Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Yesterday we returned to Minnesota from a 2,000 mile road-trip.  It was exhilarating to meet new people and new church bodies to share how we see God at work in Rio!

We stopped at Iowa State University, where our youngest daughter, Hannah is studying.  It was great to enter her world!  It was so much fun to spend time with her, see her world, let her wait on us at the restaurant she works at, visit her church and help fix her loft ladder! We really MISS her in Rio!

We visited several churches and were blessed to hear the heart's of many brothers- and sisters-in-Christ!  We were even blessed with fresh produce and many, many hugs!  We're missing the hugs we get in Rio!

On our way home we spent one evening with an amazing family in Kansas City.  They loved on us with the love of Christ by sharing their home, their friendship, their food and encouraging words.  We were able to laugh and reminisce about their past times spent serving the Lord with us in Rio.  We were able to dream together about the future, as well!

We then spent some time sharing with a couple that God has called on a short-term trip to Romania.  How wonderful to see their excitement and share a little of how God called us to Brazil!  It was truly an encouraging time for us!

A month ago when we returned to the States, we shared with an ABF class of our emotional exhaustion and it amazes me how God has provided rest and renewal for us in so many ways.  In the midst of the busyness of our son and daughter-in-law's wedding reception, 2 baby showers, the birth of our first grandchild, a baby dedication and visiting churches, we have somehow managed to rest!

 We are rejuvenated and almost ready to return.  We have one more milestone event next Friday---the celebration of Jeff's parent's 60th wedding anniversary and 80th birthdays!

Praising God for the blessing of being here for these special occasions,

Diane and Jeff