Family, Friends, Fundraising

We're about halfway through our two and a half month visit back in the States and it seems an appropriate time to take a look back at what we've done so far and a look forward at what's to come. While it might not be as exciting and exotic as hearing about what's been going on in Vietnam, we still think it's important stuff.

First for some of what we've been up to so far:

• Our first several days back were a bit rough, with Steven suffering the one-two punch of jetlag and some stomach thing he'd picked up on the journey home. Here's what that time looked like for him:

• Soon enough, though, everyone was feeling great and good times with family and friends ensued. We especially enjoyed getting out into the gorgeous North Cascades and doing a little camping and hiking with Rachel (Joelle's older sister), Seth and their two boys. Vietnam's mountains are beautiful, it's true, but there's something about the forested valleys and snowcapped peaks of the Cascades that can't be matched.

• Steven's parents recently bought a house and made the move from Oregon up to southwest Washington. We've made a couple of trips down to visit them and help with a few projects, including laying a sweet new floor in their kitchen.

• Toward the end of June, Joelle's younger sister Bethany returned to the States for a visit after eight months living and teaching in Egypt. Globetrotters that we are, we had last seen her in Thailand in January of this year. The reunion was a good one, made even better by the fact that we stopped at Gordito's Burritos in Seattle on our way back from the airport. Where else can you get a burrito that three grown adults can share, eat their fill, and still barely finish?

• The end of June brought the beginning of Joelle's 29th year of life, a birthday she shares with brother-in-law Seth. And since Bethany was in Egypt over her birthday in May, she joined in for a triple birthday extravaganza.

• When the birthday really got rocking, Seth, Steven and Will donned galabaya, a traditional Egyptian outfit that Bethany had brought back for them. Will's, unfortunately, was a tad small on him.

• Being a contractor, Joelle's dad has ready access to 100-foot rolls of vapor barrier black plastic. Add sprinklers, a hill, a big bottle of hand soap from Deals Only, a warm sunny day and you have...The Mother of All Slip-n'-Slides.

• Finally, the 4th of July arrived with unusually gorgeous weather which gave us the chance to head up to Mt. Baker with some of the fam and go hiking in the glory of creation once again before coming down to enjoy fellowship, food and (of course) fireworks.

So that's what we've been up to (at least some of the more exciting stuff), but what lies ahead? While we can't be 100% sure, we do know a few things: One needed focus for us is fundraising; though we had a surplus in our account when we left for Vietnam, due to some generous one-time gifts, we currently have a significant shortfall in our monthly support budget. We're trusting--as we have before--that if we're doing what we're supposed to be doing, the money will come in. Thus far, the one who called us has been faithful in providing everything we need to live and work, and we've no reason to believe He's going to change now.

As far as "our part" in everything, we'll be speaking at a couple of fellowships and, if you get our newsletters, you'll have the chance to either begin or renew a monthly support pledge. If you're in the area and would like to meet to discuss any of this (or just to have some coffee and catch up) we'd be happy to do that. You can reach us by email at steven.shetterly (at) elic (dot) org or call us at 988-4038. We'll be around Whatcom County until the middle of August.

In related exciting news, it's now possible to donate to our work in Vietnam online, using either a credit card or checking account. If that sounds interesting, you can click here for more information.

Have a spectacular summer and thanks for reading and keeping up with what we're doing. It means a lot to us!