That’s right, it’s been a month! Actually over a month since we arrived and began home assignment. What is home assignment? That’s a common question we receive. Home assignment is a time for us to connect in person with churches and families who support us and the ministry in Colombia. It is an opportunity to share stories of how we have experienced God at work and how people and communities in Colombia are responding to the challenges and opportunities the pandemic has brought. It’s a time to reconnect and learn about the realities that churches and people are living into here. It’s a time to say thank you for their partnership in ministry.

Since we have been here we have stayed in 7 homes and have experienced such hospitality. People have spoiled us by cooking and inviting us out to eat. We have had time to rest and to play as a family. People have been open to in-depth conversations, encouraging us and challenging us. We have reconnected with old friends who we haven’t seen in years and also made new friends along the way. In Washington we visited friends up and down the Puget Sound, enjoying the beauty of the water. In Oregon, we actually got to the coast and experienced the Pacific Ocean (first time for the boys).

We have had the opportunity to visit with 8 of our supporting churches. They have welcomed us, creating spaces to share with many different people. Katie taught the children’s sermon at two churches. We were invited to small group dinners, mission committee gatherings, after church bbqs (yes, we have been eating a lot). We have been invited to preach, to participate in Q&A times. One special moment was when our kids participated on a panel during a gathering to share about their experience living cross-culturally. The boys have gone to youth group gatherings and have connected with other kids.

Pray for us as we continue to travel and connect in-person with churches. We pray that connections would be strengthen and that mutual learning would take place.