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Newsletter February
2012 Dear friends,
This is our second newsletter since we arrived in England in September 2011. We are feeling more and more at home as we grow accustomed to our new situation, the surroundings, new people and our changed roles. We are very thankful to be given the opportunity to study and prepare ourselves for missionary work. Jurgen's Studies Starting the Theology and Ministry Course was both exciting and daunting at times. Jurgen had never studied at an academic level before, let alone in a language not his own. We were very eager to know his first results. We are glad his grades were good indeed! The second trimester is now in full motion. The subjects are 'Studying the New Testament' and 'Evangelism into the Future'. Again two written assignments have to be completed, as well as four placements. It is a challenge to get it all done in time, especially with the extra responsibilities in and around the house. Life in the Cottage It is not just Jurgen who is studying hard, the children do too. It is a privilege to teach them ourselves and witness their progress and growth. Vanya (7) loves to read and write. Recently she wrote a booklet, titled 'Goldilocks and the Nice Stepmother'. Issa (5) loves the art of drawing. He draws things from everyday life, and pirates! Our youngest children also thrive. Abbey (3) likes it better and better to sit in on Issa's lessons. She is able to sit still and listen for a long time. Dani (nearly 1) is practising his walking and climbing skills. He is starting to talk - Dutch! A normal morning during the week is filled with theoretical instruction. It is really a lot more fun than it sounds - a lot of reading aloud (Bible, history, good stories), snuggled together on the couch - but also language, writing and maths lessons. The afternoons are spent with more hands on activities, such as science activities, playing outside, chopping wood, cleaning the house and art. Missionary organisation On February 4th Jurgen attended AIM's seminar 'Into Africa?'. AIM, short for Africa Inland Mission, is a large professional organisation with over a century of experience in Africa. The seminar was very confirming and encouraging. Much information has been given. We have a lot to think about. The coming months we hope to prayerfully consider applying for a membership of AIM, the first step into going out with them. Before taking that step we are going to talk this through with our family, friends and church in the Netherlands. We hope to gain their necessary support. Should you like to read more about AIM, you can do so on their website www.aimint.org/eu. Lastly we would like to thank all of you who are making our stay in England so homely. Spending time with friends here is invaluable to us. It makes us realise and experience that the bond of love, that we have in Christ, indeed unites more firmly than differences can part. With blessings, Jurgen, Katja, Vanya, Issa, Abbey & Dani Hofmann |
