Communication Blunder ~ Where have we been?

Wow, we've been terrible at keeping up this blog. We talk about it alot. I know, I know. We need to do more than talk. Life has been busy but that is not excuse because life is always busy, no matter who you are or what you do.

So what have we been doing?

In April we ventured to South Africa to join Joe and Mishael Newell. What an honor. We were able to have a true African experience and a great time working for Book of Hope. We visited a national park, were trumpeted by elephants and were amazed by the beauty of giraffes and zebras, the agility of the spring buck and the enormous rear ends of rhinos. We even ate lunch with a zebra.

We traveled to several cities to follow up on previous Book of Hope ministry, documenting testimonies and encouraging the volunteers who continue to take God's Word to the children and youth of their community. We met a young man who pushed a wheelbarrow full of Books of Hope 4 kilometers when he didn't have funds for transportation. The dedication of the volunteers and their passion to reach the next generation with the gospel was amazing!

Ryan then journeyed to Swaziland to join a project documenting the devastation of HIV/AIDS on the youth of Swaziland. He absolutely loved his time there, working with the team and learning more about the field of media. But it was also a very impacting time for Ryan. He was moved by the stories of the children and the hope that they desperately need.

Meanwhile, I stayed in South Africa to join the Granny Brigade -- ministering to orphan children and distributing the Book of Hope.

Ryan and I met at the airport in Jo-berg and flew back to FL. We arrived in Fla. on a Thursday and flew to Montana the next day for my mom's graduation from the University of Montana. Our 12 days in Montana was such a blessing! Family, friends, memories and precious moments. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. It was one of those times when you hate to leave. And those are the best because you always look forward to the next trip then. It was bitter sweet.

Once we returned home we had 3 days in Fla. One of those days we went up to Port St. Lucie to train a team that we'll be taking to England in a few days. Great team! We worked with them last year as well in a little community called Wigan. Can't wait to see what God has planned for this year (June 15-25).

The next morning (after the training) we left for Brazil for the 300 MILLIONTH distribution of the Book of Hope. Another incredible trip and time of ministry. We had a lot of laughs and a lot of work. A 14-year-old girl named Deyse recieved the 300 millionth book. Her twin sister Denyse recieved the 3 hundred millionth and one book. It was a festive celebration. We were able to visit the twins' home and get to know them. And hopefully a 300 millionth video will be out soon. After a week of distribution we also followed up on some previous distributions and the testimonies of two adults who were reached with the Book of Hope. One was a young man who belonged to a punk group ~ his life was completely transformed. And a teacher who received a Book of Hope when a team came to speak to her class.

All in all, it has been busy but GOOD busy. We are loving it. We'll get pictures up soon and in the mean time, we're off to England and the Philippines.

All our love,

Ryan and Jen