Caught in a funny place...

We are still awaiting visas.  We are completely packed and unsure whether it will be days or weeks.  Packing was such a big job that I (Erin) do not want to touch any of our bags, but we each only have two changes of clothes.  So, we are exercising a little flexibility and a lot of creativity.  Thankfully we live with family, are able to borrow a few things and wash as often as needed (every night for now).  We already got rid of most of our cold weather clothing as we were headed to a year round tropical environment.  So as John went for a run the other day, he improvised the best he could...

Yes, he wore my jacket and it worked just fine! 

Oh gracious sakes

We just canceled our flights due to a Visa snafoo. We are not sure where the hang up is, nor are we sure when we'll be able to travel, but I've spent much of the day on the telephone trying everything within our power, and as of 4 o'clock we finally realize it's impossible to fly tomorrow. I guess we get to relax awhile. Thanks for thinking of us these past 28 exciting hours.--John

Snow!!!

I (Erin) was so excited to see snow when I woke up.  Not many would be excited to see snow so late in the year, it was March 22nd after all, officially the 2nd day of spring.  It was just the encouragement I needed though. 
The week before I had gotten stressed out about all we needed to do in preparation for our departure.  As I refocused on the where and the why of going, I regained my excitement and realized all that needed to be done was just little steps to get us there.  I was then reminded by a long time leader of ours, not to loose the forest for the trees.  Again reminding me not to stress out about the small details of packing and leaving.  The snow was then the icing on the cake.  John and I were planning on a late aniversary celebration by spending a day snow boarding.  I was lamenting that Caedmon wouln't have an opportunity to play in the snow too, especially as we won't see snow probably for 4 years and there wasn't much this winter.  Then when I woke up on March 22nd, everything was covered with at least 2 inches of snow.  Wow!  I couldn't believe it.  It was the encouragement I needed that the Father cares about the desires of our hearts and our children even more then we do.  When I place my focus in the right place, I know all will be well, all the packing will get done, and all the good byes will be worth it. 

The day's work

3 dozen thank you's, and counting

Believe it or not, we have all but wrapped up our sponsorship building phase. That means thanks are in order! We are so thankful for the partnerships we have formed over the past 10 months.  Erin and I can't wait to see the return on your investments and ours as the adventure launches into a new phase next week.

Any day now

Our bags are packed, finances sufficient, and malaria meds are in. And we're all healthy to boot. Now all we are waiting for is governmental approval and then we will be on a plane within a week! We definitely appreciate every part you are playing in that, including your intercession during our wait: We'd love to be there soon, and as long as we are home we'd love to make the best use of our time.
That includes spending time with you! Give us a call if you want to get together, as our free time is increasing as preparations wind down.