This is a very happy newsletter with good news throughout. We hope that you have also been blessed this summer and have many reasons for thanksgiving.

Baby Simeon

We had to wait long for him, but he has finally made his way into our family: Simeon was born July 29 at 01:20 am. He weighed 3810 grammes and measured about 51 cm. Both Simeon and Katja are doing fine. We are all enjoying the new addition to our family a lot. Simeon receives lots of kisses and cuddles. We nearly need a rota for who can hold him now—it's a pity he sleeps so much!

We guess you would all like to get to know him a little better. On our website (http://www.jurgenenkatja.nl/?p=124) you can look at a photo-shoot of Simeon and see for yourselves just how cute he is. Simeon means 'Yahweh hears'. To us he is an answer to prayer. We are overjoyed knowing to serve a Lord who listens and acts upon our needs and desires.

Upcoming Departure

The other good news is that we have leave to go to Madagascar this fall. We are making preparations to attend Africa Based Orientation, starting 13 October, and fly to Madagascar at the beginning of November. Africa Based Orientation is a three week course for beginning AIM missionaries. We will receive information about language learning, safety and health as well as help towards being at home in a totally different culture. The course is not just for the adults, the children have a parallel programme in which the same subjects are covered.

Once in Madagascar we will spend the first months fitting in: adjusting to the new circumstances and culture. We will also start learning Malagasy. Africa Inland Mission emphasises speaking the local language to show true interest and love for the people and thus communicate God's love and care. Malagasy is wholly different from Dutch or English, so this will be a challenge.

Time Flies

With our move so close we find there is still a lot to do: get jabs, have a last check-up at the dentist's, apply for visa, get an international health insurance... and the list goes on. Jurgen will stop working at the beginning of September so we will have enough time for everything that needs to be done.

Understandably so, it will not just be a busy time, but also quite an emotional one. We are saying goodbye to people, places and things we love for about 2 years. Will you please pray for us that we will say our goodbyes well and experience the peace of the Lord in everything?

Although we have saved enough money in our fund to be able to leave, our monthly budget is not fully covered by sponsors yet. We are now at about 74%. Would you please pray and consider whether you can help us financially?