A new season…
A new season in our lives – a chapter closes and new one begins – to continue to tell his love story to man kind.
It is undeniable true that we all have seasons in our lives where things take shape and sizes differently. When the timing is good and the change has been anticipated – it is then a good thing. Of course it does not rule out questions like, “where, what, how and when”. But it gives a deeper sense of peace in our hearts. Especially when you have friends and family that are very supportive. Thanks to everyone who made this season a new and special one. Please kick back and enjoy reading all the old and new things happening in our lives.
OUR WEDDING…
After many months of planning and lots of paper work and expenses, our day finally came. Since it was a winter wedding many joined us to plead to God for a good weather and the sun did tarry. The weather, the people, the food and the program was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. We had friends from 3 continents: North America, Europe and Africa present. Gabriel’s family couldn’t come for visa reasons but our friends and Norwegian/Danish families made it special. 
The goal that we set for our wedding was to make it a place where people could meet and connect with people from around the world that have been involved in our lives, share a meal and a conversation over the table as they celebrate our lives and the occasion. Most of our expectations were met. This has put a good smile on our faces and has left us with lots of good memories of this very day…the 23rd of January, 2010. Thanks to all those that were present physically and to those who sent emails or cards to us. Thank you very much!
OUR WORK…
Two weeks after the wedding we both returned to work. Elin went back into cooking for the base for a month and half. I went back into mobilization and planning for our summer outreaches and other events in and outside the base. The last 2 months have been pretty demanding. The joys of it though at least for me (Gabriel) is to get to see some of the seeds we’ve planted in the few years we’ve been on the base grow, and some are beginning to flower which is a sign of bearing fruits. Some of this activities are our connection with the local youth around our region for summer projects. Talking in churches about serving the poor, needy, hurting and down cast of the world. For Elin being able to just live relationally with people in the community has challenge some lifestyles on the base. Her servant attitude has called some attention (which is not the goal but at least someone is challenged) blessed or moved by the way she relates. There are some projects that we (Elin and I) run on the side like trying to help people in Africa with education tuition or finding people to help that we are wanting to give more time to and some day more resource too.
Another part of our work life that has had a great shift is the current transition. Many of our colleagues at work have left the base into ministries that moved from the base into other locations or other new ministry within YWAM. This is very sad especially for us because our circle of friends that we love and cherish so much have left or will leave soon. The last few weeks of March has been a lot of good byes. Sometimes we worry that no one will be here when we leave. The joys of it though is that these people will be an extended hands and feet of the ministry of Christ in different places and bases around the world.
CANADA
Yes, our days are coming to an end in Switzerland and yes it is going to be Canada. As some of you might have heard from us before now, we had been thinking about the idea of I (Gabriel) going back to finish my BA in theology. We never knew what time will be perfect as we had ministry going on. This is the moment which we think it will be good. We had first thought about moving to Atlanta and things had kind of fallen in place but not completely. But because of some reasons we thought maybe it wasn’t a good idea after all. Some of these reasons where solely around the fact that we felt our marriage could be strained in such an environment. But we finally arrived to a conclusion that CANADA it shall be for us. We have deeply seen God’s provision and direction when we concluded on our location. It took only 2 months to get accepted, get visas, tickets and an apartment. We still have a few things to finalize but thus far, Canada is what we see ahead of us. Our departure day from Europe is on the 26th of August this year. A question that most people ask us is, “What will Elin do”? We are still with YWAM but our main base will be in Portland, Oregon. Some of the leaders at our base have continued with a ministry that was a part of the Burtigny base called WOMEN AND CHILDREN ADVOCACY CENTRE. Elin and I are going to be associate staff while I study. Elin is also considering looking for something to do to help with our finances. So pray she finds something she can do and loves to do.
Finally, some of the steps taken on this journey would have never been possible without many of you! Thank you very much.
Gabriel and Elin
