Clausons in Monterrey

On the last day of July, we left Monterrey exhausted following several weeks of wrapping up loose ends at the Family Foundation, preparing our home for others to live in it for a year and, of course, saying goodbye to many good friends and coworkers.  The picture below is taken with a group of our closest friends with whom we gathered for one last time at our favorite taco place -- if your weren't sure, we're the ones with the big sombreros.  Thankfully, we arrived in Wisconsin, our home for the next five months, with no major troubles (though a dead battery did slow us down a little bit).  We are amazed at how God has provided dear friends for us and our kids during our first four years in Monterrey.  We will miss them very much during our year in the U.S.

• Last week we participated in Missionary Connection Week, a training and orientation event for folks like us returning to the US for an extended time.  We enjoyed connecting with other missionaries from around the world and hearing their stories as we shared some of what God is doing in Monterrey. As we heard about God's work in and through the Covenant Church in the U.S. and around the world, we are so grateful to be a part of an organization with humble, capable and caring leaders who are committed to seeing God's Kingdom grow.  We want to thank all of you who give faithfully to the ECC and our support as it helps make events like this possible. 
• We have had a variety of opportunities reconnecting with both sides of our families, and we are definitely enjoying the cooler weather and fun times with them!  Matias and Lucas are so happy playing with their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins...and love having fun at Lake Geneva.

• Our first church visit will be to our home church, Edgebrook Covenant in Chicago on Sept. 13 at 11am.  If you are in the area, please join us as we share in the worship service.
• The focus of the next six weeks will be on preparing our consecration papers that will be presented to the World Mission Board and eventually to the Board of Ordered Ministry as we continue to move toward becoming long term missionaries.  We appreciate your prayers for good study, devotional and reflection times as we focus on this task.
• We look forward to connecting face to face with you during this next year of home assignment.  Thank you for your prayers and support, and we ask that you would continue to pray for the Family Foundation in Monterrey and their search for a national director.  MUCHAS GRACIAS!