Happy Thanksgiving!!

As we all start to gather together to give thanx,, I´d like to send mine,, as your living link to all kinds of places and people :)

I can tell you now that processes to connect and support Dysphagia efforts here in Ecuador with those already taking place in Chile have been started. I know that we´ve got a timeline of hypothetical projects for 2011, but I´m waiting to receive some concrete offers and descriptions in writing (thank you for your prayers).

I´ve been given a translation project to do for pay (with possibly more on the way) -- that´s a tremendous help, as my anticipated moving expenses and need for continued employment following the official end of Mission: Ecuador next year, is presenting me with some important economic challenges. Also some verbal offers for teaching-stints or workshops for pay coming in. Again, looking for concreteness.

I can also tell you that, on the Ecuatorian side, the folks I´ve trained are growing ,, both professionally and (as far as I can tell) in Christ as well. I can also tell you that the new friends I made in Chile are not only interested in growing professionally in the area of Dysphagia,,, but also in applying their faith to their work-life. And I know that, because I dared to tell them that all this work was God´s missionary plan for me, that I had trusted Him in order to do it, and that those who have been supporting me in Ecuador continue to support my following God´s leading -- even on this trip to Chile.

I can tell you that the lady who tripped and fell in the middle of the street the other day was more than grateful that God sent me to pick her up, walk her to the hospital and get her a medical visit to make sure she was okay. I can tell you that because I saw her face glow when I reminded her that God sees her, and cares for her, and provides for her --- even on a day when she couldn´t sell any sponges, and she fell full-length across a heavily-trafficked street and couldn´t get back up on her own.

I believe that my 6-year training program as your "living-link" missionary has really made my whole life a living link.

As we´re approaching another Thanksgiving Day, thank you to RiverTree Christian Church and Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, for facing daily battles, giving classes, encouraging Christian growth and community, and prayer,,,, for committee meetings, phone calls and urgent reports that formed me, sent me here, and kept me going ---- and that continue to form, send and maintain thousands of other living links in so many different ways. When I´m not sure what´s coming next, it helps to remember where I´ve been, and who´s got my back, and that God Himself has gone on to clear the way ahead of me :)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!
love m