Dear family and friends
Greetings from the Great White North! Actually, it's not great or very far north, but it sure was white here! A couple of weeks ago we were treated to quite a dump of snow. Not everyone agrees that it was a treat, but for us Canadians, we were delighted. Our boys moreso as they ended up with a five day weekend. In total, we ended up with between 30-40 cms of snow. Everything came to a standstill. So mostly people just wait for the snow to melt. People were amazed when I told them about Winnipeg's snow removal budget and the snow dump that doesn't melt until July.
There is an Arab saying that loosely translated means "when the snow melts, you will see what is underneath." The phrase means, wait a short time and the result will become apparent. After a few days the snow had mostly melted away. In Canada (at least where we are from), when it snows it stays, and stays and stays (up to 4-5 months). I found it strange that Arabs would use the concept of snow to describe anything. But after this last dump and watching it quickly melt away, I now have a clearer picture of what the phrase means.
We've had a busy few months. We've had some challenges, even frustrations but through it all we continue to acknowledge who is in control and praise him for his sovereignty.
Here's how we saw G at work over the last few months.
1. Our holiday celebrations were a great time as a family. After Christmas we were able to get away for a few days and do some exploring in a resort city. It was great family time.
2. As T has been preparing for her medical clinic in April (see request below), one of the centers has asked her to come regularly to the center to teach about womens' and family health issues. She will begin Feb 20th. This is a breakthrough opportunity for her. We have been looking and pr'ing for several years for an opening in this community. PTL.
3. Gr. recently helped to coordinate a regional training for people interested in sport work. There were close to 70 people from neighbouring countries who took part. It was a great opportunity to see what else is being done in the region and offer encouragement to those who are already active and challenge those who are looking for new ways to use sports as a tool for ministry.
Here are some of the specific ways you can be remembering us in the coming months.
1. T is preparing for her Diabetes Screening Clinic in April. Her team is assembled and the centers she will visit are almost arranged. Continue to ask for wisdom as she coordinates this event.
2. T's opportunity to teach health issues to women is an exciting opportunity that will give T opportunities to visit in homes, share sound medical teaching and bring salt and light into very dark community. She is looking for a local partner who will assist her in this effort. Ask for the right woman to show an interest and get involved.
3. Gr's work has been slow with the basketball federation, but there are other opportunities opening up. Pr for wisdom to know which doors to walk through.
4. We have been struggling with water issues in our apartment for a few months now. It has not entirely been solved yet, but our landlord has been cooperative in trying to find a solution.
5. JC only has a few months of school before he graduates (he had grad pics taken yesterday). There's still a lot to prepare for before he can head back to Canada. Pr that he will finish well here as he prepares to return to Canada.
6. With JC's graduating class having only 4 senior students, T has become deeply involved in the organization of the graduation events. Ask that everything falls into place and runs smoothly.
We're not sure the last time we said this, but we want to again say thank you for your min. to us. Even though distance separates us from you, we know that G has ministered to us through your pr's. We have seen many answers to pr's, we sense his presence through his protection and provision and feel the support of so many through your emails and messages. Thank you so much.
Salaam (peace)
Gr and T, JC, MJ and JT