Summer! The months that brought so much joy as a kid but now bring a higher A/C bill and the hopes of a friend with a lake house. Yes, summer has changed a bit as I’ve grown older but it’s still a great chance to send out an update.
2019 is flying by. Here’s what life has looked like in the professional and personal space over the last few months. Thanks for all the continued support and prayers!
Work
Completion of 2018-2019 World Race Gap Year routes
– The Bases I work with host the majority of the time overseas for the Gap Year trips. In May the squads all returned home after 9 months of serving overseas. This summer ‘break’ is a chance for the bases to host short-term teams, continue to develop community relationships and prepare the facilities/staff for the next rotation of squads.
Training of Field Mentors
– I oversee the Field Mentor positions at each base. These amazing folks teach, disciple and love the teams that come through. We were recently able to implement new leadership training that I’ve had the chance to walk them through, giving them more tools to do their job well.
Field Ministry Development Plans
– We’re continuing to help build and adjust the strategy of investment at our bases. Each is unique and created to fit the direction we feel God leading. They bring purpose, hone vision and help give us the framework through which teams and people who come to serve can be a piece of a bigger picture.
Parent Follow Up Engagement
– Many parents get the chance to come through a base and serve alongside their child for a week. I’ve had the chance to work with our donor relations and parent ministry departments to improve our system of engagement and continued relationship. Our hope is to see many parents and WR participants come back with their churches, families and friends…continuing to build relationships with the people they’ve served.
Personal Life
Eagle Creek – Our new home!
– About two months after our wedding Stephanie and I (and Zoey) moved into Eagle Creek Apartments in Buford, GA. It’s a diverse complex across the street from our church. The opportunities to love others sometimes literally come knocking on our door. Certain aspects of the complex remind me of communities in Central America and we’re praying about what our lives here will look like. We’re involved with a weekly kids bible study out of our living room and have started to take an online Spanish course. Who knows what the future holds, all we can do is start small!
Hip Surgery
– On July 10th I had hip surgery to repair a torn labrum that I’ve had for 9 months. Surgery was my last resort but none of the other treatments brought relief. I’m currently on day 9 of recovery and it’s a long road back. I have something called ‘hip impingement’ so not only did they need to repair the labrum but they had to shave part of my femur. It means I’ll be on crutches for 4-6 weeks and doing 3 months of physical therapy to get back to life activities.
Like any recovery I’ve had some highs and lows. I’m thankful for Stephanie’s graciousness as you takes care of me around the home and the support of loved ones who try to make our lives a little easier.
As you can imagine my life has definitely slowed down recently. I’ll be working from home for a few weeks until I can drive again, but the downtime can still be fruitful. A chance to learn, grow and be interruptible.
Thanks for the prayers for healing. Thanks for the support as my job gives me the chance to invest in communities and people around the world.
I’ll ready to jump back into things soon, with a fresh new hip. 🙂
