Sunday Naomi and I spent the afternoon with a new faculty couple . . . church, then picnic in the park with a jazz concert. Monday and Tuesday I led a retreat with 11 ministry leaders from around New Zealand. Our conversation flowed around different topics related to the spiritual context of New Zealand and how the gospel is communicated and lived out. It was a really rich time and forged new friendships and future partnerships.

Wednesday night we shared a long dinner with special friends who have had a difficult past year as well. Thursday was faculty retreat. The faculty shared words of appreciation with me. It was a great time of encouragement. This week I have really struggled with the sadness of saying goodbye to these good people. Today, Friday was time with the mission and ministry team and strategizing for the future.

In between all the meetings I have been going through bookshelves and file drawers, seeking to downsize. I still have a fair bit to do at home before packers arrive on Tuesday.  Two weeks from today, we fly to San Francisco.