Sunday, May 25, 2008

Change of address


It's been about six weeks since I was offered -- and I accepted -- a two-year post in Jerusalem that starts later this summer. It doesn't feel quite real to me yet -- except for the panic I feel whenever I think about all I have to do before making the big move!

Shortly after an orientation session scheduled for July 8-28 in Chicago, I will serve as communication assistant to the bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land. It is a global mission position of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in partnership with the ELCJHL. I will maintain the church's website, write press releases, take photos, help the bishop with speeches and sermons and generally tell the Palestinian people's story to the world. For someone who is passionate about peace and justice, there couldn't be a more ideal job.

In the meantime, I'm trying to learn a little Arabic. That's a relatively fun part of the preparations. The not-so-fun part is selling my truck and getting the house ready for renters. That is, assuming I find renters. I'll be in a pickle if I don't, since my missionary salary of $675 a month is probably not enough to live on there AND pay my mortgage here. I guess this is where faith comes in, mine and yours. Please keep me in your prayers as I get ready for this big change of address!