Last Week in the U.S. for a While

I just wanted to give a brief update about how the last week is going before we take off Saturday.  I promise this post will be straight to the point!

• On Sunday our church family had a very meaningful worship service put together about missions where we were able to share followed by a potluck.  Thank you again to all who put effort into this day, we were beyond blessed and felt very loved.
• The girls spent their last overnight stays at both sets of Grandparents.
• This allowed Tim and I to tackle the task of packing suitcases for Haiti and what was left in our house for storage.  So much got accomplished, and we are feeling pretty good about fitting all we need into our 10, 50 lb suitcases.
• Many visitors have stopped over to say their final goodbyes.  It is greatly appreciated and know all these people have been put in our lives by God to walk beside us.
• The next couple days will be mostly getting boxes and furniture we are keeping in storage where it all needs to go, as well as last minute cleaning.
• These days will also be filled with calling last minute providers with our change of information and/or canceling services... Tim gets this lovely job.

Here are a few items to specifically be in prayer about:

• For final details to get wrapped up smoothly.
• For physical health and strength... and quality sleep.
• For some difficult 'goodbyes' to go as well as they can.
• For excitement and joy as we step into a big time of transition.
• For any doubt & fear be surrendered to the Lord.
• For Saturday and Sunday as we travel (Our flight leaves Sioux Falls Airport at 12:30 on Saturday with a layover in Dallas, then onto Miami where we will spend the night before taking off agin at 7:40, Sunday morning.  Our hope is to be on the bus headed to the village of Ti Riviere by 10 a.m. Sunday morning with all our bags and team members we are flying with!)
• For the first minutes, hours, and days to be filled with love and peace, as everything will be new for us and those we will be living with.
• Praise for those who have called, written or stopped by to say goodbye, provided food, and pray with us.
• Praise that this week of preparation has gone as smoothly as it has.

It is our hope to update this blog within the first week of our arrival in Haiti.  Be looking for a more interesting post, and hopefully one which contains some images of lots of 'firsts.'

Until then, we will be taping up the last of the boxes and making the most of our time amongst familiar family and friends.