September Newsletter '12

Greetings,

If I was honest, I think I would have to say that this past August was the most work-filled August I've ever had! But you know how it goes, when you put a lot into something you get a lot in return.

We saw the end of our summer teams and we're right now on the cusp of the new school year. However, this month's greatest reward was the return of my family after their extended stay back in the US.

______________

The Summer is Over

We ended our summer with one final team ushering in the completion of our summer project the shed (which now that it is finished has been renamed the Workshop). The small team was led by former missionaries Rob and Paula Chambers and we were blessed with their friendship and servanthood as they worked to polish up the campus.

After teams ended there has been an unending stream of finishing touches to bring the campus up to speed for the year (in fact I'll still have more to do right up until when the new students arrive Monday).

Overall it has been a priceless blessing to have been given all the wonderful relationships from everyone who has participated this summer. I plan to write a summary report on the summer sometime next month.

For now see pictures of the Chambers Team HERE

______________

Emily and Micah's Trip to the US

While their trip was only intended to be a short visit it became lengthened to accommodated Emily's drivers license renewal, Micah's passport renewal and the host of other necessities that required they stay in the US too long!

However, my sacrifice was Grandma and Grandpa's benefit. Micah had the best time with his Aunts and Great Aunts and Grandparents and all his cousins and their friends. But, boy am I thankful for Skype and the internet. It was both heartwarming and breaking to hear him say, "I miss you Daddy," each night on the computer.

Emily had to be a super trooper on this trip home. Apart from family help, she was basically a single mom with week's worth of errands to run and unending driving. They went to North Carolina, to Ohio, to Wisconsin, back to Ohio, down to Florida. She probably needed a vacation from her vacation. I'm so thankful however to have them back safe and sound at home (everything is much cleaner and smells nicer now that they're back… no more batching it). Thanks for all your prayers and to everyone who was a blessing to them during their stay - thank you dearly.

Click HERE for the Flunker Grandparents
Click HERE for the Pfeister Grandparents Part 2
Click HERE for their return home

______________

Update

The chores never end here at Windermere and we're just finally reaching the ready mark for gearing up for the students return on Monday. Classrooms are being prepped and finishing touches on the buildings and campus are all coming together.

Emily will be teaching 5-6 grade this year and I have all the science classes. We're both very excited about the year and looking forward to meeting all the new students.

Micah will be starting his very "first day of school" this year as a Kindergartener. We're already so proud of him and excited for him to take this next step in learning about the wonderful world we live in, although it is always bittersweet to watch him grow up so quick.

______________

Prayers and Praises

Praise for my family being back on the island, safe and sound
Praise for our new car, even though it is yet to clear customs (be praying!)
Praise for a fantastic summer with all our mission teams, it has been the best ever in my 10 years of working with teams on Eleuthera
Praise for our new canoe, we have so much fun going out on the water as a family
Praise for our new staff and missionary staff
Praise for the new Workshop and all that got done this summer
Praise for our new church praise team (we had our first rehearsal tonight)
Praise for our new adult classes that officially being Monday
Praise the Lord for all His blessings and the gift of His Son on our behalf, may His name be praised!

______________

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers and your involvement in our ministry with God's mission. To find out more about support CLICK HERE.

- Ryan Emily and Micah