When I left you, I was in the office plowing through reports and email other neglected tasks. On Wednesday before Thanksgiving I met with several people in Philadelphia to discuss beginning RUF at University of Pennsylvania. I was very encouraged! There appears to be an enthusiasm for this work. Pray for God to bless and guide us as we seek His will in this matter.

All of the Greens except Peter and Megan, and all of Ruth's brothers were here for Thanksgiving -- 19 people in all. We had a wonderful holiday.

November 30 I headed back to Atlanta for the final meeting of the year for the RUF coordinators. While there I met Rob and Angie Edwards and checked out their ministry at the University of Georgia. Rob and I were at Westminster Theological Seminary together and he has been at Georgia for 11 years. It was a good introduction to UGa, and I think I benefitted as much from my visit as Rob did.

Coordinators meeting. We discussed who might fill the vacant position of coordinator for Georgia and Florida. We discussed how to interview intern applicants. We discussed new software to replace the very inadequate programs we are currently using. And we spent several hours praying for each other. Good, important meeting. Keith Ball announced that he is resigning as Development Director effective December 31. He has been appointed Federal Judge in Mississippi -- his lifelong dream. We'll dearly miss Keith.

December 7 -- back on the plane to Dallas for staff training. I was in charge of second year staff, and had recruited several others to lead various sessions. Although I had given much thought to the sessions, I was still writing the material on the plane. The week went well. The sessions on evangelism and leading Bible studies were particularly popular. Meanwhile, in between events I met with most of my staff to go over their winter reports and discuss plans for the spring semester. It was a very busy, but productive week.

Last Friday I left Dallas and traveled through Texas visiting some old friends and supporters. Seamas Whitesel was the second president of RUF at Lehigh, and Joel Williams was the first. I also got to see Rick and Heather Noecker's new baby, and Bob and Patty Lynn Weber from Philadelphia days.

I have a lot of loose ends to tie up before Christmas, but we're starting to gear down for the holidays.