We’re Back!
I’m sure some of you were beginning to wonder what happened to the Leslies as we have not written an update since the end of school and Tiana’s graduation in July. We flew back to the U.S., arriving on July 18th and had the privilege of staying with Lilli’s parents in Lakeville, MN for most of our time.
Here’s a short recap of our time:
Hannah + Henrik’s Wedding
It was a beautiful wedding as our daughter, Hannah, married Henrik Stevens on August 3 in Minneapolis. Our hearts were full to see so many of you there to witness their covenant commitment and support them. Jonathan had the amazing privilege of officiating and calling them to truly enjoy each other as they enjoy their Savior who brought them together. They honeymooned in Puerto Rico and three days after returning, Henrik left for a 12-day mission trip to Thailand. Hannah & Henrik live in downtown Minneapolis where Henrik is finishing a degree at Bethlehem College and Seminary and Hannah at Bethel University.
Jonathan’s Dad
A few days after returning to the U.S. Jonathan flew to Phoenix to spend a few days with his parents, Gene & Sue, and older sister, Jody. The plan was for Jonathan to drive their vehicle back to Iowa, and the others would fly a few days later. Unfortunately, Gene was still not well enough to fly on a commercial plane.
After the wedding we were able to fly him by a medically equipped jet from Phoenix to our hometown, Atlantic, Iowa. After a couple hours at the hospital he was transferred to Des Moines for a thorough evaluation. I’m happy to report he’s back in Atlantic at a care center. He has good days and bad days, struggles with confusion and energy for rehab. Thanks for your continued prayers and for those who have visited him.
Reconnecting
A major highlight of our trip was getting to spend time with family and reconnect with friends like many of you. Family meals and trips to the mall, Liberty Classical Academy reunions, worshipping together with Oakridge Community Church – thanks for making it a special, although way too short of a time!
Tiana
While Jonathan and Joshua flew back to Kenya on August 16, Lilli and Sophia got to move Tiana into her room at Bethany Global University in Bloomington, MN on August 20. We were so thankful they got to be there to meet her roommate and get her settled in. She is beginning a degree in missions with a focus on early education. It’s been a very busy start but she is enjoying school so far and looks forward to spending Sundays with Hannah & Henrik.
Lost Passport
Lilli and Sophia ended up missing staff in-service and a full week of school because somehow Sophie’s passport got lost. It was quite an ordeal that involved Jonathan making a trip to the US Embassy in Nairobi, mailing a notarized form from Kenya, expediting the passport, and rebooking their flights. They finally arrived back at RVA the night of August 30…to a grateful Jonathan & Joshua!
First Month of RVA
Today we finished up our first month of classes. It was a rough start initially as Lilli and Sophia hit the ground running, then got sick. There has been a nasty bug going around campus and Lilli is just beginning to feel a little better. Otherwise we are so grateful to be back. As we walked back from covering the ninth grade girls dorm last night, we discussed what an absolute privilege we have to be involved in the lives of these kids!
On Sunday mornings we have been studying the book of Galatians in our RVA Services. Jonathan’s burden is that we as a community would never leave the Gospel behind as we live our day to day lives. As a spiritual community that is often speaking into the lives of students the focus can often turn to our performance and what we must “do” to keep God happy with us, rather than focusing on what God has already “done” for us in Christ. Oh how we want to be a people that live out of who we are in Christ – never confusing how we are made right with God by faith in Jesus (justification) with how we grow to be more holy (sanctification).
Joshua and Sophia are doing well. Josh is loving high school, learning new skills in volleyball, and spending time with friends. Sophie is in eighth grade, made it on the Jr. High traveling basketball team, and loves to hang out with friends as well.
We consider it a high honor to be involved in this ministry. Thank you for your prayers and support that make it possible. We’re nothing special on our own, but on behalf of the families serving all over the continent of Africa proclaiming the Gospel in word and deed, “Thank You!”
