The Next Chapter

Jim and Ruth want to say thank you to all who were part of our journey these past 15 months.

What do you write about while you wait? Our last SOOP assignment ended December 7 and life has felt on hold since then. One would assume that after more than a year of serving, it would be easy to just move on into a more permanent retirement phase. However, it didn't help that each SOOP location invited us to return longer term, and Ruth's Dad continues to face the challenges of aging at home. We felt torn, with desires to be everywhere but knowing we had to choose one-where.

These past two months have been mostly in the Lancaster, PA area helping Ruth's Dad. Over this time Ruth's brother and sister-in-law also moved here to be closer to care for Dad's needs. We feel more at peace now to pursue other places.

The beginning of January we made an exploratory trip back to San Antonio, Texas, and stayed with our good friends there. We again felt in our spirits that this place is right for us for this time. We enjoy the climate, the city life, the people we met at San Antonio Mennonite Church, and the volunteer opportunities with Interfaith Welcome Coalition. In fact, the house where we had lived before is now emergency housing for asylum seeking women and their children. We're not sure how much we may be involved there or at the airport assisting newcomers again, but we're open to help out there or other places as we are able.

All that to say, this week is moving week. Pray for us as we transport our belongings, travel, and begin again. We haven't found a place to purchase or rent yet in San Antonio, but while we search, one of the church couples has offered for us to rent a room in a house they are renovating (and we'll have access to use the rest of the house, as well).

We know a move far from family and East Coast friends will come with its own challenges, but we are eager to be "moving on" and "settling down."

Do also remember our children and two grandchildren who are still in transitions of their own between houses, jobs, and countries. What a comfort to know God's presence is present no matter where we are because God travels with us and is in us on this journey called life.

After we are in our own space, we'd love to have you visit, or at least keep in touch. Thanks, too, for following this blog. We'll most likely continue to update it from time to time. Just because we are 'settling' doesn't mean the JnRJourney is ending.
  Jim and Ruth Mellinger

A beautiful winter sunset from the PA farmhouse where we stayed this past month.