Moving on

When I started this blog, my idea was that I would be able to keep our friends “up to date” on things in our lives and ministry… after a little more than a year I’d have to say that it has almost worked! Unfortunately, there is a weak link… I actually have to write something; the blog doesn’t update itself.

First, Family stuff… Aaron & Angeles finally met with US Immigration and she has been approved for a 2 two year temporary residence visa. At the end of this period we think that she can begin the application for citizenship; that is, if the rules don’t change. In the meantime, we’re still working on getting Jessica’s (Niki’s daughter) “Certificate of Citizenship”. This has been a thoroughly frustrating process due to conflicting information, rude & unhelpful government “servants” and the impossibility of getting in touch with anyone that can give us clear instructions. A friend suggested that it might be easier for us to become Mexicans, sneak across the border and then wait for the government to declare amnesty for illegal immigrants… tempting. If this sounds sarcastic or cynical, it’s because I am. Anyway, our latest appointment is scheduled for January 19 in San Antonio… we’ll see how it goes; please pray for this issue (and my attitude).

Sara and her Aaron are still in Kansas and doing well… they’re beginning to think about relocating further south somewhere in the next couple of years. Meanwhile, Kelly & Jason have taken our other grandkids to live on Base housing at Corey Field in Pensacola. Both Julia & Josh are in school now and, to date, enjoying it. Julia still really likes riding the bus to school & Josh still can’t remember anyone’s name… but he likes everyone! Base housing has turned out to be great for the kids; they have a nice little neighborhood park in their backyard and a big one right down the street.

Ministry things continue to progress. As I mentioned in the last update, we are slowly reorganizing our ministry situation in order to spend more time doing “development” in the US. By “development”, I mean fund-raising and establishing partnerships in order to further the growth of the school and to aid US churches that are attempting to reach the Hispanic communities in their respective areas. If you are interested in knowing more about this, check the “Partnership Project” link on our personal page.

In keeping with this, we are beginning to restructure SERFAM so that the Board will be entirely Mexican, with Noreen & I participating as “emeritus” members in Quarterly Board meetings. This is to say that, as of the new year, I will no longer be the General Director overseeing all aspects of development; rather, the local Board will supervise the local development of the vision while we work in conjunction with them to further the goal of developing Christian leadership and Hispanic ministries (in both Mexico & the US). We’re very excited about the way this has progressed since our return at the beginning of October.