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Transitions


 This past week, Ike and I both finished working. Ike had been working as a project manager with Shickel Corporation over the last three years and I was at the hospital for two and a half years, first as an inpatient clinical dietitian and then the last 7 months as an outpatient dietitian and clinical nutrition manager. 
 
Transitions are hard! 
 
Saying goodbye to really good things is difficult but freeing, it is sad but sweet to feel so loved in our work places, and scary but really exciting as we look toward next year. The last few days were spent away - first with friends at a cabin outside Harrisonburg and then Ike and I went to Asheville to explore a new place together and celebrate the end of work and beginning of a different pace. We anticipate the next month to be slower without the stress of working 40+ hour weeks but also packed with making time to see family and friends, a few Christmas parties, Christmas in VB, and then packing and moving out of our house.

We are currently 98% funded (specifically talking about the monthly pledged budget) and hope to be able to purchase plane tickets in the next week or so. Our departure date is roughly between Jan 9-16 at this point. 
We are hopeful and thankful that this next month gives us time to process and prepare. To sit and be present with loved ones. To breathe and be conscious of our emotional needs and what God is putting on our hearts and minds. To be free to focus on our savior and the power and magnitude of this season as we celebrate His birth. 
 
We would love and appreciate prayer in the next month. To be specific: for time to be intentional and for us to be open to what God has for us during this season. Prayer for our close families and friends as we all prepare to say goodbyes soon and thank the Lord that those folks are supportive and excited for us despite starting to prepare for our absence. Prayer for our team in Bundi as they anticipate our arrival and how that will change team dynamics.
 

At the Biltmore in Asheville, NC!


 
Thanks for being here and a part of this journey with us! If you have questions, please ask! If you are interested in supporting us or hearing more about what we are doing in Bundibugyo, Uganda - visit this link or send me an email: jshickel@serge.org 


 

 


 

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