Since I last wrote, my life has been a whirlwind of new places and faces, airports and highways, churches, cities and camps. These have been months of renewing old friendships and establishing new ones: at the Biennial in Providence in June, at the Christian Education Conference and the World Mission Conference at Green Lake in July, and then autumn visits to churches in Chicago, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Puerto Rico and Indiana. In every place I have been overwhelmed by the hospitality, friendship and support I have received. It has been fun to explore new corners of this country and savor the distinct cultural flavors of each place. Thank you to each of you who have made my return to the States so enjoyable.

I am living in Minneapolis for the year, subletting an apartment in the senior cooperative where my mother lives. It has been wonderful for both of us to be able to spend time together. I will be returning to Costa Rica in May.

My team in Costa Rica— Tatiana, Elisel, and Ruth— is putting forth a superhuman effort to continue the curriculum project in my absence. They have faced daunting obstacles that have significantly delayed publication. I am so proud of their perseverance and faith, not to mention their creativity and vision. Rev. Mercy González-Barnes (missionary with International Ministries) has been a tremendous help to them while her husband studied Spanish in San José, but in December they will be moving to Baja, Mexico. Please pray that God will continue to strengthen this team and will provide funds to hire another person to share the load.

In this holiday season, I wish you a joyous Christmas and a new year filled with an increasing awareness of God’s presence and love.

Lovingly,
Ruth Mooney