We've been in the States for awhile now, nearly 4 months. Can't believe how fast time passes. The last time we wrote, we were about to head to World Missions Summit -- an incredible experience. We were able to interact with thousands of students, telling them about the great adventure and mission of Book of Hope. Several alumni drove over which gave WMS a reunion feel and a lot of energy as we shared our journeys and passions with others. The most moving moment was the last service. Those who felt called to missions came forward and it was like an army -- one after another giving part of their lives to reach others with the message of Christ. Each one came to the microphone to speak the country name where they felt called...in Africa, Europe, Latin America, Asia, the U.S., the Middle East...it was incredible. With each student who said 'I'll go anywhere' or 'To be announced', we smiled hoping they would come with Book of Hope -- to a global call. We already have one young man from WMS who joined us in Rwanda and more on their way. It was an amazing experience.
After WMS we took part in a week of training for our Response Team missionaries working with Book of Hope. It was an incredible week of spiritual challenge and growth. And wonderful time spent with a group of people have become like family to us.
The rest of January and most of February was spent preparing for a Book of Hope event called Hope Celebration. Many of Book of Hope's partners in ministry and International staff joined together for 3 days to celebrate what God had done in the last year, cast vision for the future, and join together to bring resources to reach the children of the world. Amazing reports, testimonies and dreams were spoken of. Each time Ryan and I attend one of these events, we feel God's call again -- stronger and deeper -- to the children and youth of the world.
As we began to prepare for our first trip of the year, opportunities and timing postponed our trip to Rwanda and Uganda -- we're hoping to go this fall instead. And we began prep for a trip to Argentina to follow-up on children, young people, and their families reached through The GodMan, an animated movie of the life story of Jesus as shown from the perspective of a child.
Much of the rest of the year is mapped out and it looks like come the end of April, we'll be busy and working hard on the field. We'll hopefully head to Argentina mid-April through May.
In June we will travel to Swaziland to host 2 teams -- can't wait to see what God has in store! And this fall we'll make our way to Uganda and Rwanda -- another trip we are really looking forward to!
Personally, being in FL a little longer been a major blessing as we have been able to build some strong friendships and accountability relationships. Also, we went through a transition in our home. For 2 years, we've had a fellow missionary staying with us. He is traveling a lot more and we felt it would be good to have some time with just us before we start a family. We were able to get a new vehicle -- an incredible gift from God. Some friends of ours were getting ready to sell their Escape and we were looking for a vehicle. They kept it in great condition -- we were so blessed to get it.
This last week we were in MT with some of my (Jen) favorite people -- the Hochhalters. Tami was my cheerleading coach in high school. She and Lowell were my youth pastors after I was saved. About the same time I came to be with Book of Hope they went to work as missionaries for the MT District's Youth Alive program. I've only seen them a handful of times in the past 7 years. Their kids are growing up and I have missed them so much. This was the first time Ryan spent time with them so that was great as well. My mom and my grandma came over as well and we had a wonderful time with them -- exploring Billings and eating. :) It was an incredible week of making good memories, meeting new friends and cherishing those we love.
Tomorrow, it's back to the office for us and hopefully preparing for our next adventure overseas.
Thanks for reading...I should update more and shorter.

Love,

Ryan and Jen