The winter really seems to be flying by up here in the mountains, perhaps because we’ve been treated to a lot of glorious sunshine as well as the cold snowy days that are normal for our area. We are continually thankful to be here. We get refreshed just by looking out the window, which is a good thing as we don’t have too many opportunities these days to get out.

So what have we been up to? Erik continues to work very hard at his Masters degree studies in Organizational Development/Leadership. He has recently been studying subjects such as communication within organizations and approaches to strategic planning. Even though his courses are done in “cyberspace”, the numerous projects, papers and deadlines are very real and some weeks he feels overwhelmed. However, he is doing well, learning lots and managing to juggle being a full-time student, a new father and a budding photographer.

The photography is becoming more than just Erik’s passion; it is very slowly growing into a business that we hope will help supplement our support needs when we return overseas. We have really seen a divine hand in some amazing things that have happened recently. For instance, the unexpected loan of a large format camera and all the accessories; gallery openings; developing relationships with well-known photographers; a possible future coffee table book project and much more. I also can’t refrain from telling everyone how he recently won the opportunity to display one of his photos in the rotunda of the State Capital in Denver. Right now Erik is preparing for summer art fairs and I am enjoying “storing” some of his magnificent framed prints on the wall of our little home.

Erik has also been particularly active on the Missions Committee at our local church and is seeking to encourage the growing movement to bring churches in town together as a united voice. Someone told me two days ago how much they are hearing about Erik’s influence in town! We are of course still very much connected to the work in the Balkans and hardly a day goes by when we don’t think about returning. We frequently correspond with our colleagues and friends in both Albania and Kosovo and are often able to give input on certain issues. We are not yet sure what the future has for us as far as our role in the Balkans, but are asking God to show us what He wants. We would like to have some idea by summer of what we will be doing.

My days seem rather mundane sometimes in comparison although I’m doing the most challenging and rewarding job of my whole life! Luke seems to change and develop before our very eyes. He’s now 7 months old, is sitting up by himself, has discovered the wonderful taste of Cheerios and has two teeth with more imminent. His 6 month check up showed that all is well. He still has bouts of itchy eczema, ear infections and discomfort while teething, but nothing serious for which we are very thankful. His laugh is the most wonderful sound in the whole world and delights us every day! Many of you ask how he is sleeping these days. After nearly 7 months of exhaustion, we have finally had some better nights. Last night was probably the best yet when he slept for 9 ½ hours without waking!

Besides looking after Luke, I continue to work with my little vacation rental business. I am only able to work part-time and some days not even that, but it’s good to keep my hand in. I do most of the written correspondence and some of the cabin checks. It is amazing how our little endeavor has grown. My partner Sandy and I now have 13 cabins to manage this summer. They are booking up at an incredible rate and we’ve already had to turn people down for certain weeks.

Just to let you know, we’ve changed the domain name of our personal website. It is listed below with our other sites. You can view there the most recent pictures of Luke. Click on the other links to see some of Erik’s fine art photography and even book a vacation in one of our cabins!

That’s all from us. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement during this time of “retooling” for the future.

Love Jo, Erik & Luke