Joel and Andi McMartin
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I am back

December 9, 2014 by Joel and Andi

It has been a while, but it is time to get back in the grove.  We now have 3 weeks left until we return to the hot desert that has become our home.  It has been great to have a break from the stress of life, but we are ready to return.  I will honestly say that we are uncertain  how we will handle it, but we have confidence that God will guide us through every step of the way.  However, I will save that more serious reflection for another time.  Lets begin with a little fun.  We often get the question asking what we do on furlough.  Well here is an answer to that in pictures.

Furlough is…

20 Africa meals made for close to 400 different people
20 Africa meals made for close to 400 different people
Sharing our life with family
Sharing our life in Africa with family and friends
Creating new connection on a deeper level
Creating new connections on a deeper level
Lots of new friends
Lots of new friends
Experiencing new American traditions
Experiencing new American traditions
Learning American survival skills like "slug bug" and "pt cruiser double bruiser"
Learning American survival skills like “slug bug” and “pt cruiser double bruiser”
New adventures and many memories
New adventures and many memories
Camping...hey we are pros at that now!
Camping…hey we are pros at that now!
Recruiting our Pastor for dangerous tasks
Convincing our Pastor to aid us in dangerous tasks
With much help getting maintenance done at our rental property
With much help getting maintenance done at our rental property
Lessons in cooking the American way
Lessons in cooking the American way
Story time with ones we love
Story time with ones we love
Cherishing our time as a family
Cherishing our time as a family
Learning the definition of cold
Learning the definition of cold
Enjoying a real Christmas tree
Enjoying a real Christmas tree

Plus…

  • Traveling to 5 different states
  • Many opportunities to share and speak
  • Enjoying Awana and learning verses
  • Bible studies in English
  • Organizing our belongings and re-storing them away
  • Connecting with our churches in as many ways as possible
  • Meeting so many new friends and desperately trying to hang on to each cherished name.
  • Reconnecting with old friends and pretending that our time isn’t as short as it is

Our furlough has been a full and wonderful time.  We have accomplished our goals and are looking forward to the Holidays with family.  We are excited to return back to Senegal, but are dreading the packing and goodbyes that have to come first.  Thank you to so many for making our furlough such a wonderful time!

Filed Under: Updates and News

More Posts:

« Feeling Renewed
It Begins Again »

Comments

  1. Andrea Pitcher says

    December 12, 2014 at 2:13 pm

    I love the update & photos of your time in the states. Things are so full & intense when you’re “back” that it always nice to get home to the field and get in a regular routine again.

    Saying goodbye is the WORST WORST WORST. It never gets easier. It never gets nicer. Just yuck. Saying goodbye & packing are the two yucky things you have upcoming.

    Enjoy your holidays with your family. Soak up goodness & blessings & treats. God will give you grace for the goodbyes and strength for the packing & travel. His Spirit will comfort and guide so that you re-orient yourself when you get back home. Lots of love & grace to cover yet another transition in your family life.

    All my love to your entire family, Andrea

  2. Carolyn Gaupo says

    December 10, 2014 at 5:22 am

    Ditto to everything that Jane said. And Merry Christmas and God bless you.

  3. Jane Van Ryn says

    December 10, 2014 at 1:17 am

    Thanks Andi,
    You’re a GREAT communicator and we appreciate that more than words can say. Please know that it has been wonderful to spend time with you and your precious family. You are precious in HIS sight as well as ours. We will continue to support you in $ and prayer.
    Love,
    J & B Van Ryn

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