We are now in Colorado Springs, the kids are in school, the boxes are spread evenly around the house, and Wanda and I are worn out!
It is hard to know how to summarize all that has happened this past month. Let's just stick with the move. Overall, everything went perfectly! On August 8th, just one week ago, we had the "load the truck" party. We had many family and friends from Redmond, Oregon City and Newberg come help out. Some would say that with the number of people that showed up to get rid of us, and the efficiency with which they loaded the truck, that folk were excited to get rid of us. I prefer to interpret those actions as gifts of love. It was difficult to leave that house, on that street, in that community, with that church. There is no way we can adequately express the feelings of gratitude we have for all of you.
For the past couple months we have been wondering if we can reduce the amount of stuff that we have to fit in a 26' U-Haul truck. Part of the process included the church garage sale, numerous trips to Goodwill, selling and giving away many things to friends. All the effort paid off, and we were able to fit in the truck! Tim Conley volunteered to help drive the truck and van out to Colorado, It was great to have another driver to trade around so that we could all stay alert on the road, well some didn't stay alert.
The truck and van worked great on the road, we had no issues, other than trying to get a 26' truck with the Jeep on a trailer through gas stations....
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| The Whole Caravan |
When we arrived here in the Springs, our house was ready to move into, and about 10 or 12 people from EMI showed up to help us move in. Which was very helpful as our house has three floors, and the truck unloading zone was not very convenient.
We are deep into trying to get the kids settled in three different schools. It is mind boggling how much work that takes, but Wanda has been doing an awesome job of staying on top of who has to be where at what time and with what stuff.
School for the kids really gets going next week. We were planning on attending the EMI orientation that week. However, that would have had Wanda and I out of the house from about 7am to 9pm everyday. We made the decision that it just wouldn't be good for our family to do that on the first week of new school in a new place. So Wanda and I will attend a few of the sessions during the day, and then attend the orientation in January.
I am planning on beginning work with EMI on September 3rd, and hit the ground running since I will be going on a project trip to Peru at the end of September.
Our monthly support is at about 43% now, so when I start with EMI I will be working about half time, and will continue to work on ministry partnership development.
If you would like any more information on any of what has happened in the last month, please feel free to contact us.
One closing thought. It was two weeks ago that I was sitting on a beach with Wanda in Cozumel, Mexico. I was thinking a bit about all that sat in our immediate future. I was overwhelmed with the realization that I can't do this. I can't make it all work, I can't fix it, I can't wish it into being, I can't buy it, and I can't ignore it. All I can honestly do is lay it down at the feet of Christ and then rest in His ability to do it. That is not an easy place for me, but I think it is the right place for me.
