After two and a half months back down in Colombia, I traveled back up to the states for my fall season. For the first time in all of our years in Colombia, I traveled business class. I used frequent flyer miles to upgrade, primarily to be able to haul in more teaching materials and supplies, which had become extremely difficult due to the severe weight and luggage limits. It was a luxury that I was not accustomed to, needless to say, but I must admit it was very nice not to have to stand in the long lines to get checked in and to board the airplane. Plus the food was much better. I am not sure how often I will be able to do that, as it takes quite a few miles to upgrade, but it was a welcome treat after all of these years.
Typical of my fall season, I return to the States to speak at supporting churches, attend the National Missionary Convention, and spend time with my family. As a typical grandfather, I really enjoy spending time with the grand children. We have had them over to spend the night several times already and I am looking forward to doing that as often as I can while I am up here. I have enjoyed the great fall color this year as well and it is really nice to be able to take my wife out for drives through the wooded countryside to luxuriate in God’s great creation. It is a time to do some hunting as well, which is something I really enjoy. Plus it puts some very healthy and tasty meat in the freezer for the rest of the year.
I sometimes write and translate while up here, as well as my work with the National Missionary Convention. I meet with other missionaries to share ideas, with my publishers to work on current and future projects as well. But besides being with my family, speaking is the main reason I now travel up each fall. While most of my weekends are already booked up, if you would like to have us speak at your church, please write or email and we will see what we can do. If we are not able to accommodate you on this trip up, we can book you for a speaking date on one of my future trips up to the States. Sharing the excitement and enthusiasm of what God is doing in Colombia is an important part of my missionary ministry, and I would love to share that with you.