On the first day of spring, March 20, 2017, I finally removed the pumpkins and gourds that were artfully arranged in the planters outside my front door…Now, I look at the empty planters, and the bare dirt, and anticipate what they may look like this spring and summer. Do I dread what I may see in these planters? No! I look forward with hope.

Words! They are powerful. They are effective. Words can be used for good or not so pleasant intentions. Words convey feelings, beliefs, our character and inner thoughts. Words can encourage or discourage, heal and bring forgiveness or cut deep wounds. Words make a lasting impression – positive or negative

I am a Minnesota-born girl. I love winter – when the sun is shining and the snow is white. I love my Minnesota cabin – when it is warm and cozy. I love Minnesota snowmobile trails – when they are groomed and smooth. Notice a pattern?

Our story begins quite simply. We had just moved to Berlin. Being fluent in English and Spanish, we thought that God had something Spanish-oriented in mind. But we were absolutely sure of the call to Berlin. We dove into German language school. It was hard. Really hard. They say learning a third language is easy, but that’s not actually true. We lived it. And in the midst of it, we were dying to the dream we had of ministering in Spanish, having a deep love for the people, culture and language.