Home Assignment

Since the beginning of Sept I have been in the US on what we call a "home assignment." I spent some time with my brother in CT and two weeks in Chicago before landing at my present "base." Now I am in the middle of Central California Dairyland.
Some friends have kindly offered me the use of the apartment above their garage at their farm home. It has every thing I need and I am happy to call this my temporary "home" for the next few months.
One of the main reason for doing a "home assignment" is to meet with friends and supporters. It is a privalege to be able to travel around and share what has been happening in Europe over the past two years.

Arabic study in Tunisia

On July 4th, I flew off to Tunis, Tunisia, for my second experience in learning Arabic. This time I chose to study the Tunisian dialect instead of the more formal "standard" Arabic. I wanted to learn a form of Arabic which is actually used on the streets of Marseille.
I Studied at the Bouguiba Institute in Tunis. This is a very popular school in the summer, especially among Italian students.


There were only about 15 students studying the Tunisian dialect. The other 300 or so where studying "Standard." Here is my class with our two teachers standing in front of me, Farida and Emna. I was in the advanced class, but I was the least advanced of the group.

The school also arranged for me to live with a Tunisian family. They took very good care of me, and as you can see, we ate well. From their house I would take a bus into Tunis or get a ride in the morning with Saja, the wife, as she worked not far from the school at a large bank. Their two boys loved to talk politics and tell jokes about those from neighboring countries.

Every Sunday I would attend the two Protestant churches in town, first the French Reform church at 8h30 and then the Anglican church at 10h30. I met some interesting people at both services.

After the 4 weeks, I was exhausted but very glad that I made the effort to do this course and study hard. I learned more that just a bit of Arabic.

Morocco (too many photos to post..) Casablanca

We arrived on May 26 from France and Spain. We were met by our guide and began out trip by visiting three international churches in the area. This photo is from the Anglican church in Casa.

We also visited the one of the largest Mosques in the world, Hassan II. It is built right along the coast, so it is quite visible from sea.

Many come to pray or to just walk around the massive building with their families. The mosque also attracts many tourists like us.

We had lunch at a place called "Rick's place" and Nate played the role of "Sam."

It was a beautiful day and many Moroccan flags were flying.

NPTS visitor & Les Calanques

Here we are at my favorite North African restaurant. Chris from NPTS with one of my friends. Chris had his first couscous, which is daily fare here in this port city. It is a good deal as well.

We discovered a new area. I had never hiked here before. It is at the end of a city bus line, so it is rather easy to get to. Unhappily we didn't have time to do the whole 1 hour hike.

Day trip with the Marhaba center

The day after I got back from Berlin, I went with the Marhaba center on their yearly outing. This is a chance for families to get out of the city for the day and relax or play, which ever they need most.

We were a bus load plus a few private vehicles. Families from many different nationalities were present.

There was time to sit around and chat.

A very good noon meal was prepared by the center that received us.

We played group games and the kids had some songs prepared. We also played soccer and frisbee.

The kids wore us older folk out, but they were happy for a break and snack as well.

Berlin IFFEC consultation

A number of our staff attended the IFFEC consultation held in Berlin Germany. It was a time of celebration and singing as well as listening to updates and new projects.

Some of the speakers were available for small group sessions, to further discuss topics.

Country leaders gave reports of challenges in their areas, and talked about new projects.

We broke bead together in one spirit, united in our goals and love for one another.

There was also opportunity to visit some local project in Berlin. I went to one from our partner organization the FEG in an area of town know as Pankow.

Coordinators to my town

I told John, Letha and Peter, that before we go to the French side of Marseille, we need to visit the North African side. The two cultures live very close together and often intertwine. The first stop was Ali's spice shop.

We took in all of the sights and SMELLS (wonderful) and purchased some dried fruit.

Then we did the more typical sidewalk cafe next to the Old Port.

Great weather and a great time together.

Peter took some of these photos.

Euro-Retreat 2007

Yes, once again Covenant staff were together for our annual retreat, this year held in a monastery near Santander, Spain. We had hoped for nice weather, but we found out that Santander is the "Seattle" of Spain. We had sunshine during our meeting, but the rain seemed to arrive just as free time approached.

One day was ste aside for business and presentations. It is good to hear what is going on around Europe.

We had our new Regional Coordinators, John and Letha, with us. It was a good introduction for them as they transition to Europe and to workin with us all.

Good size group this year with a lot of younger faces. PTL!

Bangkok conference

What a change to go from rather "winter" weather in France to hot and humid Bangkok. Jet lag and the temp change hit me pretty hard at first, but in a day or so I was functioning better.

Most of my time was spent in a hotel conference room. It was a very good time that brought together people from around the world. There was great teaching and interaction. We heard many personal stories and were encouraged by what is happening in so many places across the globe. After the evening sessions we were free to stroll a bit and find someting to eat in local resaurants. I was happy to be in the company of some of my Asia colleagues for a meal or two.

New Colleague to French study

We recently welcomed a new colleague to Europe and had a time of orientation before she headed for French studies. We also had time to have a birthday party for Barb.

Here we are at the French language school in Eastern Belgium. We received a warm welcome and cup of coffee. Johnna is now studying hard and living in a unique community of believers.

Friends and Tramways

My colleague, Ben and I have been working with a friend who is about to return to his "home" country after a period of living in France. It is great to imagine how he will be used in his country when he returns. He has become a close friend and we will follow him in this new chapter of his life. He is just learning email and other techno habits.


Always good food with my mix of friends in Marseille. North African cuisine is a favorite of everyone.

For most of my time here in Marseille, we have all been enduring the installation of the new "Tramway." They hope to have it up and running by this summer. It has been a real mess up until now. The city is trying to become more of a tourist location. It has had a bad reputation in the past for crime etc...

Below is the main drag of Marseille (La Canebiere) heading down to the Old Port the center of the city proper.

Malta

At the end of January, Andy and I were able to attend a very significant conference on the Island of Malta. This was a first for the both of us. It was good to be together again and talk about ministry, and we made many significant contacts from all around the Mediterranean.

We met up with a friend of ours and did alittle sightseeing as well. Malta is a facinating place.

Malts old British buses are famous. They took us all around the main island and the island of Gozo. The historical significance of the the islands is remarkable.

Just one of the fabulous churches we visited during our stay. One church even claims to have the wrist bone of St Paul. This was the island were he was shipwrecked.