^“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11(NIV)

 

Sí Dios quiere means if God wills or wants it.  A common phrase used in Spanish to acknowledge that even though we make plans and organize our lives and schedules, God’s plans take precedent over ours.  I am often heard telling folks that we need to hold our plans lightly, that God may have even better plans in store for us. All that said, I still function best when I plan ahead, know the general direction of where I am heading, map out the course, prepare as well as I can and communicate to others who are either accompanying me or might be interested in my whereabouts and well-being. As an International Ministries Regional/Global Servant working primarily in the Spanish speaking world, much of my time is spent traveling, facilitating workshops, designing interactive educational and worship experiences, motivating creative expression and providing friendship and care to fellow change agents involved in challenging and transformative work. At times I am privileged to have a companion come along, at others no, but I never go alone. I am always surrounded by God’s sustaining grace as well as the thoughts, prayers and support of many of you. So that you might have an idea of where I’ll be heading this year sí Dios quiere, the following is my 2016 travel calendar and the road map I hope to follow. I covet your prayers and your partnership with me and the folks with whom I am privileged to share life. Without you, none of this would be possible. 

Thanks for coming along,

Mylinda

Jan. 16-24 Managua, Nicaragua: Community Empowerment trainings with AMOS Health and Hope staff

Feb. 18-March 4 Philippines: Expressive Arts for Self-Care workshop with Samaritana Transformation Ministries and 10-day Training for Transformation of Conflict Trainers in Asia and the Pacific with colleagues Dan and Sharon Buttry

March 14-24 Cuba: Relationship building with Cuban Baptist partners and IM colleague Cuba team

April 10-21 Mexico: Women’s workshops in Chiapas with IM colleagues Debbie & Keith Myers and First Aid Arts Healing Arts Toolkit training in Mexico City

April 28-30 Berkeley, CA: American Baptist Seminary of the West Board of Trustees meetings

June 22-July 6 Wisconsin: First Aid Arts Healing Arts Toolkit Training in Milwaukee, Worship design at Conference for Overseas Missionaries, Call Retreat and World Mission Conference in Green Lake

July 12-23 Costa Rica/Nicaragua: Pastoral Transformation of Conflict class with Baptist Seminary in Costa Rica and First Aid Arts Healing Arts Toolkit Training in Managua

August 4-11 or August 11-18 Indianapolis, IN: Vocational Call Retreat for Young Adults with the ABCGI and INKY and staff training with Outreach, a ministry with homeless youth in Indianapolis, IN

September 5-14 Brazil and Bolivia: Accompany Rev. Dr. Adalia Gutierrez Lee in relationship building with Brazilian and Bolivian partners as well as House of Hope Ministries

Oct. 27-30 Berkeley, CA: American Baptist Seminary of the West Board of Trustees meetings