As 2011 draws to a close, we’d like to wish you a happy and blessed 2012.
Here we recap some of the things God has done for our family in 2011 as well as plans for 2012.
· Daniel graduated from Sahel Academy in June in Niamey (Niger). Well done! In August, we left Daniel in Switzerland for a year (that was hard) and he's currently learning German and getting more acquainted with family and Swiss culture. He's already set up for next year, working in an architect's office and learning theory at school.
· Melinda is enjoying her senior year at Sahel Academy. One semester to go...She's looking forward to spending a year in Switzerland to explore various school and work possibilities. A return to the States for college is still an option for 2013.
· Christina is quite the writer and reader. We’re wondering if she has a career in writing or editing (then she would be a paid ‘reader’!).
· Lilian and I have been busy with the construction of the new Foyer Evangélique Universitaire. This was made possible due to some very generous gifts. We're thankful that we can be a part of it. Also, teaching is going well at ESPriT. We have a strong first year class in the two programs. It’s encouraging to be a part of training present and future church leaders here in the Sahel!
· In July, I was able to attend the international meeting of the Society for Biblical Literature in London. The article based on my presentation, "Emplotment, Plot and Explotment: Refining Plot Analysis for Biblical Narratives," has been submitted to a journal. Also, I've signed a book contract with Wipf & Stock to publish my dissertation (due for Nov. 2012). I think I’ll know what to do with my free time!
· We decided to return to Switzerland in June 2012. This will be a major change for the family. Lilian and I have a few ideas about work possibilities but nothing concrete yet. We're walking by faith!!! The same goes for Melinda and Christina for their schooling...we trust that the Lord has something special for them too! We're planning to live in the area of Fribourg (a bilingual city), just 28 km from Bern. This way we can be close to work and family (in canton Bern). We will keep you posted about our new ministries there and possible areas of partnership.
Well, that's it for now, just a "few words" about this past year. Keep us in mind in your prayers...we're going to need it with this major transition ahead of us. We’re very thankful for your partnership this year. It literally would not have happened without your gifts and prayers…Thank you!!!
Shalom to you in 2012!
