Newsletter I just sent out: this concludes my journey for at least a few years!
Final update! It has been a couple months since I returned from Bahrain and amidst all my life’s changes I have had time to reflect on the past year.
I moved back to my home state where I started law school in August, which is quite a change of pace. Studying requires a lot of my attention, but I am slowly adjusting. This means that, until I graduate in 2014, I will be stateside preparing for a probably return to the Middle East in the future. Where and when exactly, I am not sure – only the Lord knows! I know I want to be in an Arabic speaking region and on a long-term church-planting team, but the rest is up in the air. What does a legal career in the Middle East look like? Good question! I don’t totally know, but more opportunities in this field open for women there regularly. Just this summer Saudi Arabia made it legal for women to practice law, so in addition to actually needing women attorneys, they will also need professors for the schools flooding with young women eager to learn law. Although the exact logistics are unclear, I am excited at the potential for two of my interests to fit together. I want to practice law and tell Muslims about Jesus, and it seems that there is a way for me to do both!
Even though I am quite busy with school, I have been able to develop a relationship here with a young Muslim woman from Iran who is getting her Masters in law. She is quite funny and very delightful – I am excited to see how our friendship grows and how Jesus will draw her to Himself.
I miss my Bahraini friends tremendously, but am grateful for the time we had together. I have been able to maintain relationships with them over the internet, even video chatting on Skype. I know the Lord will continue to work in their hearts. Do you remember my friend whose brother was in prison? He was released in the end of July and welcomed home to great celebrating. This provided a wonderful opportunity for me to visit the family (as is customary) where I was able to sit with all of them (men AND women together – almost unheard of) and tell stories about Jesus and His followers. This friend has recently been accepted to a women’s leadership program and will be visiting the US in January. I already have plans to go see her!
As I reflect over my time in Bahrain I thank the Lord for all the things I experienced and learned. It is humbling still to think of God choosing me to spread his name throughout that small Arab country. He is doing wonderful things in the region and I am confident His followers will continue to grow in number. This coming summer I have a potential opportunity to travel to Jordan to take law classes and intend to make a quick visit to Bahrain. It seems I just can’t stay away!
Thank you for your tremendous support over the last 18 months. You have been an integral part of God’s work in the Middle East and I hope that He uses you through others as well. I have been so humbled by your love and prayers and thank the Lord for you, my family in Christ. Have a wonderful Christmas season with your families!
