The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. Isaiah 35.1-2a NRSV

I landed at the airport in Habana and went through customs. The airport seemed like an image out of the past and I felt a little apprehensive. They checked our box of meds to make sure that none of the dates were past their expiration date. We left the airport and all bundled into this van and suddenly I felt myself fill with excitement. What would the future bring? Would Cuba be like Puerto Rico? Was my heart being prepared to fall in love with this new place of ministry?

It’s been a few months since my whirlwind trip to Cuba and I still feel excitement and emotion when I think of the people. During the last few months I was preparing myself to say good-bye to Mexicali and the seminary. I loved teaching and spending time with the students. During graduation exercises I found myself filling up with emotion and tears as they handed me a plaque. Wherever you go you leave a piece of your heart. Yet at the same time I felt at peace with my decision. It was time to leave and to embark to the new things that God is preparing for our family.

Please pray for our family as we discern the right timing for relocation. Pray for Joshua as he begins his junior year of High School. Pray for Rick as he searches for God’s leading for a new place of ministry. I do want to partner with all of you as I begin to explore what this new call to ministry will require. I do so with fear and trembling and with excitement for our God has shown me the desert rejoicing and blossoming with joy and singing.