I just sent an email to those on my email list. Here is a link to it. If you would like to be added to my email list, let me know. https://mailchi.mp/9615167a9ef6/missionary-melodie-joices-newsletter

I am currently home on Visa leave. I am thankful to have my work permit. As soon as I get my resident permit, I will be able to return to Tanzania. I am thankful to have had an awesome time home despite all of the challenges Covid brought my direction. During my time home, I was able to lose 150 pounds. I am now a healthy weight. God also opened the door for me to attend the Assemblies of God General council in Orlando last week. Even though my time to return to Tanzania has been delayed, it has allowed me to be able to visit more churches, supporters, friends and family members as the Covid restrictions have lessoned. Please continue to pray for me to get my resident permit soon. I am believing for God’s perfect timing in my return to Tanzania

Both my minimum cash budget and monthly support budget are almost raised which are required for me to receive approval from AGWM to return to Tanzania. I hope to be over budget to have more funds to help build churches as well as for my monthly budget to be stronger. We lose support over the 4 years we are overseas. I did not put any project funds in my budget.

It has been an interesting year since I got back to the US in the middle of February. I had two weeks to get a car and a place to live before starting to travel with my district leadership for two weeks then right after I stopped traveling as part of the sectional council tour happened and all of my services canceled. I used the time when I was stuck at home to catch up on rest as well as work hard to lose weight. I have now lost 64 pounds, and my goal is to lose at least 80 pounds. As soon as hospitals opened up for non emergencies, I started getting medical check ups. Thankfully everything has turned out well, Only thing I have had to do was to get a place removed from my arm. I am so thankful that I am now able to start traveling again. I wonder what the rest of this year holds!

I returned home for furlough on February 17 this year. I have served as a missionary to Tanzania for 10 years. I am currently itinerating to share with churches and donors what God has been doing in Tanzania. Once I get my support raised, I will be able to return to Tanzania to continue the work.