Once upon a Home Assignment
When we set out from our quiet, rural home in Loki, Kenya into what we knew would be a busy travel schedule, we eagerly anticipated meeting with family, friends, and churches. Four and a half months into our Home Assignment, we have completed 17,500 miles of road travel, covered 38 states and 3 provinces, and shared stories about how we have seen God move through all things, including tragedy. We have tried our best to see as many of you as we could. Thank you all for the warm welcomes and hospitality along the way. You have all been amazing. We hope we have been as much of an encouragement to you as you have been to us.
To those who have prayed and sent words of encouragement to us after Joel's brother's accident, thank you. We have read them all and tried to respond, but if we didn’t, please know that we appreciate each word. It reminds us that we’re part of a huge international family, the Body of Christ, and we are not alone. We celebrate God’s victories together, … and grieve life’s unexpected trials together. Thank you for standing with us through it all.
Returning to East Africa
Chimney Rock, North Carolina
We are planning to return to Kenya on January 3rd to resume our next term with AIM AIR. While we’ve been Stateside, plans to move to Arua, Uganda have continued forward. Two families have transitioned to Arua in the past month, and the house that has been set aside for us is just waiting for its new occupants. Please continue to pray for our move from Loki to Arua, particularly finances, logistic decisions, and our hearts as we leave a town that has been home for four years. We feel excitement about the team God is putting together, a bit of trepidation about the move, but always peace that this is exactly where God needs us to be.
Atlantic Ocean, Florida
We have received questions regarding our financial support level. We are able to serve in this capacity because of financial and prayer support from folks like you. During our visit with our Home Office, we were notified that due to the rising cost of living in Africa, our support target would be raising 3% in January. This increase, in addition to requiring an increase in child allowance for high school education for Renee and Ian, puts us $700 below the monthly target that has been set for us. For those who have been faithfully supporting us monthly, we thank you. Please join us in praying that this new monthly amount will be met, and that we can return fully supported to continue God’s plan for us in East Africa. If you would like more information on how to support us monthly or a one time gift (all are tax-deductible), please find more information HERE.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
We have left sunny Arizona to start our trek northward. We will spend a week with Joel’s family in Oregon, stop briefly in Washington, and will be up to Alberta (LaReina’s family) by December 8th. Joel will then fly back to Waxhaw, NC for some flight recurrency prior to Christmas and us returning to Kenya.
Sequoia National Park, California
We are thankful for pockets of rest and rejuvenation with family and friends along the way. Our schedule has kept us busy, but we have experienced incredible family time in all corners of the US (literally from Alaska, to northern Maine, south Florida, south California, and Seattle, Washington). Please pray for joy in our spirits as we enter into this Christmas season and wrap up Home Assignment. Please pray for safety as we continue our travels, and always eyes to see opportunities to encourage those God places in our path.
The heart of a man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. ~Prov 16:9
In His Service,
Joel, LaReina, Renee and Ian
A little minor maintenance. Our trusty Honda Pilot is about to roll 200,000
and still pulling strong.
