Saying Goodbye is Never Easy

This morning I was reading a short devotional about the power in ASKING GOD for something. God knows what we need before we even ask it. Sometimes He gives us things before we ask, but it delights Him when we do get around to asking Him for something. After I finished reading, I felt joy. Joy that my Father delights in me asking for things that I need. He is able! I determined to do a better job of asking, rather than complaining or just figuring things wouldn't change, because how could I change the circumstance? But God...He can change things! He does change things!

Speaking of asking, we have an advocate group who will be a direct link between us and our sending church, Congerville Apostolic Christian Church. Recently, they asked what they could be doing for us and it was at that time that I was feeling burdened with trying to tie up all the loose ends with our business, our visa paperwork, deciding what to pack, deciding what to pack it all in, not to mention banking accounts that needed signed up for, CVE Employment documents to fill out, and on and on. And then the Spanish Language School sent us a list of school supplies that we would need to purchase and mark with kids names and on and on. Bingo! That's something somebody else could help with! So the Cville church came through in a big way and provided all of our supplies and many hands made light work! Praise the Lord for giving hearts!

This Wednesday, August 21, will be the church's opportunity to conduct a sending service for our family. I'm looking forward to seeing how God utilizes the Cville church members talents. We've felt loved and supported already. Any are welcome to attend!

The "Goodbye's" have started. A few weeks ago we went and said goodbye to one of Andy's aunts that has Alzheimer's. Even though she doesn't understand we'll be going it was good to see her and talk of times past. The kids Farewell Fiesta was last Saturday. It was great to see all their friends from school. Thankful for all the friendships that were made over the years at Goodfield Elementary. Andy's last day of work at MRI was last Wednesday after over 19 years there. He said he will miss working with the guys and has a lot of good memories (and a few not so great) over the years. We got together with our CCC (Congerville Crappie Club) potluck last night but almost missed it. We both completely forgot about our supper plans after a big day of packing for CR. It was good to get together and reminisce about good times, great fishing trips, meals shared, laughs, and the one that got away.

Our plane leaves for Costa Rica next Wednesday morning around 9am. We should be to the San Jose airport by 4:30pm, Lord Willing. It will be a flurry of activity once we settle in, as we have orientation at school Thursday at 7am-12pm. Friday we should have the day to ourselves and Monday we all start school!

Specific Prayers

1. Saying Goodbye to Family and Friends

2. For smooth and uneventful flights on Wednesday, Aug 28.

3. For kind and considerate parents and kids, navigating through airports together safely

4. That we would like the house we will be living in, that its a great fit for us

5. For our family to adjust to life and school in Costa Rica

6. For us to not lose sight of eternity and the calling He has laid on our hearts.