Banu and I arrived in Tennessee on the 18th in November. [As noted before, we are transitioning to a new ministry.]
It has been (in a small way) reminiscent of some images from the Bible. Abraham was told by the Lord, “Go!” Still, he was permitted a nice layover in Haran. (Genesis 12:1, 4) The apostle Paul twice made plans to stay for the winter, in both Corinth and Nicopolis. (1 Corinthians 16:6, Titus 3:12)
Staying with my mom and enjoying her hospitality has served as our Haran, Corinth, and Nicopolis.
I have noted elsewhere that this was the first Hanukkah we have observed. Calling that holiday “crazy,” following Hamas’ horrific events of October 7 and the acts of antisemitism here, could only be done in a terribly dismissive way. However, those eight days could also be called “crazy” in a fiercely fearlessly joyful way!
So on a note of joy, our vision continues to come into ever-clearer focus. We now have a canopy, which can serve in many capacities. It is a creative sanctuary, shielding from all manner of wind and weather. Well, not “all manner.” We were spared from the deadly tornados of Saturday night the 9th.
Other avenues of focus include Banu’s deciding on her signature dish, although she is certainly not short on possibilities! I’m continuing and expanding my writings, being posted at this site and at Notes from the Lighthouse and at my Medium site.
The first official product of Wellspring Arts and Printery has been rolled out. It’s a menu for a small local restaurant run by a wonderful Guatemalan family and friend who are servants of the Lord.
So here comes the winter, as we follow in Paul’s footsteps (so to speak) with our own Corinth and Nicopolis—with a Nashville frame of mind.