Hello all,

 

Things have been very busy over the last month.  There have been a few developments:

 

1. MISSIONS STUFF:  Areli and I have been looking into a long-term medical missions opportunity in Guatemala.  About a month ago, I traveled to Houston to meet the mission's board.  A couple of weeks ago, Areli and I went to Guatemala to check out the project.  Things have moved quite rapidly since then.  Briefly speaking, this would be a long-term position doing medical clinics primarily for indigenous people of Guatemala (largely Mayan groups).  The current missionaries will be finishing their two-year term in about a week.  Areli and I are expecting to come to a decision in the next couple of weeks.  If we accept the position, we would be looking to start in January after Areli graduates from her program.

 

2. WORK STUFF:  I am currently back in Kalamazoo.  This may be my last time here.  On Saturday, I'll be traveling back to Mexico City and be there at least one month.  If we accept the position in Guatemala, I may stay in Mexico with Areli until her graduation.  Currently, she is doing her internship working in a Mexican immigration office.

 

3. IMMIGRATION STUFF:  Areli's U.S. immigration process continues at its turtle-like pace.  On September 9th, she has an interview in Ciudad Juárez for a temporary two-year visa which would allow her to enter and leave the United States without limits while her green card is processing.  Therefore, we will be planning a trip to the border during this time—and hopefully a trip to Michigan in December!

 

4. OTHER STUFF:

 

a. Today is our anniversary!  One year has already passed since our wedding in Mexico.  Check out our special first anniversary video on YouTube.  A recap of our first year of marriage in less than 7 minutes: 

 

 

b. September 17th, I will be running the Mexico City Marathon.

 

5. LINKS TO FURTHER INFO:

 

a. Pictures and commentary from our trip to Guatemala:  (no longer available)

 

b. Agape in Action (The missions group):  http://www.agapeinaction.org/

 

c. The current missionaries’ blog:  http://www.agapeenaccion.blogspot.com/

 

We have been very thankful for the year that we have had together—even though we have not been physically together the whole time.  We are looking forward to having more time together in the future.  We are also thankful that God continues to provide for us and direct us.  For those of you who pray for us, our requests are laid out above.

 

God bless,

 

Sherwood and Areli