Fresh Perspective

 Life has not slowed down since the last blog I wrote where I was the Middle East traveler and went to 5 countries in 2 months.  Well, that is not entirely true about slowing down.  At the end of May we had the joy and privledge of attending our 3 rd son’s high school graduation (Jacob).  I must pause and give a big shout out to Jacob who at age 9 was diagnosed with severe dyslexia. He finished his last year of high school with a 3.49 GPA and used no accommodations. Nor did he ask me to help him with one assignment.  Up until he was 11 years old, I thought I would have to go to university with him.  We studied every single subject together.  What an accomplishment and a 100% testimony to God’s faithfulness in providing an incredible special ed teacher while we lived-in far-flung Papua, Indonesia. Unbelievable. I’m so grateful and proud of the obstacles Jacob has overcome and the resilience he has built. Back to the slowing down ...

I never dreamed I would live in the Middle East. I had no desire to live in the Middle East. Not even one little drop of curiosity. Only fear and complete lack of interest were my emotions. So, imagine, that in the past 2 months I have spent the better part of a week in 5 different Middle East countries. Each one, uniquely delighting my heart and awakening new dreams that I never imagined could take place. I will share a few quick glimpses of precious encounters in each country. Dubai was the first country.  It’s glitz and glamour were a striking contrast to Lebanon’s raw and real . I was in long days of training there, but on one evening gracious hosts took us to eat overlooking the amazing fountain displays and laser shows. In addition, we snuck in a day at the impressive World Expo. However, the highlight was meeting up with my cousin Aaron who lives and works in downtown Dubai. My Uncle and Aunt had just flown in from...