Beginnings

And so it begins, well, not really. This is simply the beginning of a blog that will attempt to keep friends, family and supporters connected with what we are planning and doing in preparation and during our time in Uganda and Kenya.

Much of the ground work has already been accomplished even though our departure is still some time away. (August 16, 2010 to be exact). We have gone through our orientation. Fundraising materials have been prepared. Plane tickets have been reserved. All these things make this whole experience very real and we are excited to experience what God is yet to do along this journey that will take us to two continents we have never visited before.

For those of you reading who don't know much about our plans, let me fill you in.

We will be leaving Canada on August 16 and flying to Amsterdam, The Netherlands. We have decided to extend what would normally be a four hour stop over into a tour of the country from which both Susan and my families trace our roots. Our first day, August 17, will be spent in Amsterdam (this just happens to be our 25th wedding anniversary. Isn't God good!). We hope to explore the city and enjoy some of what it has to offer. The next day we will travel to Achlem in Friesland. Susan's father, Harry Koopman, was born there. Susan still has some relatives there so we will spend a day and night with them. After that we travel in a big circle. We will go to Uithuizermeeden in Groingen (this is where my father Klass Rowaan, was born). Then it is on to Nijverdaal in Overiesel (I hope I am getting the spelling right). My mother's (Jennie Kippers) family is from this area. This year marks 100 years since they left for Canada. Our final stop will Pijnaker. If you are keeping track than you already guessed that this is where Susan's mother, Petronella Koornneef, comes from. Its close to Delft so we will also explore that city. And then its back to the Schipol. A hotel near the airport will allow us to catch our flight in the morning. We will be in transit for more than 12 hours as we fly to Entebbe, Uganda via Nairobi, Kenya.

In Uganda we will be traveling to Mbale where I will be teaching at the seminary of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Uganda for three weeks. One coarse, 3 hrs per day. The subject is Pentateuch or Torah (the first five books of the Bible). I am very excited by this opportunity to help my brothers grow in their understanding of God's word and in their ability to apply it to the lives of those to whom they minister. Susan will be doing what is called program support. That means she will help where ever she can but mostly in the library and main office. This will allow her to share her own unique administrative gifts.

After this we move on to Nairobi, Kenya. For the past few years I have been taking part in Timothy Leadership Training through the Timothy Institute. This training allows me to help equip people involved in ministry who have had little or no formal training and some times little or no education at all. We will be doing a week long training session. I don't have the details as of yet so I really can't tell you much more.

Susan will again be involved in support but quite likely more a part of what I am doing with TLT.

Well, that's a beginning. Much more will follow.

Thank you to all who are already praying for us and who have contributed to our costs or are planning to do so. The next post will highlight our funding needs.

George