UofN workshop and good news about a car..

Dear friends and family,

The past two weeks have all been in light of preparations for the UofN workshop that will take place Sept 5-11. This workshop is a training where international leaders, trainers, staff and teachers of the University come together to seek the Lord for the future of the University and how to implement the various changes across the globe. This time the workshop is at the UofN campus in Kona and so in the next few days close to 400 people will arrive from many different nations.

We are part of a team of about 12 people that are overseeing the logistics of this event. As you can imagine this is a huge learning experience since there are many aspects involved. Jackson is helping to coordinate the various airport pick-ups and as Darlene’s assistant I am involved in the communication with the special guests who have been invited to the workshop.

When the workshop starts we will also be able to attend the program as participants. We are looking forward to this as the workshop will give us a full picture of the University of the Nations internationally, thus helping us translate this for the vision in Nigeria.

A memorable event last month was Jackson’s 29th birthday. Back in Kona it really felt like celebrating with our “family” as many came and joined us to eat the Dutch apple pie (Appeltaart) and Brownies that I had baked . It was also exciting to receive gift boxes, cards and phone calls from the Netherlands, making it feel like you were here with us!

Baby is getting more and more active, now almost 34 weeks in my stomach. After the last check-up some of the measurements were a little below what they should be, so the doctor ordered an ultrasound to check on size, fluid, position of the baby etc. Thankfully everything was fine and so we enjoyed the privilege of taking another glimpse of this precious baby coming soon. We could see the baby swallowing the amniotic fluid and he/she was seriously “looking” at us! It is just so amazing that all that is right there in my stomach, though I must say the baby makes sure I don’t forget with the frequent kicks and turns . Physically my stomach feels “heavy” and I am sometimes short of breath. But apart from this I am doing very well.

Another good news this month was Jackson passing his driving learner’s permit. This enables him to drive in the US along with someone that has a license until he has done his practical exam. For me this is a huge blessing as he now drives me to the hospital and so I don’t get tired!

As one of our prayer requests we mentioned that we are praying for our own vehicle. Since there is no public transportation and the city is built on a volcano which makes cycling impossible (steep hills) we frequently need a car to drive to the shops, pool, beach, doctor, hospital etc. The testimony is that the Lord has provided for this need so far by bringing us in contact with friends who had an extra vehicle that we are allowed to drive until November! We are really very grateful!

Please join us in thanking the Lord for this!
Love and blessings,

Jackson & Anneke