Samantha

My beloved friend from college, Sam, passed away.

I joined her family and her many friends (especially my dear friends, Anita and Marla) to remember one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I've been blessed to know. 

(Right to Left) - Sam, Aimee, Anita, Marla.

With Sam at our graduation from the University of Miami.

In Sam's own words, 

"...no cancer patient can ever do this alone...to be able to say that I am far from alone feels simply wonderful...I received the most unbelievable gift from my friends - love."

Samantha was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. 

Thus Far...

 

I'm praising the Lord that my head pain has decreased this last month, and I was able to enjoy time with my family.

With my sister in northern CA

Play time

With my dad, nephew, and niece.

Hard to let go 

Laura, the daughter of my Brazilian missionary colleagues in Mozambique, here with my mom, came to visit for her Christmas break from college.

Christmas day games with Laura and my brother's family.

Three fast-growing nephews.

~
I'm praying for God's plan for my return to Mozambique.

Merry Christmas!

"My soul magnifies the Lord, 

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior..."

Luke 1:46-47

(Etching by my mom)

Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

More Fires

I appreciate all who have been praying for us here with the fires. This one was burning near my high school.

This fire is now contained, but the large one burning north of us is still only around 25% contained.

 So thankful for the firefighters and the brave work they do. 

God's Work in God's Time

I praise God for His ongoing work in Inhambane! 
I'm thankful for all of my Mozambican and missionary co-workers from Maputo who are taking trips to visit the house and the churches in Inhambane while I'm on medical leave. 

Pastor Daniel and his wife Luisa, along with a missionary family from Guinea Bissau, Tchedna (taking the selfie here) and Marcilene Siga, visited Inhambane this month.

"A patient person will eat ripe fruit."
African proverb 

Faithful Witness in the Sky

"The moon is round!"  (Jim Elliot)

"There is wholeness, all things are complete in Christ, even when they appear to be partially shadowed...life is full in His will and brings promises of good things yet for us here." 
(Jim Elliot) 

 "...the faithful witness in the sky." (Psalm 89: 37b)

Love in Action

The Snowden family (here with my mom and me) came to California to say goodbye to their son/brother before they leave for Mozambique.

Please pray for God's provision and preparation for this family as they look forward to serving as missionaries in Mozambique. (And I look forward to serving alongside of them when I'm back :)  

"Dear children, don't just talk about love. Put your love into action. Then it will truly be love."

1 John 3:18