29December2009 Quick Shot: Watch the Road

Taxis, potholes, pedestrians and....yes, sheep. Driving/riding can be an adventure around here.

23December2009 Baking Cookies

Speaking of traditions (see December 8th post) one of ours is baking Christmas cookies. Courtesy of a recent package from the States (thank you mama G) we have some neat cookie cutters. As you can see, D and the kids put them to extremely good use!
12bf

22December2009 Quickshot: Some coffee!

Don't be misled by their diminutive appearance. These little cups of coffee pack quite a wallop (drinking Red Bull is like sipping mineral water in comparison) but the hospitality and friendship they signify in this culture is what's powerful.

18December2009 International Holiday

December 18th may not be an international holiday but it SHOULD BE. Join us in celebrating D's birthday today. We are so grateful!
12bf

PS One of us may be in trouble for posting up this pic. We were going to post up a couple baby photos but the brown, pleather vest was a clincher! Isn't she beautiful!

12December2009 Quickshot: Sun over Minaret

Caught this shot last night. They're all beautiful but this sunset was...breathtaking.

8December2009 Traditions

As we were decorating our beautiful, 8 foot, neon green (okay maybe it's not neon, it's really quite beautiful even if it doesn't smell like a douglas fir) it was neat to pull ornaments out of the box and recollect memories of Christmases past. The ornaments we loved seeing the most were ones the kids had made, particularly the ones with their photographs attached. Isn't it funny how a picture, song or even a smell can so quickly evoke a memory?
As we celebrate our first Christmas overseas we are excited about keeping some of our family's time-honored traditions but equally excited about starting some new ones. This is where you, our faithful blog fans, come in. We want to hear some of your favorite holiday memories and traditions. So, simply click on the comment link below, jot a few lines in the appropriate field and hit publish. We're hopeful and looking forward to reading what you write.

6December2009 Eid Al-Adha

Last week our friends here celebrated Eid al-Adha or “the festival of the sacrifice”. This three-day holiday, which is observed at the end of the Hajj (the annual pilgrimage to Mecca), commemorates Ibrahim’s obedience to God by offering his son, Ishmael, as a sacrifice. They do this by sacrificing an animal, usually a sheep but sometimes a goat, cow or even a camel. A third of which is given to their family, a third is given to friends and the remaining portion is donated to the poor. This act of piety symbolizes a man’s willingness to give up, at least a portion of, what God has given him so that he might remain on the “straight path.”
During the Eid our friends attended mosque for prayer, visited family and friends and exchanged gifts.

2December2009 Quickshot: ...to the slaughter

There were sheep all over the city last week for Eid al-Hada. This flock made it through without being sacrificed.

29November2009 Still Full

Like a flash Thanksgiving came and went and three days later we are still full. We ate an excellent meal of turkey, dressing, sweet potato casserole, mashed taters, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, coca-cola cake, etc. After a couple helpings everyone sat around in a carbohydrate-induced haze. Bliss! The only thing missing was parades and football on TV.
In the evening we had a bonfire in the vacant lot across from our apartment. Everyone made room for hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows. Our group, approximately 30 folks, listed things we were grateful for and then we sang some songs. A perfect ending to a wonderful day.
We're thankful for a Dad that never gives up on us, family and friends and the many blessings of this life but this year we are especially grateful for being here, in our new home. It's been a long time coming.
May we who are so abundantly blessed be a blessing to those around us!
12bf

23November2009 Goodbye dear friend!

For 3 years this faithful companion has been by M's side, well, in her mouth. Our two oldest gave up their pacifiers before now but with the transition our family has been going through we wanted to preserve M's one item of comfort at least until after Christmas. With our deadline fast approaching we''d been conniving how to get rid of this neon abomination as painlessly as possible. Fortunately M took care of our dilemma a couple nights ago by accidentally biting the end off, rendering it unfit for service. Of course, initially she was upset but now she is sleeping remarkably well. PTL!
When questioned about how she can sleep so good without her old friend, M is quick to tell us, "Big girls don't need a paci!"
RIP pink NUK, RIP.

17November2009 Another tooth bites the dust!

Apparently all Z is going to want for Christmas is his 2 front teeth.

14November2009 Ahlan Wa Salan

Ahlan wa salan (or "welcome to our home") Here are some pictures of our apartment. We will be here for the next 5 months and then off to another more permanent abode. We hope you enjoy our little tour. And if you're ever in the neighborhood....
12bf

11November2009 Reconnected

So, we've been without internet for the last 4 days. It seems like much longer than that possibly because it has been off and on since we got here. After the initial aggravation, which lasted until....yesterday, rather than being frustrated we have been trying to figure out what He is teaching us by this.
First, don't you hate it when you have to learn patience?!? Second, isn't it terrible that it takes so long to learn it? Apparently this is something we will continue to figure out. The pace here is slower (since we come from the south that's saying a lot!). Fortunately there are some distinct advantages to the slower pace. More family time, less stress (once you figure out how to go with the flow...an art to itself) and a deep appreciation for when things actually happen on time to name a few.
The good news is we have our internet back. The better news is that we are learning about life here. The best news is He cares enough to teach us!
12bf

30October2009 Rain in the Desert

We packed a lot of things when we moved. Household goods, clothes for the different season (I believe there are 2 here, cold and hot), toys, books, etc. We did not, however, think we would be needing an umbrella. The last couple days proved us wrong.
Yesterday we were visiting S & Z's school (they had a fall festival of all things) and several of the activities were outside. Within a couple minutes the sky went from sunny to cloud-filled and the next thing you know it was pouring. It was interesting to watch the reaction of the locals. One lady shrieked (yes, "shrieked"), "Oh, look it's raining." Others looked up and were pointing at the sky, smiling and laughing. The reaction reminded us of the folks in NC when it snows (minus the pillaging of milk and bread at Harris Teeter). It was basically youthful exuberance.
Today it has rained off and on all day. We were told that more precipitation fell in 2 days than all of last year's rain season. We're grateful but wish we would have brought umbrellas!
12bf

From the mouth of kids: While staring out the window yesterday, watching it rain, Z said, "Cars splashing puddles, the call to prayer....this is the life!"

28October2009 We miss....

After 3 weeks it must be pretty common to miss some things that you enjoy. We thought it would be interesting, and possibly a little therapeutic to list some of them. Here are a couple:
A misses riding around in his car seat, biscuits and his backyard.
M misses Nick Jr (TV shows), her toy kitchen and blow pops.
Z misses Taco Bell, sausage and Walmart
J misses Bojangles, Upstreet, liverpudding and Toys-R-Us
D misses microwave ovens, bagels, the Dog House & Biscuit Factory and her minivan
P misses the Office, pumpkin muffins, Home Depot/Lowes, Hunting Season and fall colors.
More than any of this stuff, we miss our friends and family. Skyping, Facebook and emails help but there ain’t nothing like the real thing. We hope you’re not taking it for granted!
12BF

23October2009 Quick Shot: Cityscape

Just one of the areas of our beautiful city. There are a lot of people here.

20October2009 Gibberish?

So we started our language classes this week. The kids are making good progress. The adults.....not so much. Arabic is a beautiful especially when written in script. When you're trying to read road signs in a taxi at 105 kph it's not quite so lovely.
With God's grace we will pick it up quickly and be able to communicate at least on a minimal level.
The other night P was visiting in the home of some precious refugees. He could understand them a bit and they could make out some of the things he was saying (and they were so very gracious about it) but it broke his heart not to be able to share more fluently. With time, Inshallah (God willing) it will come. The One who confused languages at Babel can certainly expedite matters if He desires! :)

One quick prayer request. While we were in training all the kids had kids their own ages to play with. M had a couple little girls that she went to school with, played on the playground with and simply adored. In our new city she has siblings and older friends but no one her own age to buddy around with yet. We would really appreciate it if you, on her behalf, would lift this matter to the Father.

18October2009 Three Candles

"That little girl is gonna change you!" Oh, if we only had a nickle for every time someone said that to us when they found out we were expecting a girl. Of course we knew they were wrong. We were seasoned professionals after all. We'd been to the delivery room twice already and had survived more than four years with two preschoolers. Surely another baby even a baby girl wouldn't be much different.
We were right...well sort of. The diapers and the feedings and the late nights were the same but there was something different about having a little girl. Particularly for her father. Sure there was lots of pink and a much higher pitch to her crying but it was and is something else. It's more internal, more of a heart matter. When that little girl snuggles up next to you and whispers she loves you (or even something more trivial like she wants a snack) it's special. So those folks, the ones we blew off when they predicted the change, those folks were right. And we are grateful for the difference. Happy birthday baby girl. Three years has gone all too quickly!

15October2009 Quick Shot: Honor Students

S and Z waiting for the bus on S's first and Z's second day of school.

12October First Couple Days (D's Perspective)

We are so surprised at how well our travel went. It was a loooong trip but we were blessed by a couple things:
1. The first airline agent we encountered was a gem. Her daughter was born on the same day, in the same hospital within several hours of our little one, A. She went out of her way to make sure we were taken care of.
2. The kids did great. The bigger two liked having their own seat, being in charge of the remote control for their tv and not to mention being on an airplane (the coolness did not wear off). While the smaller two enjoyed the snacks, apple juice and.....the snacks.
Since we've been here things have gone well. Our sleep schedules are still off but we're getting a lot done like setting up the home, learning about our city, getting our minds wrapped around responsibilities, etc.
On our second full day here were visited the older two's school. It is great! Z started this morning and came home talking about how he absolutely loved it. S had a bit of a stomach bug and will start in the morning. He cannot wait.
M and A have been my constant shadow. They like their new apartment and are were really glad to see their old toys that have been packed away. M is asking when her school starts. Uh-oh, she doesn't begin until next year. Both are happy and have already been a big hit with some of our new neighbors.
Thanks for your prayers. It has been so evident that our friends are lifting us up.
We love you!
12bf

11October 2009 Prodigal Bags Update

We slaughtered the fattened calf and will be throwing a big party!!! The four bags that once were lost are now found and are sitting in our apartment. Now if we could just find the energy to unpack them!

09October2009 First Morning (P's Perspective)

I imagined we’d wake up to the call to prayer this morning. Instead it was the gas truck beckoning our neighbors to purchase cooking fuel. Rather than going to a hardware store to exchange propane tanks as is the custom in the US, people in our city (and throughout the ME) buy theirs from these mobile vendors roaming up and down the streets playing very loud music akin to the ice cream man in the states.
Funny, neither D or the kids heard it. Nor did they hear the group of kids playing outside the window or the cotton candy, toy seller playing his flute to attract his young cliental. Twenty- six hours of travel had knocked them out. Regardless of the fact that my watch said it was well after noon, they were in deep sleep.
I walked around the apartment, trying to find the water cooler (more on this later) but kept going into the wrong room. My equilibrium must still be in the states.
After doing some stretches and a little yoga and drinking some water my wind was a bit clearer so I decided to attack the mountain of luggage resting in the middle of our living room. Out of the 13 bags, 6 carryons, 6 backpacks, diaper bag, stroller and car seat only four bags were no shows. Hopefully they will arrive within a couple days.
Around 12:30 I heard the call to prayer. I walked to the window and listened to the beautifully sad voice urging the faithful to worship. It was a great reminder that I needed some time focused on God today too. May those who seek Him find His true peace.

6October2009 Anchors Away...Or Something Like That

In about 12 hours we should be loaded into vehicles and headed to the airport. The kids are asleep, D is repacking a couple bags and tying up some loose ends and I came in to jot a couple quick notes (and to get away from Mt. Samsonite).
Today was tough. It seems everywhere we went and every person we ran into evoked another set of memories. Tomorrow may be just as difficult with more "see you laters". I guess that's just part of this process.
See you on the other side,
12BF

A couple "through the eyes (mouth) of a child" moments:
1. When hugging one of his uncles Z blurted out, "I sure hope I remember you."
2. After some last minute visits S weepingly whispered, "I just want one more hug from everybody."

5October2009 Merry Christmas

Because we'll be gone during the holidays Grandma decided to have the family over for an early Christmas. No presents but plenty of food, tree decorating and even White Christmas showing on TV. Maybe it's a bit silly but what a great principle. We should Celebrate Christmas more often!
12BF

2October2009 Kham-sah

We have just five (kham-sah in Arabic) more days in the US. Our schedule has been crazy but we have been blessed with some great visits with friends, including time at the Journey, and have accomplished so much.
Here are some things we could use prayer for:
1. Travel Mercies - Our flights are 1 hour, 9 hours and 4 hours. Layovers vary from 2 to four hours. It looks like we will have 12 suitcases, 6 carry-ons, 4-5 backpacks, a stroller and a car seat. We need ticketing agents and baggage handlers that are full of GRACE and PATIENCE.
2. Last Minute Details - There are still some things from legal documents to shopping to visiting friends and family that must be done. If time could move a little bit slower the next few days that would be wonderful!
3. Transition into New Community - Particularly the kids starting school a week from Monday and quick language acquisition for everyone.
4. Relationships - We can't wait to build new friendships but we need also want to make sure our marriage and family stays strong. If we're still on speaking terms after our flights we should be in good shape. :)
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
12BF

PS Our October newsletter, Footprints, will be coming from across the pond. If you would like to receive it send us an email (click on the stamp in the right column).

25September2009 Nothing could be finer...

Woke up in North Carolina this morning. While we were sad to leave all our new buddies in Virginia, we are so excited to be able to visit with friends and family before our big move. T minus 11 days and counting.

21September2009 Some Numbers

Here are some interesting (hopefully) numbers from our time at training:
There are just under 23 hours until graduation.
P has tallied over 80 miles during his morning walk/run.
Together we ate 25 pancakes on Saturday. The adults consumed 6 of those.
Our time in the US is down to just over 14 days.
6 cupcakes from Too Sweet Cupcake Shop are $20.
We have had 40 shots and 6 TB skins tests.
There have been over 1500 hits on our blogsite.
A has learned he can hang from the monkey bars for over 25 seconds.
There are 10 boys and 4 girls in S & Z's class.
A new engine computer for a Dodge Caravan costs $768.40.
D was ecstatic to find out that we are 7.3 miles from Walmart AND Target.
12BF

15September2009 DC

Who doesn't love a field trip? We were grateful for a little reprieve from the classroom and excited about visiting the nation's capital. Here are a couple pictures from DC.

19September2009 A Little Stroll

It seems we're all learning some new stuff. Here's A on a little stroll he took this afternoon. (Sorry for the quality...it was shot with a mobile).
12BF

7September2009 Followers

Just a quick note: Please click on the link in the right column -------->>>>>>> to sign up as followers of this blog. We're not big fans of the word "follower" but wish it said "friends" instead. Regardless, you are automatically notified of updates and we are able to better communicate with you.
Thanks!
12BF

6September2009 This Week in Review

Wow, what a week! We have observed and absorbed a lot of information in the last seven days. A majority of the adults schooling revolved around security training which was very informative. Hopefully we will not have to put into practice much of what we learned but it this day and age.....you never know. Tuesday night some friends watched the three oldest children and we were able to go out on a date night. Nothing fancy just grabbing a sandwich and walking through the mall but still a treat!
The kids learned a lot this week as well. Probably a highlight of their week was "airport day" where they spent the day in travel simulation. This included being issued passports and tickets, packing bags, going through security and being on a mock plane for approximately seven hours (watching movies in a foreign language, eating airplane food, etc.).
Much of next week will focus on our people group so we are really looking forward to that.

28August2009 TGIF

It's okay to say "TGIF," right? Surely there is nothing irreverent about being grateful to God that it's Friday. Regardless it has been a long week and we are all ready for some R&R.
There has been much learning going on this week. Both parents and kids alike have covered a lot of ground. It's unreal how many facts, methods, statistics, etc. that we have heard. With God's help we are hopeful that a large portion will stick.
Today is our second shot clinic. The good part is the ice cream party that follows. It's tough to rationalize with children how it's better to endure a couple seconds of pain so that an illness or sickness can be avoided later. However, when you pull out the big guns, aka "ice cream party," it all seems to make sense to them.
On the dental front, S and Z both lost teeth and have some loose ones banging around in there. A got his 5th one in and is proudly putting it to work on his favorite new food......biscuits!
Finally, we are working on our first e-newsletter and hope to have it out early next week. If you'd like to receive a copy and have not already signed up let us know.
Have a great weekend!
12BF

19August2009 Four/Four

We're well into our fourth week of classes with approximately four more to go. Today's main session was on persecution. "Gut wrenching" pretty much sums it up and that's all I'm gonna say about that. Maybe more later.
Friday is our first shot clinic. P is sad to report that this has nothing to do with rifles, shotguns or archery. Needles is what's involved. We are all getting a series of inoculations, spread over three joyous occasions, for things such as rabies, hepatitis, encephalitis, etc. The kids are NOT overly excited about this but they are looking forward to the popsicles, balloons and facepainting that follow.
We miss all our friends and family. Thanks for the calls, emails and notes (especially the cards for Z on his birthday). We love you!

13August2009 Seven

2555 days ago we were in the delivery room nervously awaiting his arrival. I say “nervously” however D was very relaxed. It may have been due to the epidural but she was very calm nonetheless. He came very quickly, right before afternoon snack (that should have told us something) and without any complications. Thank you Lord!
He is a wonderful boy. Always smiling and laughing. Curious, energetic, loving and intelligent. His love language is wrestling. He devours stories from the Word and shames us in his knowledge.
Seven years old. How the days have flown by! We are so grateful to the Father for Z! Happy birthday buddy!

09August2009 Small Group

We met with our small, house group again today. It was beautiful! One of the sweetest parts was singing the song below. No instruments, no amplification. Adoration stripped raw of pretensions and showmanship. Beautiful!

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I knoww that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

How Deep the Father's Love for Us Stuart Townsend

04August2009 New Tricks & Old Dogs

Wow, has it really been that long since we posted???? Time flies when you're blown away.
Everyone has adjusted well to school. Our apartment is nice, with a beautiful view of a lake in the backyard. P hope to gets out there soon with a fishing rod.
The kids are doing great. They have school every week day (it's year-round here), even the little ones, but love, love, love it.
Days start around 5 for P and a little later for D and the kids. Breakfast at 7 and then go, go, go. We're usually done with our responsibilities by 6 o'clock, leaving time for a walk, time on the playground, putting together a puzzle or some other type of family activity before study time.
Mom & Dad are a bit overwhelmed (we liken it to pieces of steel on an anvil) but can already sense the reward and joy that can only come from being shaped.
Thanks for all the emails, calls and voice mails (sorry, our cell phone coverage is spotty at best) and support.
We can feel your prayers and love and miss our family & friends!

Funny: We were walking to class the first day and S looked around and said, "Dad, why do all the parents have backpacks?"

28July2009 Thirty Beds

We did some figuring this afternoon. As of last night, the six of us have slept in over 30 different beds over the last month. Thankfully, while we are at school, we will be in the same digs for eight weeks. The kids are all settled in and love our new apartment.
Oh, we have a Post Office box here so if you'd like to send any of us a letter send an email (just click on the stamp icon in the right column) and we'll forward our address.

24June2009 The Kids' Perspective Part III - A Rose Among Thorns

M our third child, and only daughter, is just two-and-a-half-years-old so we asked ourselves why bother asking her about our big change. She's very precocious so we figured it couldn't hurt and besides we were curious how she would respond.
Where are you moving too?
(Giggle)A new apartment....(Big smile)The Middle East.
Are you excited about moving to a new place?
Uh-huh.
What color do you want your bedroom to be?
Pink.
Who (which brother) do you want your roommate to be?
S (He's gonna have a few words about her choice of paint).
Are you happy about going to a new school/friends?
(Humongous grin) Yes!
Is there anything else you'd like to say about moving?
Yes, we're going to see new peoples.

23July2009 Sad Salams

We have spent the last couple years forging relationships and being knee deep, sometimes in over our heads, in the lives of our refugee friends. From being at the hospital when babies were born to being there to grieve the death of loved ones and most of what life has thrown at them in between, we have been so extremely blessed to walk along side these dear people. Saying goodbye or "salam" has been tough. We are praying that some of our friends, possibly someone reading this blog, will pick up where we are leaving off. Your life will never be the same. That's a good thing, right?

18July2009 Beach Bums

Twelve beautiful feet are at the beach this week. We are having a great time playing in the sand, swimming in the waves, fishing and, of course, eating seafood with family.

10July2009 Unemployed & Homeless

Okay so the title of this post is a little dramatic. We are "homeless" but have a place to stay. Part of the family is in Kentucky still, part is in NC. Tomorrow we will be under the same roof again. Not our roof but the same roof nonetheless.
While we don't have jobs we will be gainfully employed again in a couple weeks. I wouldn't say its scary without a paycheck but it is a bit sobering and what a great reminder that God provides everything any way.
We have sold all of our vehicles (as of 10:30 this morning) but we're not without transportation. Green Street is letting us use a car and Dr. Steele has made his van available for "as long as we need it." It's humbling to be the recipient of such blessings!
We have a PO Box which is great news for all the companies still sending us bills. :)
We should have phone service next week. Checked into Magic Jack, Vonage and Ooma and have decided to give Ooma a whirl. Hopefully it will fit the bill. In the meantime our mobiles work (we will get new ones overseas).
Transitioning is tough but God is good!

04July2009 Some Kentucky Fun

Here's a first attempt at posting video (sorry for the quality these clips were taken with my cell phone).
M riding Crackers (thanks to Mr. Adam and Uncle D).

S & Z chasing (and eventually catching) butterflies.

A playing with some toys courtesy of Mrs Margie.

03July2009 The Kids' Perspective Part II - Numero Duece

Part II
We get a lot of questions regarding the kids so what better way to share their perspective than to let them answer for themselves. Here are some of the things we asked our second child, Z:
Are you excited about moving?
Yes.
What will you miss?
My friends, my cousins, Papa & Dede, Grandma.
What has been the hardest part about getting ready to go?
Packing is hard work. Selling my toys at the yard sale.
Are you scared about going?
No
Which stores or restaurants do you think you'll miss?
Wendy's, McDonalds, Toys-R-Us, Walmart, the Lego Store
What do you think school will be like?
Like our school but they speak Arabic.
Anything else you'd like to share?
The food is good.

2July2009 Bluegrass State

We're visiting with family in Kentucky this week. After the breakneck speed of the last month it is such a blessing to take a deep breath, sleep in a bit later, eat some wonderful home cooked meals and hang out with great folks. We needed this time. Apparently everyone has been going a little crazy.

25June2009 For Sale

We said goodbye to our pickup truck, kids playset, computer, monitor and keyboard, and some furniture today. When I close my eyes this I see For Sale signs. After our yard sale (this Friday and Saturday) hopefully things will be a little more normal.

21June2009 The Kids' Perspective Part I - Firstborn

Just like any other parent making a big decision, one of the first questions we asked at the onset of this process was "What about the kids?" Yes, there are great concerns about their adjustment, safety, education, emotional well-being, etc., etc. We unequivocally believe that being able to witness our faithfulness to a calling, having them understand that we will be a family no matter what postal code we dwell in and giving them the opportunity for a wonderfully expanded worldview greatly exceeds those concerns.
To share their perspective we asked each kid some questions. Here are a few of S's responses:

What are some of the good things about moving?
We're going to be working on the same team with our friends (J & R). I'm excited about our new school. I will meet a lot of new friends.
What are some not so good things about moving?
Okay, there's one thing, Maddy (our 14 year old Weimaraner). I don't want to leave her. I don't want to leave any of our family in KY and NC. Also, I will miss our family and friends.
Anything scary?
No, not really.
What one thing will you miss the most?
My bike.
What are some of the things you're going to make sure you pack?
My teddy bear, legos, paper for drawing and writing letters and my light saber (not sure about that getting through customs).
Anything else about your new life overseas?
I can't think of anything. (With a big grin) It's going to be fun.

19June2009 Home Sweet Home

Planted my feet back on US soil this afternoon. So much to type but so little energy (14 hours in a tin can going 500 miles an hour really drains you!) Quick thought: As I walked though JFK and passed by thousands of people from all over the world it occurred to me once again that HE is bringing the world to us. Are we ready? Do we care about their eternity? Do we love them? I was reminded of these words:

"Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
Ones that are far beyond my reach.
Give me your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see."

Give me your Eyes by Brandon Heath

17June2009 Upcoming World Refugee Day

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that Saturday, June 20th, is World Refugee Day. For more information about this day visit the following links:

• IOM
  
• Facebook Causes
• UNHCR
• World Relief
  
• Wickipedia Article
• Refugees International
  

12June2009 A Quick Visit

I am visiting in our future city (God willing) this week. Will you lift up a couple things on our behalf?

1. Housing - Not so much what the house will look like or what amenities it will have but more along the lines of location. We are looking for an apartment in close proximity to the kids' schools, within walking distance of the language center and, of course, close to a supermarket, etc. You can also lift up our future neighbors. They don't have any idea what's about to hit them. :) Seriously, we hope their hearts will be soft and that we will be a blessing to those who live on all four sides.
2. Schooling - One of the boys' classes needs a teacher. Also, we just found out there are some pretty big expenses related to education that were originally covered by our employer. Our already-tight budget just got stretched pretty dramatically so we appreciate you lifting that up as well.
3. The Center - Details and logistics for the center are being ironed out now. Our partners are working on obtaining the right licenses and a good location.
4. Our transition - If you've read previous posts, you know how much work has taken place to get us to this point. There are a couple pretty significant things that must take place in the next four weeks.
We are so appreciative of our friends and family members praying on our behalf. Thank you, or shukran, from the bottom of our hearts.

5June2009 Partnering

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." African proverb

We've had such an outpouring of support since announcing our plans. Folks keep asking "What can I do to help?" or "What do you need?" So, here's a list of things we need help with:
1. Pray - This may go without saying but if you think about us offer up a quick prayer. There are many things but He knows what we need so let 'er rip.
2. Partnering - In the near future Green Street will begin sending teams our way. Is He leading you to go? Now would be a great time to apply for a passport.
2. Buy a new (well, new to you) car - If your van just died or you've always wanted a pickup truck email us. We're selling two vehicles in the next couple weeks.
3. Visit our yard sale - Our big moving sale is Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27. Pray for good weather and then come buy some stuff.
4. Some things we're going to need to buy: a laptop, 6 additional suitcases, 2 large duffel bags, space bags (the vacuum bags you put in luggage) and household items from sippy cups to electric blankets. If He's leading you to help with these type of things we would be grateful. (If they are collecting dust in your house-we could use them.)
6. Know someone looking for land? We have 1 1/2 acres near our home that need to be sold in the next three weeks. Email us and we'll put you in touch with our realtor.
7. Etc. With kids and packing and selling and getting ready there are tons of things to be done. If you'd like to help, we'd love to let you.

We sort of cringe at putting this stuff on here but are excited to see how the Father will move though the actions of the Body. Thanks!

1June2009 Some Interesting Questions

Since we broke the news folks have asked some very "interesting" questions. We are learning not to say the first thing that comes to mind since each person processes information in different ways and usually the question leads to an opportunity to share our story and to, even if it's in some small way, encourage others. Here are a couple favorites:
Is your spouse going? Keep in mind that this gig is at least a three year commitment. Absence makes the hard grow fonder but that's pushing it a bit.
What will you do with the kids? Another great one. Our responses have varied but the one that gets the best reaction is, "We're going to leave them here. Would you consider keeping a couple?" We are so excited about the expanded world view that our children will have and also for the opportunity to experience this adventure together as a family.
Why in the world would you want to go there? Quick answer, "Why not?" Of course the proper response is that this decision has been a long time coming. We have wrestled with the implications for a while but have a great deal of peace knowing that we are exactly where He has placed us.
What will you do with your chickens? Love this one. Since they are not allowed on the plane it looks like we may be having a BBQ soon. Let us know if you like chicken fingers.

26May2009 By the Skin of our Teeth

This morning I read a news article that stated, beginning immediately, due to current economic conditions, the company we interviewed with has initiated a hiring freeze. I called all the folks I knew the numbers for but only got voicemail messages. Finally around 6pm tonight our consultant called and let us know that as far as he knew we were not affected by the freeze. Shew! The sense of relief is immeasurable but my heart aches for other folks stuck in the pipeline.

25May2009 No Longer a Secret

So yesterday we made the big announcement at Green Street. For the last couple years we have been in this process and it has been very private. Only family, a few friends and folks that filled out reference information have been aware. It was a litte unnerving to publicly unveil something that has been up to this point extremely personal. However it turned out to be a very positive experience with many folks loving on our family and expressing overwhelming support. In six weeks I will be leaving a job I've been at for over nine years and leave relationships our family has forged over fourteen years at Green Street.

23May2009 Paring Down

While we await the final word about the new job it's been a very busy month cleaning out the house. What a shame to get rid of stuff we have spent so much money on, but how very rewarding to sell, donate and give things away.
Here are some of the steps we've taken to liquidated belongings:
Yardsales - Our first yardsale is under our belts and another is planned to take place in three weeks. Yard sales are labor intensive but can also be a lot of fun. Having complete strangers come to your house and give you money is always a plus.
eBay - She has been selling stuff on eBay for weeks now. The latest casualty is my library. Books have been flying off the shelf and to homes across America via the USPS.
Salvation Army & World Relief - I've got two hefty bags full of clothes sitting in the hall outside our bedroom right now. Every morning, when I get up to workout, I am reminded they're there when I trip over them in the predawn darkness. Hopefully I'll remember to deliver them tomorrow.
Friends - What a great opportunity to give things to buddies! Not only does it show them we're thinking of them but its a great reminder for our friends to pray for us whenever they use or see the item we gave them.

15May2009 Interview

We just arrived back home from our interview for a new job, teaching English as a Second Language to one of our favorite people groups. My mind is jello but my spirits are high. The prospect of being involved in the lives of a people group we love, building new relationships, immersing ourselves in a new culture and being on adventure with our family is very exciting. Leaving our extended families, taking the kids away from the only home they've ever known, living in a country where we don't speak the language and many variables, both known and unknown are all sobering.

Back to the interview, everything went well, better than expected actually and all indicators point to getting the job. We'll know more in the coming days....