we had lots of good talks. I am looking forward to having her work with the Monsoon participants in the coming term (see schedule in the right-hand column for details). Pray for her when you can about her future; studies, job, missions, etc. Thanks to those of you who keep on praying for her since her time with the team in Asia last summer...

This week, I have been called on by my friends at OMF to help out with the debrief for their Serve Asia (SA=short-term) team members from over the summer. You might remember that a few years ago, before I landed in the Dominican, I was coordinating teams for about four years for SA. On Friday, they need a hand, and I am really excited to help out with the debrief. It will be great to connect again to Asia (love that), hear some stories - maybe even inspire one of them to take over the Serve Asia Coordinator position (yes, there is that need open again)...

I have also been listening several people around me as they promote a particular position they would love for me to fill for a time. So, I've been praying and talking and thinking about that - and making my decision. I think I know how it is that I will respond, but I just want to be sure that we get the negotiations right and that all of our expectations are understood in the process. I'll let you know more on that (terribly coded info - sorry) in the near future...

Right now, I'm getting ready for some cool things up and coming (see RH column for more):

- trip to Birmingham, N. Ireland, and Paris with Annie and Granny (12-27 September)

- prep work for Monsoon term Oct-Dec (still hoping for 3 more applicants - if interested, inquire via monsoongde@gmail.com)

Ideas in the making/praying...

- "Northern Community" visit, Feb 2012 (details TBD)

- Monsoon BBC Team Mission, March Break 2012

- "Northern Community" Discipleship Expedition, Summer 2012 (TBD)

So... yeah, lots going on, and I am still making those "important" future decisions. I appreciate all your prayers through everything and hope that you have had a great summer too!

In Christ,

Shannon