Our UMVIM status

We will be spending 5 months this year in Congo and Zambia as volunteers with the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) program. This is a program under the auspices of the General Board of Global Ministries around the world.

Volunteers can serve from two weeks to 3 years -- depending on the project they are working with. In our case, because we served in this area and these projects for 35 years, we are able to come as go as we like now that we are retired. We see it as a marvelous opportunity to continue to be involved in a new way with the work that has been such a part of our lives.

David will continue to give courses at the Seminary and pastors school. Lori will be teaching the wives of the student pastors and continue the vital nutrition program for children around Mulungwishi.

Homeward bound

We crossed the border today in 1 hour and 10 minutes. It's good to be home.

We will spend a couple of days in Lubumbashi and then go up to Mulungwishi.

Thanks for your prayers.

Back to Congo

We made it to Zambia without any problems. Customs just opened one suitcase and passed us on through.

We're getting some work done on the car. We drive up to Congo on Sunday or Monday.

Thanks for the prayers and keep it up!

While we were in the States...

Some have asked what we did during our time back in the states. Here are the big things in our life while we were there...

• We celebrated a great Thanksgiving with our kids in Southern California. 
• LEGOLAND, Sea World, and the beach were highlights. 
• It was also good to reconnect with a number of friends in supporting churches we visited in the area. 
• Christmas season was in Denver. Jeff's parents, Amber and her fiancé, Travis, were there. 
• David can see clearly now after cataract surgery at the end of January and beginning of February. 
• David attended meetings in Stillwater, OK on partnering between Oklahoma State University and the College of Agriculture at the University in Mulungwishi. 
• We went to Lubbock, TX for a planning meeting for the work teams coming out to Mulungwishi this summer. 
• By far the biggest blessing was family time. In Seattle, we enjoyed being with Andrew and Judy in their new house. The highlight was Amber and Travis' civil wedding. The religious wedding will take place in September when we get back to the States. We are looking forward to developing a relationship with new family. 
• Living within a mile and a half of our grandchildren was such a blessing. Hours of grandparent time were precious. Definitely they are missed.