End of the Year Reflection

Wrapping up the whirlwind of 2023! Can you believe the year has flown by so swiftly? Meg and I have relished a delightful Fall season with our growing eight-month-old, Sam. He's a great adventure buddy and we love exploring Europe with him.

It’s the end of the year and we have lots to share so keep reading, but we also need your help to end our year strong financially. If reading isn't your style, consider jumping ahead and making an end of the year donation.

Here are some cherished moments from our adventures:

Our enduring collaboration with the Garmisch military base remains a highlight. Leading a weekly Bible study has been a fulfilling routine, complemented by indulging in the delightful high fructose snacks from the commissary. We've found a lovely overlap between Munich International School students and those from the military base and are grateful for their partnership. 

Chase, with Meg's artistic flair, has dedicated efforts to craft a discipleship tool aimed at deepening faith. We've piloted this tool through one-on-one sessions with a couple of individuals, transforming personal faith-enriching ideas into comprehensive curriculum for others.

Our Fall continued to be peppered with visits from cherished friends and family. Oktoberfest welcomed Chase's Dad, Donna, and our dear friends Cody and Drake. We met Katie and Billie Tormey in Ulm to see the tallest church in the world and Meg's parents also graced us with another visit, and we savored a fantastic trip to Amsterdam with Nathan and Morgan Putnam—such a delight to have someone else hold the baby for a while!

We also had some fun Young Life conferences! First, we attended the Central European prayer weekend in Hungary. We met Meg’s prayer coordinator team in Budapest and got to hear what’s going on with Young Life there. Then, we headed into the countryside where we met YL volunteers and staff from Poland, Czechia, Bulgaria, Albania, North Macedonia and Hungary! Quite the mix! We relished Balkan dancing and were humbled by chess games with Hungarians. Earlier this month we headed to the German Region’s Leader weekend where Meg facilitated a unique "prayer experience" for 60 Germans, one even said she had never experienced anything like it and wanted all the materials! 

Reflecting on the year's conclusion, despite our earnest efforts, Young Life at Munich International School seems more and more inviable. Due to Covid-related restrictions, the school's private nature, and unfamiliarity with the program among new faculty, we just haven’t been able to get a foothold in starting relationships–it’s been almost 3 years! We appreciate prayer as we discern whether a pivot is necessary, and if so, what that looks like. 

We deeply appreciate your partnership and support. While it's been a year and a half since our return to the States, we're eagerly looking forward to visiting the beautiful Northwest and reconnecting with those who believe in us this Christmas. Your financial contributions have meant a great deal to us.

As we approach the end of 2023, would you consider offering an end-of-year gift this season? German taxes have left us facing a hefty bill (40k!), and your generosity would immensely aid us as we head into another year of ministry. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Your continued support means the world to us.

Thanksgiving with friends from around the world, Oktoberfest with a baby, meeting a 3,000 year old caveman in the Italian Alps, Christmas markets, and just baby cuteness!