(Feb. 22, 2004) Here is an update on my retreat and what’s happening now. But first let me say a huge thank you for your prayers. It was so obvious to me while I was away that there must have been a lot of praying going on! My time on retreat was amazing. It was as if God said, “FINALLY, I’ve got your full attention! No distractions for two weeks, now let me tell you what these last three years have all been about. And while I’m at it, I’ll also show you a bit of what I have in mind for your future.” When I left for the retreat, my “Doulos years” seemed to be a giant jigsaw puzzle with pieces scattered everywhere, not forming any sort of clear, understandable picture. But during the retreat, nearly every day God seemed to put a few more pieces together, one section at a time. In so doing he showed me so much about who he’s created me to be, who he hasn’t created me to be, all the motives, good and bad, that have driven me all my life, and showed me changes I need to make in order to truly honor Him with all that I am. I’m sure these two weeks away will prove to be a turning point in my life. I’m still a bit astounded, and very grateful. There are a million details I could go into but I’ll keep it at that for now. I will say, though, that it seems God is bringing my time with OM to a close. I’ll return to South Hampton and continue helping with the line-up until the ship arrives at Easter time, then pack up my things on board, use the time she’s in port to properly say my good-byes, and then watch Doulos sail away to Holland at the end of April. After that I have a good idea of where God seems to be leading me, but I’d like to continue praying and seeking God about it before going public. I would definitely value your prayers in this. Thanks once again for all your prayers and encouragement.