All my life, I always wanted to be somebody. Now I see that I should have been more specific.

In the end of July we traveled to Baltimore, Maryland, for our mission's annual conference.

Because we haven't been on regular furlough, this was the first time we'd gone to one in twelve years.
It was nice to see friends from past days of ministry from Bangladesh to Brazilian Amazon and São Paulo. However, this time we found ourselves on the older side of the spectrum of missionaries participating. We also enjoyed a short visit with friends from Bauru - Priscila and Poliana - who are now living in the Baltimore area, and meet Priscila's baby Ava.
It was a time to be feed spiritually, which we really needed. The speakers and folks that gave testimonies were encouraging and challenging to us.
Because of time and changes, the majority of the mission's present leadership we don't even know anymore. It was a touching moment with the good-bye to our outgoing president Michael Loftis and his wife JoBeth, who were also friends that visited us several times in Bauru.
Being on the older side of the spectrum of missionaries meant that we were in the group or missionaries recognized for over thirty years of service with ABWE.
We came back refreshed and renewed for what lies ahead.