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.