Ordination and Beyond

My ordination last Saturday, June 23, at Trinity Lutheran in Pullman WA  was wonderful.  It was a strong mix of moving into the new (going to Papua New Guinea) and recognizing my roots.  We had a reception afterwards so I was able to talk to many of the people who were there.  Fortunately, many of my family were there.  It was wonderful that my Dad was able to participate in everything.  It made me glad that I had gone back to Pullman so he could join in.  


 It was great to be able to spend time with many of my long-term friends, as it will likely be two years until I see many of them again.  Global Missions will bring me back to the U.S. for a two month leave after two years of service.  I hope to be able to come back on my own after one year but am not sure how that will work out.


Currently I am working my last 4 shifts at McDonald's  and trying to get things organized.  A week from Sunday I will begin my orientation in Toronto, Canada. We are still working on my getting a work permit from PNG.  They say there has been progress, but had to redo some of it this week.  I hope to leave for PNG in middle to late August.  

On to Ordination

Ordination is my focus this week. I will be ordained June 23 at Trinity Lutheran Church in my home town of Pullman WA.  It is exciting to plan, but also a bit overwhelming.  I am learning the challenges of doing things long distance.  Thankfully the people in Pullman are being very helpful about the details.

I am excited about finally being ordained.  I graduated from Wartburg Seminary three years ago, but you can't get ordained until you get a call.  So, now that I have the official call to a job with Global Missions I am able to be ordained. I am excited to become Reverend Ann now.  However, I will still be cleaning at McDonalds to help keep my feet on the ground. :-)