Plans for these next few months

So... I just wrote an update about this last week (if you haven't read it, you should!), and now I should write one about the future, because a lot is coming up!

This month is the calm before the storm, although it's not feeling very calm. Being gone from daily activities for a week leaves one with a lot to catch up on!

Here's my schedule for the next few months (TAKE A DEEP BREATH... and plunge):

• May 5-8 - helping put on the Sepal Annual Congress - an event that serves over 1000 Brazilian pastors and leaders
• May 9-29 - in the US for Karis' graduation and support raising! I'd love to see any of you who live in the Wheaton, South Bend, or DC area!
• June 2-6 - participating in a major MAPI planning retreat known as the "Retreat of Dreams"
• July 12-20 - Promifé!
• July 22 -Aug. 8 - back in the US with my family (probably. My parents will both be there living with Karis and Val in Pittsburgh while Karis recuperates from hip replacement surgery. Our house in São Paulo becomes a lonely place with them gone!)
• Aug. 9 - 16 - in Guatemala to celebrate the publication of the Ixil New Testament, the completion of my grandfather's life project
• The rest of Aug - not sure yet whether I'll be in the US or Brazil
• September - if all goes according to plan, back in Brazil for another 10 months of missionary service - pray with me about continuing to support me during that time!
  

Meanwhile, back here in São Paulo, my involvement with ministry continues... even from afar I will be:

• Writing studies for the teenagers' small group for my church
• Working on the MAPI website
• Working for the Sepal digital department

Technology does amazing things. Unfortunately, while I'm away I will not be able to:

• Actually participate in the teenagers' small group
• Participate in CEVAP
• Participate in the structuring of the youth ministry at my church
  

God has already begun to provide people to take my place in these ministries while I'm gone. Pray that he would continue to provide and consolidate their participation. Pray also for his grace amidst a rather hectic and crazy schedule - that I might truly be able to enjoy and be fully present at each place while I am there. In the end, of course, we can make whatever plans we want, but God decides what will actually happen! I trust him to guide me day by day, week by week, and month by month.

God bless each of you!

Rachel