Smiles and Hugs

Happy Girls

Smiles and hugs all around as we celebrate new visas, a new school, Wes' new job and so on. We found an inexpensive ride to Bromley for the weekend, borrowed the air matress and had a jolly time with the family. Back in Luton we began the house search in earnest and it's hard to believe it's only been a week

Rangers are in the Pennant Finals

The Rangers have won their opening series against the Rays today and in honor we have a little video cheer featuring familiar faces! Click on Our October Team to go to the page!

Farewells

Tony K at Graduation

We've been saying our farewells to  friends and family this last week as we prepare to move to England for many months. A quick trip to Illinois to visit my parents (and help put on a new garage door), goodbyes at our church, phone calls to the children, dinner with neighbors, and of course a last run on the basketball court (where I received a sweaty hug from the guys). Truly the word "everyone who has left houses and family will receive a hundred times" can be seen in the many relationships that have come to us during our times serving in Mercy Ships and Ywam. These are true riches!

Falling like Dominoes

It's been almost a year since our visa applications to Lebanon were rejected. Today we have approved visas for the UK and that means it's time to move. It's almost like dominoes. One thing falling into place makes way for another and then another. Some time back during the drought the Lord seemed to indicate that it would break in September and that is what is happening. Our waiting for direction also seems to be ending this month.What a pleasant year of waiting it has been. So many supportive friends and family members!  Thank the Lord once again! 

Bryan Visiting last Monday

Remembering

What we looked like back then

Last Sunday was the 10th Anniversary Memorial of 911 and the nation (and world) remembered the evil, the tragedy, the heroics, the rebuilding, and our changed lives. It was good to be reminded as we tend to forget the pain, the suffering, the resolve. It's natural that people want to move on, but it's also good to remember and to focus on what is important in life. The Lord, family, relationships and things of eternal value. Lord keep our eyes focused firmly on you and teach us to "number our days".

Our Applications are in Progress

We are busy trying to navigate the paperwork maze and requirements in order to receive Religious Worker visas for the UK. We've completed the online portion and now are working to get "biometrics" and supporting documents sent along to the Consular in New York. We are a bit unsure of ourselves in this unfamiliar process, but we trust the Lord will guide us.

The Sound of Rain

When we came home this afternoon the temperature was 100F. The wind began blowing wildly and dust and leaves were flying everywhere. Then came the sound of thunder! We were still not sure if we would get rain because we have not had any for a month and three weeks and there have been over 66 days of 100F temperature since June. Still we have been asking for rain and the Lord was gracious today. It rained for about 45 minutes and the temperature dropped almost 30 degrees F! Thank you Lord for the sound of rain at our house again.