Wollins Family/ Albania

Update from the Wollin Family

Dear Friends,

We hope this newsletter finds you all well. We realize that we haven't written since May.

We've undergone so many transitions in the last few months! It's been hard to put into words. To catch you up, we arrived back in the US in late June and got settled into a rental house in Greenville, SC. We are so grateful for "Homes with a Mission" in Greenville who had a home available for us to rent at an affordable rate during our sabbatical.
        This summer we have been spending time with Holle's mom, who has undergone cancer treatments in the last year and is now with hospice care. She is doing well right now, even though she's managing some leg pain.
        Holle and Jamie are just now trying to catch their breath. The feeling within us is something like, "Wow, what just happened?" A teenage driver, freshman college student, a move back to the US, a new house we've moved into, new people, new neighborhood, new school experiences, changes in all types of community, as well as a heaping dose of "reverse culture shock".
        We'd covet your prayers during this time as we begin the sabbatical process we have outlined and designed along with TMS Global. Officially on September 1 we start a phase of Rest, followed by a phase of Reflection, and finally Re-alignment.
        The 7 years in Albania were filled some successes, joys and achievements that we give God praise for. And these years were also filled with some heartache, disappointment and exhaustion. It's a mixed bag, and one in which we need time to sort through and reflect with God, ourselves and others, so that we might move forward in our life (whether in Albania or not) with Spirit-led vision, purpose and joy in serving God and others.
       And "THANK YOU" to so many of you, our supporters, who have helped to carry us and partner with us during the last 7 years in Albania and into this sabbatical. Many of you have asked what you can do to help at this time. Please know that your support allows us to receive enough funding to care for our family and be able to live in the States during this very important time in our life and ministry is a tremendous help. This is what we need at this moment - your continued financial support and prayers. We have a great program ahead of us in this sabbatical, with purpose, grace and intentionality.Thank you again.

– Love, Jamie and Holle

And see what our kids have been up to…

In July, both Thomas and Eli were able to attend a weeklong Transition Camp for kids who have lived overseas - or Third Culture Kids (TCKs), and are moving back to the US or to other countries. Led by Interaction International, a wonderful ministry designed to meet the needs of TCKs, the camp helped boys both process their experiences, learn more about their identities as TCKs, and gain tools for transitioning back to the US. Both Eli and Thomas said they felt more confident and prepared for entering back into the US. We are grateful for TMS's sponsorship of our kids for this event.

At the end of June, Thomas got his driver's license and attended his two-day freshman orientation at

Western Carolina. We moved him into his dorm on August 15, and he started classes a few days later. He is studying Jazz guitar and Commercial Music and Audio Production. Already he is learning so much and has met some new friends and has had a good start!

Eli has started high school at Riverside High in Greer - his first experience with US schools - a high school with about 1800 students! Eli did not know anyone when he started, yet he is slowly making some friends. He has joined the marching band as a percussionist on the drum kit and is thoroughly enjoying his Percussion class each morning at school. He will have a busy fall time as they practice three days per week for 3 hours after school along with Friday night home game performances, plus Saturday competitions in the surrounding areas.

Luke is in 5th grade at Brushy Creek Elementary and doing quite well. He has made some new friends both at school and in the neighborhood. Luke loves to play soccer and jump on the trampoline. He is playing on a church soccer league nearby and loves the play and competition.
Both Eli and Luke miss their older brother but they hope to see him some throughout the fall.

Updates:

Thomas will be attending Western Carolina University starting this Fall. He will be studying Commerical Music & Audio Production. We have been given the opportunity to live in a missionary home in Greenville, SC for the year! Please pray for us in these next few weeks as we wind down life here in Albania. We will be saying goodbyes for the year and arranging storage for our belongings.

Would you keep our children in your prayers as they continue their transitions to both college and schools in the US...making friends and finding supportive communities.

Please pray for our time of sabbatical and that we will fully engage this time and receive it as a gift to our family - the rest, reflection and re-alignment.

Would you continue to pray for both Holle and Jamie and TMS Global as we seek to allow God to speak to us and guide us in our time of rest, listening. and discernment.