Hi all. I realize my updates here and elsewhere have been very hit and miss lately, so I'd like to explain a little of what we've been going through in our current assignment.
As with all of you, I'm sure, Covid-19 has meant massive changes in virtually every aspect of life. We began experiencing city-wide lock downs early this year, and although things are finally starting to open up and life is returning to normal, the political climate has soured considerably. This has meant new challenges.
In particular, it has become nearly impossible to get new visas as foreigners here. We have tried countless options, have called multiple cities and districts, and have followed up on every possible lead we could. Still, it's become undeniably clear that our life here in Asia will be coming to an abrupt end. While we were at first devastated by the thought of leaving behind our congregation, our studies, and so many close friends (some of whom were once our Bible students), we have found peace in knowing that Jehovah's direction for us is clear, and that everyone will be in good hands. The prayers we have made about returning home have all been answered, and many doors have opened up. We cannot help but feel like the Apostle Paul in Acts 16, who was repeatedly prevented by the holy spirit from preaching in one area, only to be clearly directed somewhere else.
So while we are sad, we are optimistic about the future, and we are eager to see how Jehovah will use us in our new lives back home.
That said, life has been understandably hectic lately. We have kept our lives simple these last ten years, and this means that the majority of the things we own are easy to part with (most things we're either giving away, selling, or tossing; we'll be traveling home with little more than the clothes on our backs and our suitcases). However, there are still many matters within the congregation, with students, with travel home, and with work that need to be settled before our July departure.
In spite of all that, I'm happy to announce that The Bloom of Youth 2: 
Time and Unforeseen will be released sometime this Fall. I've been working on it the last couple of months and it's coming along nicely. The tone will be a bit different than the last book (told by a slightly older, slightly more wizened Will) but it'll still be a young adult novel featuring his characteristic humor and anxiety-stricken persona. If you enjoyed the last one, I think you'll like the sequel as well. Here's a sneak peek at the cover.
So that's the latest with us. We're healthy, and still alive and kicking, but life is sort of a whirlwind at the moment.
So glad to hear you are well. Such a fine attitude about what has transpired. Although your moving on, no doubt Jehovah will continue to provide all that you need as well as so many future blessings.
ReplyDeleteSage travels. We look forward to future updates.
Judith, thank you! Yes, we are really feeling Jehovah's hand in all of this, so we are confident that we are making the right decision (and in all honesty, there are really no other options at this point!). We are looking forward to the future with eagerness!
DeleteGood to hear from you EK. Could really use a new book from you! Jehovah bless you!
ReplyDeleteHi! How exciting we will get to see the ways Will has grown. Cant wait to read :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry your assignment has come to an end in a place you no doubt cherish and consider home after many years there. Hope you will be able to keep in touch with your spiritual family there by virtual means if possible! You are in our prayers that your big move go as smoothly as it can. No matter how our life may change we just do our best and Jehovah will do the rest! :) My hubby and I recently moved right as things with Covid were brewing so we got our start with our new cong on Zoom. I though it would be so hard and felt inclined to stay with our Cong we knew and loved but of course we moved ahead and followed direction to get going locally. It's been amazing! Even though we have never met our new friends in person, we feel very close in such a short time. Jehovahs spiritual family cant stop pouring out love even if it is through virtual means. Jehovah made our transition as welcoming and loving as can be. I don't doubt your adjustments will be the same. =)
Thanks so much for your comment. We are also a little unsure of where we are headed as far as congregations are concerned, so our current plan is to land in the US first, get settled, and then see what areas may need assistance. For the time, we may join family in English, but we haven't quite decided yet. But your experience is encouraging for sure!
DeleteI remember after I read the bloom of Youth I emailed you and asked a bunch of questions about future will so I'm glad to have perhaps had a little part in you deciding to write a sequel. It is very exciting that the end is so close that's something we've been waiting for our whole lives is finally here. I imagine that you will look back after it's all over and it will become obvious that it was Jehovahs will for you to come back home at this time. Can't wait for the new book and I look forward to meeting you in the new system.
ReplyDeleteDennis Hallowell
Thanks for that email! That was certainly part of the impetus in doing a sequel; many readers wanted to know what would happen to Will after the events of the first book. And yes, we also feel it was Jehovah's will for us to return. Now we need to patiently wait to see why.
DeleteHello my dear brother, I’ve decided to revisit your books I read some years back and then read or perhaps listen to some of your new books - if that’s an option. I find your ideas portrayed in your books intriguing and the ideas give me things to ponder over and expound on my own ideas. As you mentioned this has been quite a year for all of us but staying occupied helps the days speed by!
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