Thursday, September 26, 2013

Greetings from the ‘land of plenty of consumer choices’,   

We have received a warm reception from a number of friends and churches. Our housing in Woodinville, WA are great and we've been given a very nice car to use. We’ve also enjoyed the tail end of the warm summer weather which appears to be long gone now. 
At the Washington Coast.

Between a two-week visit from Laura’s parents and preaching 8 times since leaving Malawi we’ve found it difficult to reconnect with our ministry partners and partnering churches. This is something we are committed to doing over the coming months.

It’s a
Clara, Katherine and Laura in Seattle.
bit hectic and adjusting to life in the States has been challenging. 
 
Things have changed here and so have we. There are now 5+ story buildings in Ballard. The skyline and the streets downtown Seattle have changed. We got stuck in downtown traffic and it turned out it was due to the 'HEMPFEST'. Even visiting Grandma has been emotional especially now that my 87 year old Father has early Alzheimer's. He's not doing too badly though he looks and acts much older (I am sure we do too).

At Grandma Stoms' with Laura's parents
Fortunately, we're getting some counselling regarding 're-entering a culture'. We also hope to go to the Missionary Training Institute in Colorado next year. We ask that you pray about God’s vision for our family, our children’s education, our family re-entering American culture and reconnecting with friends and family.

Zikomo Kwambiri (thanks very much)!
Jay, Laura, Clara, Katherine and Lauren Stoms


Also please pray regarding the following speaking engagements:
September 29 Bellwood Presbyterian Church in Bellevue, WA (Missions’ Sunday).
October 4-6 Evergreen Presbyterian Church in Beaverton, OR (Missions’ conference).
October 9 Faith Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, WA (Missions’ presentation). 
October 13 Exile Presbyterian Church in Woodinville, WA (Preaching Sunday AM).
October 20 Hillcrest Presbyterian Church in West Seattle, WA (Preaching Sunday AM).
December 1 Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Redmond, WA (Preaching Sunday AM).