Well friends, it’s hard to believe that our journey through NieuCommunities has already come to an end as we find ourselves preparing to step into the next juncture that God has laid before us. As we have begun the process of saying our goodbyes to those we have grown to love, we are learning how best to release  and entrust these relationships to God, It has proven to be a bittersweet endeavor – leaving those to whom we have invested much of our heats while at the same time undergoing emotions of excitement for what lies ahead as we move back to Cincinnati.    ...

In mid April, Peter is turning 15 – not one of “those” birthdays, but for some reason, it is amazing to watch.  Expressive, inquisitive and creative are just a few of the words we use to describe him.  He’s holding out for tall, dark and handsome. ;) Anyway, beyond the work that comes from being in grade 9, he loves to hang out with a couple of his good friends, create just about anything he can in Photoshop and read. He also acts with the Vancouver Youth Theatre’s teen program - Say Peace.  They begin performances of the program they wrote themselves in mid-April at local secondary schools and juvenile correctional facilities.

I’ve heard the story of the prodigal son, well lets just say, a lot.  Since I grew up in the church, went to Christian schools and am in full time ministry, it is quite familiar.  I’ve heard it from the perspective of the older son, the younger son, and the father.  I’ve learned about the Greek works used to tell it.  And every time I’ve heard it, I always related to the older son… until a couple of months ago.  For the first time, I have found myself relating to the younger son … the prodigal … and I think this is a good thing.