To our beloved family & friends!

As we say good-bye to Greece, I learned this morning of the unfortunate incident in Nice, France just last night. What an unhappy world we seem to be living in these days. Can anyone fully understand why anyone would harm innocent people in such ways?

It seems the best response I have is to pray. Pray for those most directly involved:  the victims of those hurt or killed, the first responders, the government officials who are challenged with restoring peace…as well as for the instigator(s), whom I’m certain felt called to make a statement of sorts which only time will reveal more accurately. Perhaps the hardest prayer a Christian can pray is for one’s enemies in the midst of unjust actions? This was Jesus’ prayer from the cross – “Father, forgive them for they know not what they’re doing.” (Luke 23:34)

Pray also for me and my family as we board a plane this afternoon for Spain. We’ll be in Madrid for two days before our pilgrimage walk on the Way of St James (el Camino de Santiago). We’ll be in Spain about two weeks before the family’s final stop in northern France and eventual return home.

We trust God to travel with us as we make our way through Europe. May the world come to know His providence even more so in the aftermath of today’s event.

May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus. Amen (Philippians 4:7)