Furlough – there is no real word for this in my mother tongue. Usually the word Germans use for furlough is “Heimat-urlaub,” meaning something like home-vacation. However, in my opinion this term is not a good description of what furlough really is. First of all, after 17 years in the mission field, the word “home” is rather ambiguous. Where is home? Is it in Germany where my family lives, where my roots are and where I still have a number of close friends? Is it in Benin where I have my own family, home, friends, work and by now also some roots? I prefer to think of heaven as my home where we will all be together one day.

Second, after many speaking appointments, doctor appointments and checkups; after keeping in touch with the team and staying involved with events in Natitingou; after working on web pages, articles and reports, there hasn’t been much time left for vacation.

Now our furlough is almost over. By the time you read this, we will be back in Benin. There was not as much rest as I had hoped for and more stress than I expected. But our furlough was framed by special events (Christmas at the beginning and my birthday at the end) and sprinkled with encounters with wonderful people. Most of all, God has been here with us all the time. He gave us strength and joy, travel protection and encouragement, fun times and meaningful talks. We praise Him for being such a great God, and we thank you for being such wonderful supporters!

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