Monday, February 22, 2010

Much awaited news

Hello everyone!
We're glad to be able to finally give you some news after almost two months of silence. During those two months we kept looking at one another and saying "surely this week we will have something we can tell them!" and then another week went by without much news. But after much waiting and many lessons in practicing patience, we have an update for all of you.
In short, we will not be returning to South Asia due to a visa situation that could put others' work in jeopardy. We're truly sad to have left our work there after such a short time, and we were extremely disappointed not to be able to bid a proper farewell to the amazing staff and friends that we had the pleasure of being surrounded by every day.
We learned a lot during our three months in South Asia, and we are moving forward with a few more tools in our globe-trotting tool belts as well of a broader knowledge of the extreme needs and difficult situations of victims of poverty and trafficking.
Although the door to South Asia has been closed for us our journey is not over. We have been blessed to be extended another opportunity in IJM’s Field Office in Nairobi, Kenya. After discussion and prayer we have decided to take the leap towards next steps that will send us to Africa.
Ian will continue working as a Legal Fellow for IJM taking a slightly different role than the one he was filling in South Asia, but still working towards justice for the oppressed. Bekah is still trying to solidify another position, and will be getting in touch a number of contacts to see where there is need and how she can help. We are both looking forward to reporting to you from the ground, as well as just getting back into the swing of a regular schedule.
Please stay tuned and keep your eyes open for an upcoming newsletter in your inbox with more details about what we've been up to and what we're headed towards. This will be another big change for us and will probably change some of our plans, so we would appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we move forward towards the next adventure.
I & B