“You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” — Psalm 16:11

This time of quarantine has given me more time to just sit in His presence. He has ministered to my soul, uprooting things that have needed to be dealt with for a long time, and replacing it with joy & freedom in Him!! I pray you too can experience bucketloads of His joy pouring over you at this time!!

We all have found ways to stay sane during this quarantine — what are some things you have done? 

About four years ago I met a group of girls at one of the English Intensive courses that we offered at the center. Over the years we have met to chat and hangout, and at one time with the help of an amazing intern, we formed a book club. 
The funny part was that we never actually finished a book together (we couldn’t find one everyone would commit to actually reading), but we kept meeting when they were available. In that time, they have graduated from university, started and finished master’s degrees, and moved on to jobs or further study. 
Since returning for our second term, two of the “book club” girls and I started meeting again. One day as we sat talking, I started asking God questions, “Where is this going? Will they ever be interested in you?” Within minutes of this silent prayer the conversation took a turn, and by the end of the meeting they had agreed to read the book of John with me. God doesn’t always give quick answers, but I was so grateful for this incredibly encouraging gift. God is working; don’t give up and don’t be discouraged! 
Last week the girls and I met virtually, and within a few minutes one of the them said, “I’m ready to talk about the Bible.” I guess we’re officially a book club now! 

Today marks the end of our country’s state of emergency. While we are still unsure of what the coming days and weeks will look like, one thing is for sure: traffic is back!

In early April, some of the Team Green ladies met to discuss the potential for a short online women’s bible study. We wanted to provide a place where our friends could hear words of hope and be encouraged during this season of lockdown. We decided to meet every weekday at noon and sent out invitations to the ladies that God laid on our hearts. Some women have never joined us, some come when they have the chance, and a couple are very regular attenders. It’s been so fun to connect with women this way and hear their hearts. Pray with us that this would be something that God uses to draw the hearts of our friends closer to Him.

Stray dogs and cats are well taken care of here. They are often fed and watered by the people in the neighborhoods they choose as their homes. Near our house is an area that these cats gather to be fed. Some might have homes, others don’t, but either way, they get a free meal at least once a day!

It’s a little hard to tell, but this picture was taken during a thunderstorm. We have been getting a lot of rain lately and during this particular nighttime downpour, the Lord brought to mind Isaiah 55:10 – 11, which says:

“As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

These words are such an encouragement to my heart in this season. I pray they uplift yours too.

My camera roll is more full than usual lately, and many of the shots look like this one. Like many of you, our kids are home from school and submitting homework virtually. Schools across GM closed at the beginning of March, and a date of return has not been announced. During this time, we are very thankful for teachers who have shown great creativity, flexibility, and care for our kids.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” – Ezekiel 37:5

May the church experience the breath of new life, renewing old traditions.