Yes, we've moved. . . 

About all we can say to that is, "Whew!" and "Why am I so tired every day?"  We are adapting slowly and surely to our new surroundings and life in the "cité".  How is it different?  Well, instead of the birds and the stream, we hear traffic and children's voices all day long.  And at night, sometimes screeching tires and yelling.  There's a local outdoor market on Wednesdays and Fridays with fresh vegetables and fruit, and lots of Arabic-speakers.  We see many veiled women here.  Also, the hot weather has been almost unbearable, making us long for the cooler mountain air.
We have yet to find our bank, our hair stylist, our favorite bakery or our new doctor.  But the community has welcomed us with open arms.  It's just that everything is so different that, even though we know Strasbourg and were happy to come back, we feel as though we have whiplash from the change.

For financial and practical reasons, the Alongside board made the decision to move the Oakland office to Whidbey Island, where director David Pierson lives.  This involved several changes, including a change in staff.  We said good-bye with sad hearts to our dear friend Ginnie Daniels who had so faithfully served Alongside for many years.  Whenever I asked Ginnie to help us with something, I never once received a lukewarm answer.  She was invariably enthusiastic and excited to be of service to us in any way she could.  While she is enjoying her first days of retirement, we welcome her successor in the new AMI office, Melissa Sanchez.
Please take note of the new address and phone number in the green box above, and accompany these changes with your prayers!

We are grateful for : 

• good first contacts with our new parish.  James has preached there three times so far, and seems to be well-received.  He has a good working relationship with the worship team.
• good adjustments for the children.  On her first day of school Sara discovered a friend she knew formerly when she was in preschool in Strasbourg! They are in the same English class.
• a loving send-off from our former community.  We were showered with gifts and speeches filled with gratitude for our ministry.  It was overwhelming.

Please pray with us  : 

• for our continued adaptation to our new situation, including the ongoing unpacking and decorating of our new home.  We want it to feel like home to us and to be a welcoming place for many.
• for the big celebration planned this Sunday, September 25th when James will be officially installed as the new pastor.  There will be many folks from both our old and new parishes, long-time friends, and local politicians.  Pray for the Holy Spirit to work in hearts at this service!
• for guidance for Cheryl as she discerns what this next chapter means for her ministry.