As I said earlier this week in my “Lessons from a place called home,” we had a great six weeks at home in Alabama. Jodi graduated nursing school, passed her state boards, and is now officially a RN. No job yet, but hopefully soon. Prayers are appreciated!
We also welcomed the birth of our fourth grandchild and third granddaughter, Caroline Rese Ellison-Weed on June 9th. She’s a beauty, just like her big sister. We also got to spend several days and nights with Carly, Addie Ruth, and Levi, our lovely and sweet older grandchildren, and their parents. Watching the grandchildren with their parents is such sweet revenge.
And I enjoyed telling the Senegal story at Lineville First, Sylacauga First, and Fort Payne First, as well as visiting with friends at the North Alabama Conference. Support for the United Methodist mission in Senegal is growing in North Alabama.
For those who may not have seen us while home, or who aren’t following us on Facebook (Come on and join the fun!), Kittie has remained in Alabama while I have returned to Senegal. It was time for her to focus on being Mama and grandmamma (Flo) for a while. She hopes to rejoin me in Senegal in January. While home she will be working part-time at Auburn University Nursing School in July and keep baby Caroline when Mande starts back to work in August. She has some limited time for UMW programs or speaking in churches, but you will need to talk with her about scheduling an event. Her cell phone number is 334-863-0110,and you can reach her by e-mail at kittiemesser@yahoo.com .
I will be in Senegal until mid-October when I will return for our Senegal Consultation in Illinois. This is a gathering of churches that support the Senegal mission. This support has historically come from United Methodist churches in Wisconsin and northern Illinois. We are hoping to have some Alabama representatives present this year. Watch for upcoming information and details.
What is our long-term future in Senegal? I’m committed to be here through May 2011, but as I have often said the past two years, “We are making this up as we go along.” Or to put it in more spiritual language, we are just trying to follow God’s leadership. So please continue to pray that we will know and have courage to follow the will of God.