With a free weekend between my class in Columbia and my meetings in Charlotte, I decided to look into a trip to see family. It turned out I could get to Rhode Island/Massachusetts for a decent fare, so took the chance to go see Stan's brother, Ed and family. We rarely get to "hang out" as family, so it was nice to be together with Ed and Marian, plus two of their three kids. It was a little chilly--but no snow and ice to hamper travel. I enjoyed worshiping at the church Ed pastors in Pocasset, MA.
| Getting close for an iPhone self-portrait. |
From January 17-19, five of us from Asian Access met with a number of staff of SIM USA in Charlotte, NC to talk through a variety of details of the transition we have ahead in the Strategic partnership. It was especially helpful for us all to meet face to face. There are a number of areas where we in Asian Access have one person doing what multiple departments cover in SIM. Obviously size is a factor there--and while at times it gets confusing in our discussions, we are realizing some of the benefits of multiple staff members doing key roles.
While in Charlotte, I had a chance to talk with people about our family's transition, which is currently in process. I was learning how to file reimbursements; who we go to to ask the questions that invariably will come up; working through the process of getting our pay from SIM--a most important detail! As the De La Cour family discovers the questions, its up to us to document those areas so when others in Asian Access make the transition later in the year it will be easier to for them. It is a blessing that both the SIM and Asian Access operational staff are very supportive and accommodating while we work through these things.
With our trip to Charlotte finished, it was time for me to fly across the country to Southern California, where I was picked up by my daughter at 10 p.m. at night. We spent the weekend together, of course, catching up on life and shopping for things for me to take back.
| Panda Express is always a favorite stop for A and me when in Southern California. |
Saturday morning we attended my sister's ordination as a priest in the Anglican Church of North America. I felt so honored to represent our family--both those who are a part of the "great cloud of witnesses" who have gone before, and others who could not attend--and was given a role in the service.
| It was great to be able to celebrate with Joyce on this most significant day! |
Sunday we attended the 11 a.m. service at St. James Anglican church in Newport Beach, where Joyce had a key part in the communion. Then it was off to the area near LAX where after a lovely Sunday afternoon Starbucks visit, she dropped me off at my hotel. I was on the way to Japan the next morning.
These were full weeks--between my class, the SIM visit and the brief stop in California. But I rejoice in all that was experienced and accomplished. I am also thankful that I didn't have any flight delays in all my travels! This time of year, that is significant!
























