Conferences in Michigan

Families at the SEND Reconnect Conference

      We enjoyed time in Michigan at two different conferences put on by SEND.  The first was called
"Reconnect".  It was smaller scale and allowed for great times breaking into groups to process through our last years on the field as well as training times to prepare us for the future.  They had a great kids program that helped the kids in this time of transition to America.  We enjoyed the connections we made.  We were also able to do things like make new prayer cards and brochures that explain our ministry a bit more.

     One morning we all shared a couple of short stories of how God is at work in our countries.  Afterwards, people prayed for us.  It was encouraging to hear the many accounts of all that God is doing!

     In between the conferences, we rented a car and drove to our teammate's (The Jordans) house for the weekend.  We were still struggling with jetlag, so it was very nice to be with a family who understands and didn't mind us getting up EARLY in the morning!  On Saturday we walked to Lake Lansing.  It was so special because Juli invited Jennifer (who came to Ulan Ude on a short term trip 3 years ago) and Diana (who prays for us FAITHFULLY) to come and join us.  Diana had made a special backpack full of goodies for our kids.  It was PERFECT to have for our travel back to Washington! We cherished these times of talking and sharing.

     Saturday evening John and Sharon (old teammates) flew in and also stayed with the Jordans.  Their hospitality was amazing, as they had just moved into their new home that week!  We had a good time going to their church with them the next morning and meeting the people who love and support them.  What a gift to have time with these two families!

     The next conference was a lot bigger.  I think 300 people were there, and I didn't really get many pictures.  But it was a week of great teaching from the Bible, good seminars for growth, times of hearing what God is doing all over the world and praying, and connecting with others.  This family (pictured above) became very dear to our hearts.  They loved on our kids and we really enjoyed one another.

     Our kids were each in different groups for the kids program, and it was a week full of wonderful teaching and fun activities for them.  Both girls made friends.  Here, Ella is posing with Ella.  =)  By the end of the week, Ike was tiring of being away from us, so we let him nap next to us on the bench and run around with us in the afternoon.  But overall, the kids did great and made many fun memories!

     All of the meals were incredible.  I didn't know it was possible, but I've gained 10 pounds in 2 weeks!!  One meal we looked over to see our kids like this, under the table.  There was a service assistant dog under there!  They had a little tradition to go and run with their friends in the lobby after the meals.  There was fun to be had around every corner!