Women's Ministry Farnham, England

Many, many years ago Maryele went to Uruguay from England with her husband. As a bride,non-working and simply accompanying her spouse, she had nothing to do. Bored, she sat at the yacht club and read a book that had been given to her as a good-bye present. Now, a life-time later and giving her testimony back in a small town in England, she unwrapped an out of print and worn out book entitled, "The Great Adventure," which told of the great adventure life could be with Christ. "This was the book," she said.
Maryele said she thought she was a Christian until she read the book she held before us. "When I read this," she said, she made a decision to REALLY give her life to Jesus-and the adventure began! She started Bible studies in her Uruguayan home, and was able to be a support to newly arriving missionaries. But her Bible study work was short lived. Her non-Christian husband complained and she had to ask her home group to leave. This group was run by a local missionary, and worried as she was that they might have difficulty in finding a new place to meet it turned out to be the best thing for the group. That Bible study grew into a ministry in over nine new locations!
The reason I am telling you all this is that last Wednesday the Farnham Baptist Women's group that I enjoy here in England, sat mesermised by Maryele's tales of her life and travels. This was life in Latin America well over fify years ago! She spoke of the patience God gave her and that her husband finally became a Christian when he was 90 years old. For seven years they conducted Bible studies together.
Maryele knows the importance of an inspiring book. For the past twenty - or more- years she has sent books to people in a number of countries.Maryele is always recommending books to people. Recently she got us to donate books to a women's prison in Malaysia. Destiny Image Publishers talk about "changing the world, one book at a time." Maryele is living proof.

Families in Global Transition Conference

We gathered from all over the world to share our experiences of living in countries that do not match our passports. We were corporate, military, NGO's, missionaries, diplomatic service and support spouses. The moment we walked into the Houston hotel we were with "our tribe!"

Kim did a great job in organising this weekend conference that featured guest speakers, breakfast round tables, research findings and workshops...and a creative dance or two with media. We were young tck's (third culture kids) and "older." Some of us had done "re-entry" and some of us have never known when to to go home...some of us have never had such a place in the first place but we all love family life and adventures in global nomadic life. Whew, it was good to be home- for the weekend!

I launched my "baby"...the book "Parents in Global Transition!" and was so encouraged to meet with other "new moms/mums" as they brought their "first born home" for the parents (multi-published authors in this cross cultural field)  to see and, hopefully, review. Jo Parfitt gave several wonderfully encouraging workshops for writers finding their voice in a group of fluctuating accents. We didn't have to be any nationality to put pen to paper, just a story and a willingness to share that story. I have signed up for further writing workshops with Jo and have asked that she please start a writers "toddler group" for all of us first book authors.

I know as I reflect on this conference I will be writing more about Families in Global Transition; but for now, let me say that I have uploaded a photo of the first person who bought my book. The buyer was a young American who works at an international school in China. He bought one for himself and one for his headmaster. I give thanks, and pray that he is blessed by what he reads in "Parents on the Move."

Your International Love Language!

Next Sunday (not this coming Sunday) is what they call Mothering Sunday in the UK, and I want to show my love to my children and give thanks to God for being a mom/mum. There were days, months, years when I wondered if I would ever get to be a mother. I was told that maybe I would never have that opportunity for medical reasons. Then, when I did get pregnant, I had four miscarriages. As I am one of those mothers that start talking to their babies within two weeks of conception, there is no way I can forget those precious little lives.

So, it is with great joy that I give thanks for my kids. It would have been good to have the book  Five Love Languages (there is a version for kids), when they were young but at least I am aware of the Love Language concept at this stage of their adult lives.  My daughter and I have one of our love languages in common (Quality Time) and she has planned a Mothering Sunday treat on the Saturday.  I am very much looking forward to a day at a London spa! We're not spending money on facials or other treatments, but we are looking forward to time together just hanging out at the pool and steam room. We could talk for both the England and American Olympic teams!

My son is also great at remembering Mothering Sunday, but due to the fact it is so near his birthday we often chose to celebrate the American Mother's Day which is later in May. If you happen to be in the card shops in London (especially Canary Wharf area where expats tend to work) in May, you will see signs for "International Mother's Day" as the Australians and Germans, among others, also celebrate their mums/moms at that time. When I was an HR consultant for Lehman Brothers and Chase Manhattan/JP Morgan, I told many clients to remember, "She who "mothers" in two countries deserves two Mother's Days!"

I give thanks for the six adult "kids" that my husband and I now have between us; for our mended (ing?), somewhat blended family...and this mom still has four additional blessings to meet in heaven. I give thanks.

Take a moment and click here to discover your Love Language!