1 down, 2 to go, training courses that is. I’ve been in Spokane, Washington for the last week getting all up to date on one of the two types of engines that I will see in Angola. You really can't beat the student to teacher ratio of 2:1 that we had, and because of that, I got to know my fellow classmate/roommate Dan, and instructor Ken quite well. It has been a very worthwhile course, and am especially thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it.

Thankfully, it has been a week that has felt relaxing in a way because there was nothing to pack up here, and no arrangements to make with international shippers. The past month has been easily the busiest in my life. Of course no one said packing up your family and moving to another continent would be easy, but I’m fairly sure now that the dreaded part of determining logistics is now in the past.

 Next week I’ll be in Germany, and then France the week after that (that’s training courses #2 and #3 for those keeping track), then it will be back to Canada for 2 days before we make the big move.

 In the meantime, here’s a couple pictures of my time in Spokane (including one of the “Africa Lounge”, where I figured would be an appropriate spot to sit down and write this out). Thanks to all those who have kept us in your prayers. There is so much that is out of our control, it’s amazing to see how well thing have gone so far. Stay tuned though if you would like to keep hearing what’s going on with us, the adventure part is just beginning!

From the Classroom 

Appropriate Blogging Station

 

Bahh ... tired but here's an update!

Hello friendly blogosphere ... I'm here inspite of the chaos that seems to be the norm these days to give you a little life update. Here it is:

We leave in LESS than a month. Oh my goodness!

We're waiting on two visas (mine and Ethan's) but they seem well under way, and we have the most important one--Marcel's, in his passport!

We just got back from a wedding weekend whirlwind, which was essentially a trial run to see how Ethan does with long trips. Answer: he does okay and we (Kelly and my sister Erie) survived and managed to actually enjoy a lot of time together, despite approximately 16 hours of driving!

We have 5 totes totally packed, ready to ship, and one toolbox. That just leaves hopefully only 1 more tote (so long as we can purge and prioritize well!) and a fancy wrap job on some other items!

Marcel is in Spokane, Washington on a course, and hopefully, he can update the blog-world more on that! He'll be back this weekend late at night on my birthday and then Sunday, we have a commissioning service at our church!

Ahhh yes ... Sunday. That's going to be a sad day ... I'm not particularly looking forward to it.

Alright, that's the update. Sorry, not much left in me to add more. :( But here's a cute picture of Ethan, looking as exhausted as I feel, and also looking so much OLDER than 5 months! He's growing too fast!!

A moment of peace ... so I write

Ahh ... a moment of peace after a significant upheaval. So I write a blog ... while Ethan sleeps and before I discover some other task that needs to be done.

Here I am sitting in Blenheim, at my parent's house--our new temporary home. For me, it still feels like home, as I never fully settled down into a house in London--home in London was and is West London Alliance Church. In the midst of waiting, changing, seeking, and again, waiting... WLA Church has been our constant. Our community connections pastor, and longest friend at WLA, Graham said something that rang so true to me last Sunday,"I am only able to succeed because of the community God has placed around me." This is so true in our lives ... without the people of WLA, we would not be able to move overseas and pursue our dream of serving with MAF. They are our prayer warriors, our biggest financial supporters, our deepest friends, our role models, and our family. When people ask me what I'll miss most overseas, I can answer honestly, "Our friends, and our family, and most definitely, our church."

But ... the reality of life is that we are not called or commanded to live a life of comfort. Comfort would be so easy if we just stayed in London, and never left WLA... after all, where else are we going to find a better worship team, a better staff, and such great facilities? I randomly opened my Bible today (waiting for Ethan to nap) and read these challenging words from Deuteronomy 10:12-13. "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good?" No where does it mention "Be comfortable."

Thankfully, some people at WLA challenge me to take action and be uncomfortable... and again, I'll make reference to Graham. His sermon this past Sunday was AWESOME. A word that rocked me to the core from his sermon was humility. Oh boy ... I don't know of too many people who aren't challenged by that word. To be humble like Christ is ... wow, it's hard.

So in humility, I'm asking you this: would you pray for Marcel and I as we move to Angola? Pray that we would be challenged, uncomfortable, humble, repentant, brave, and obedient? It occurred to me that I don't always live out Deuteronomy 10:12-13. In fact, I kind of suck at being a Christ-follower many days. I don't view it as my full-time job ... which it is, for every Christian. And, if I'm not careful, I will slip into the exact same patterns as I do here--being complacent, or scared, or proud, or comfortable.So ... would you keep that in mind when you pray for us? Thank you ... eternally.

Now that I've been all meditative and stuff, I'll conclude this blog with some updates, because I know that there's always lots to share from week-to-week. Regarding Blenheim ... it's great here. Living at my parents is a great way to transition overseas. We've already pre-packed and pre-purged ... so packing for Angola will be easier. And spending time with my family is great. My parents are so happy to be able to spend time with Ethan, and I'm so thankful for their help. Futhermore, it's so cool to see how God is working in their lives, and how they are following him in obedience.

We have a tentative departure date: October 5. Marcel is gone most of September doing several courses to help him learn more about the airplanes he will be working on. He will be in Spokane, Washington, Munich, Germany, and France. However, between his American and European course, we will be at WLA Church on Sept. 20 for our commissioning service. I have a feeling a few tears will be shed by both Marcel and I.

And finally ... Happy Birthday to my amazing husband! Marcel is turning 29 this weekend! God has been so incredibly merciful in my life ... by giving me such a great human being to be my partner, best friend, and husband. Happy 29 years Marcel ... Lord willing, there will be many more years ahead! You are an amazing father and man of God!

Moving out ...

... and moving in.