As I write this, I’m home, in The Netherlands, having stayed here for one of the longest periods of time since becoming a Global Consultant!  For seven weeks, I haven’t gotten on an airplane, or crossed a border into another country.  I traveled about 150,000 miles last year, and really needed to stay grounded for a while.  It’s been a wonderful time of “re-organizing my life”: of catching up with mounds of long overdue administrative tasks, cleaning my home, making plans and developing itineraries and priorities for the coming year.

I’ve also enjoyed hosting dozens of meals and coffee/tea times in my home–reconnecting with local friends and greeting colleagues who have come through The Netherlands on stop-overs and longer stays.  I love living in a place that is such an international crossroads!  Consultations by Skype have been frequent and fruitful.  I’m so thankful for great technology that enables face-to-face conversation from home to all over the world–and is also free!

On The Road Again….

My extended time at home ends in a couple of days. My first trip of the year will be to London to attend a board meeting of an organization I serve, which is doing amazing, holistic work, combatting human trafficking in South Asia.  Next week, I’m off to India for a week, to lead a women’s retreat and visit a project.

Hosting Retreats…

When I return from India, I’ll be leading a retreat for a team which is ministering to women in prostitution in Rotterdam.  They’ll stay in my home over the week-end, and we’ll visit projects in Amsterdam and do some “visioning” for their ministry into the future.  I love connecting groups together so that they can learn from one another and see God’s greater Vision in the world.

Thanks For Your Prayers… 

• For safety on the journeys
• For wisdom as I speak and advise
• For God’s Loving Presence to be known in my “showing up” for the appointments
• For health and rest
• For the women I will be serving in India–that truly, God’s love, forgiveness and restoration will be made known to them

Stay in Touch!

The BEST way to stay in touch with me is through FaceBook.  I regularly post my activities there, with lots of pictures.  If you’re not already my “friend”, please do “friend” me!

Expression of Gratitude….

THANK YOU for your caring and your prayers!  Many of you support me financially, and I’m humbled and so very grateful for your generosity.  Last year my target goals were met, and at the moment, 92% of my support is committed!  Yea!  If you’re not committed to support other causes and would like to join my support team, just send me a message, and I’ll let you know how to do that.

Hopefully We’ll Meet This Year! 

Another of my resolutions is to visit as many of my donor churches and individuals as I possibly can during this year.  In March, I’ll be in Colorado, Wyoming and California.  I’ll let you know about other plans as they become more definite.  If I haven’t already contacted you, please let me know if you’d like a visit!

May You Know God’s Abundant Blessings!

With Love and Gratitude,

Lauran