Paris Postcards--July 2005 Newsletter

Aloha friends and family,

We hope that you're having a good summer.

Thanks for your prayers for the July 5-9 Mission Radicale summer youth conference at the Château de Mesnieres-en--Bray in Normandy. This was the best of the 5 MR summer conferences that I helped organize, as God transformed the lives of many of the young people.

We spent last Saturday at the beach without even leaving Paris. For a month, downtown Paris is transformed into a giant beach complete with sand, palm trees, lounge chairs, volleyball nets, hot dogs, ice cream, and all sorts of other fun stuff. We've also recently been to an aquarium and a farm in Paris, as our 2 kids (ages 3 1/2 and 22 months) love animals.

We're grateful for a calmer pace this summer after a busy last 2 years. Last summer we were on Home Ministry Assignment. This time stateside is important to our work in Paris, but not restful. In summer 2006, we tentatively plan a short HMA (that will probably not be restful either). So we're enjoying this summer's rest and staying put in Paris. We plan to travel north to the Netherlands in August for our organization's All-Europe conference.

This summer is a time for getting together with friends in Paris and renewing those relationships.

It's also for sorting through papers and other stuff and and making space in our apartment for our new arrival this coming February. Nicole had an ultrasound and her monthly medical exam recently. Both show the baby looking healthy and active. PRAY for continued physical strength for Nicole and for good development of the baby.

Our son starts school this September. PRAY for his adjustment to this new situation, as well as for his immersion into the French language. PRAY also that we'll have godly wisdom in training him to sleep better and in training both our children to obey better.

This is a time where all the ministries that we've been involved with this past year (Belleville Church, Mission Radicale, La Fonderie, and the women's group) are in major transition. PRAY for wisdom and discernment from God regarding our involvements in each of them during this upcoming academic year, as well as beyond.

Finally, some of you know my mother Dawn. She has her ups and downs in her struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. If she has somehow impacted your life, one timely way that you could greatly encourage her would be to send an e-mail (maferia@aol.com)and tell her how she ministered to you. PRAY as well for her complete healing from this disease, as all things are possible with God.

Warmly,

Al