Wandering June (and May)

Hello, friends and supporters! I pray that you are well in body, soul, and spirit!

The beginning of May was pretty slow, but YWAM Starkville visited a ministry in southern Mississippi. This ministry does an excellent job at appreciating people as image bearers of God.

During the Plague, it seemed almost like Caesar's census, everyone going back to their families and their hometowns. When I left home in January, I left until God directed me back. My plan was to be in Starkville until the Lord pointed me elsewhere, and in May, He encouraged me, "Go home... Go home..." So that's what I did.

At the very end of the month, I caught the train north to surprise my family, a week earlier than they expected me! I looked like the funniest hobo you ever did see, walking through the echoing, empty streets of Chicago, from the first train to the second. My people were pretty excited to see me!

We went on a camping trip to an Indiana State Park, in Brown County, which is nicknamed "the little Smokies." It has beautiful panoramas and prolific flora and fauna. It was refreshing to spend time with my tribe, in a cluster of tents, roaming the wilderness. Our cousins also came to camp with us. They are each such a blessing to those around them.

I wanted to continue ministry while I was in Indiana, but largely I have been quite distracted by the daily goings-on of life in my village. I have indeed managed to make a few pajama pants. The aforementioned Mississippi ministry collects new/almost-new pajamas for Christmas, for children who would otherwise have neither pajamas nor Christmas presents. I aim to make as many pj pants as possible to contribute. Other ministry tasks include updates, speaking, and prayer (although I need to work more on that last one--always).

I return to Mississippi near the beginning of July. Bonjour, humidity!

(Financial update: Up to approximately 75% necessary monthly support. Thank you, my faithful supporters and team members!)

Warmly, Ruthie Jo