One of the things on our "to-do list" was selling our vehicle. We've been spreading the word about our car for several weeks now. Well, last night we sold our car. The happy new owner will take possession sometime during our last week in the states. The amazing part is that the purchaser lives half way across the country! Some friends from language school needed a car and decided to help us out by purchasing ours. So, our friend will fly into Roanoke and drive our Oldsmobile away. I'd say that is a definite answer to prayer. Selling our car, to someone hundreds of miles away, only God can make that kind of deal! Thanks for praying.
Oh, and for those of you wondering: We have 87 percent of the packing done now.
So, you on vacation again?
When we first came back on furlough a young person asked what it was going to be like to have a year long vacation. That young person didn't understand that our year would be filled with speaking engagements, studying, reporting to churches, correspondence, witnessing and promoting missions. Furlough isn't really a vacation for missionaries. Yet, we have tried to find time to relax. Just last night someone asked if our work was done for the year. I had to say, "nope!"
We still have churches to visit. We'll be speaking in at least three more churches. One of those churches we will be visiting for the first time. We also continue to pack. We "officially" have 75 percent of our bags packed now. Packing continues to be a challenge. Our goal is to make every bag be exactly the 50 pounds and 62 linear inches allowed by the airline. This becomes even more of a challenge when you consider that breakable and crushable items are included. Plus we have to plan ahead and decide what items we need now and what items can be packed and not used until we arrive in Peru.
We are working to tie up lots of lose ends as well. We have found a new prayer letter service. This means we have to transfer our mailing list and data base to them. We have designed a new prayer letter format. We continue to work on prayer cards. We finish up doctors appointments and lab tests. We work to try to sell our car. The list goes on and on. I honestly wish we were on vacation, but there's no time for that this month! But, don't worry about us! We love what God has called us to do. We enjoy everyday of our lives. We feel so blessed. Perhaps we just don't need another vacation: But if your ready to fly us to Jamaica or Hawaii, well pack an extra bag for the trip!
UPDATE ON OLIVIA'S PAPERWORK: It seems that things are going well. We heard from Peru yesterday that her birth certificate arrived and the paperwork is in progress once again. Pray that this will be done in record time. Pray that when it is completed we will be able to contact the consulate in Washington, D.C. and make an appointment to pickup the paperwork. Time is short and we pray that all can be done on time.
We still have churches to visit. We'll be speaking in at least three more churches. One of those churches we will be visiting for the first time. We also continue to pack. We "officially" have 75 percent of our bags packed now. Packing continues to be a challenge. Our goal is to make every bag be exactly the 50 pounds and 62 linear inches allowed by the airline. This becomes even more of a challenge when you consider that breakable and crushable items are included. Plus we have to plan ahead and decide what items we need now and what items can be packed and not used until we arrive in Peru.
We are working to tie up lots of lose ends as well. We have found a new prayer letter service. This means we have to transfer our mailing list and data base to them. We have designed a new prayer letter format. We continue to work on prayer cards. We finish up doctors appointments and lab tests. We work to try to sell our car. The list goes on and on. I honestly wish we were on vacation, but there's no time for that this month! But, don't worry about us! We love what God has called us to do. We enjoy everyday of our lives. We feel so blessed. Perhaps we just don't need another vacation: But if your ready to fly us to Jamaica or Hawaii, well pack an extra bag for the trip!
UPDATE ON OLIVIA'S PAPERWORK: It seems that things are going well. We heard from Peru yesterday that her birth certificate arrived and the paperwork is in progress once again. Pray that this will be done in record time. Pray that when it is completed we will be able to contact the consulate in Washington, D.C. and make an appointment to pickup the paperwork. Time is short and we pray that all can be done on time.
Rain, Rain Go Away....
...Come again another day! Wow, we have sure had our fair share of rain lately. We are spending our last month in the United States up in Salem, Virginia with my family. The day we arrived it started raining and it hasn't stopped yet! The rain gauge at the closest elementary school showed we had over 8 inches of rain. Assuming some first grader didn't pour his bottled water in the gauge, that's a lot of rain! It is especially unusual for our family. Having spent four years in the desert of Peru, 8 inches is a lot of rain. That is the total amount of rain Lima has received in the last 80-100 years. Elizabeth was begining to play "Noah's Ark" yesterday. I was thankful that God gave us a rainbow of promise!
We are busily packing our things and taking care of last minute projects. We even have one new church to visit this month. We hope to enjoy some time with our family and friends as well. Please continue to pray for us throughout this entire process. Also pray that we will hear good news about Olivia's paperwork. This is a serious matter. Pray that we will be able to obtain her visa BEFORE we arrive in Peru.
We are busily packing our things and taking care of last minute projects. We even have one new church to visit this month. We hope to enjoy some time with our family and friends as well. Please continue to pray for us throughout this entire process. Also pray that we will hear good news about Olivia's paperwork. This is a serious matter. Pray that we will be able to obtain her visa BEFORE we arrive in Peru.
Smile!
Just wanted to take a moment and remind you to visit the PoeKids Blog. We love to show off our girls, and you can see what we've done recently in our free-time!
Moving Day 1
As humans we are all so materialistic. It amazes me to see the number of rental storage units everywhere. Nearly every house has a storage building in the backyard. Some have several. Our closets and basements are filled with things. Things that we really don't need and will probably never use again! Things that are so precious to us, yet we never think about them and rarely pull them out to be used. We would never consider departing with these piles of worthless treasures.
I remember once hearing the story of missionaries in Columbia. They had spent much of their life in that war-torn, terrorist plagued nation. They had managed to stay as long as possible until the government recommended they leave for their own safety. They had waited a little to long, and had to be evacuated by helicopter. The family had children and every family member was allowed to pack one small suitcase of possessions. Obviously each packed the things most precious to them. A favorite toy, a special dress, perhaps a family photo or two. Gunshots were going off all around them and they worried for their safety. Finally they heard the sound of the approaching helicopter. The terrorists were dangerously close to their home and the helicopter touched down nearby. The family ran across the field trying to reach the winged haven of safety. Each ran carrying their tiny package of prized possessions. The gunshots intensified and the soldiers told them to drop their belongings in order to make it across the field. Even the smallest of the children was forced to drop their things. They each made it across the field and into the helicopter. They reached a safe flight altitude and were carried out of harms way. The family sat in shock. A soldier asked one of the children what it was like to leave their home and all of their possessions behind. The youngster replied: "Free!"
Sometimes we don't realize what really is important in life. That family felt free when the worries of this world, the junk that we all accumulate was no longer binding them down. They were free to live as a family. Their lives had been spared and they could clearly see what was most important in life.
I've thought of that story a lot lately. We are packing up the "things" that we have accumulated this year. New toys, dishes, clothing, JUNK! As missionaries we can't accumulate to much junk, because we are always moving. We try not to get to sentimental about "things." Today we finish packing up our mission home and head to Salem, Virginia to spend our last month with family. We'll pack up our things and get all the last minute things done. We'll have a yardsale and sell our junk to other interested parties. We'll store some things away. We'll give some to Goodwill. Then, we'll manage to pack at least 8, 50 pound bags to take to Peru. Perhaps someday we will learn it would be easier to go with nothing and just be "Free!"
What do you think? Have any "junk" in your life that needs to be cleared out?
Countdown to departure date: 40 days! It's nice to know your praying for us!
I remember once hearing the story of missionaries in Columbia. They had spent much of their life in that war-torn, terrorist plagued nation. They had managed to stay as long as possible until the government recommended they leave for their own safety. They had waited a little to long, and had to be evacuated by helicopter. The family had children and every family member was allowed to pack one small suitcase of possessions. Obviously each packed the things most precious to them. A favorite toy, a special dress, perhaps a family photo or two. Gunshots were going off all around them and they worried for their safety. Finally they heard the sound of the approaching helicopter. The terrorists were dangerously close to their home and the helicopter touched down nearby. The family ran across the field trying to reach the winged haven of safety. Each ran carrying their tiny package of prized possessions. The gunshots intensified and the soldiers told them to drop their belongings in order to make it across the field. Even the smallest of the children was forced to drop their things. They each made it across the field and into the helicopter. They reached a safe flight altitude and were carried out of harms way. The family sat in shock. A soldier asked one of the children what it was like to leave their home and all of their possessions behind. The youngster replied: "Free!"
Sometimes we don't realize what really is important in life. That family felt free when the worries of this world, the junk that we all accumulate was no longer binding them down. They were free to live as a family. Their lives had been spared and they could clearly see what was most important in life.
I've thought of that story a lot lately. We are packing up the "things" that we have accumulated this year. New toys, dishes, clothing, JUNK! As missionaries we can't accumulate to much junk, because we are always moving. We try not to get to sentimental about "things." Today we finish packing up our mission home and head to Salem, Virginia to spend our last month with family. We'll pack up our things and get all the last minute things done. We'll have a yardsale and sell our junk to other interested parties. We'll store some things away. We'll give some to Goodwill. Then, we'll manage to pack at least 8, 50 pound bags to take to Peru. Perhaps someday we will learn it would be easier to go with nothing and just be "Free!"
What do you think? Have any "junk" in your life that needs to be cleared out?
Countdown to departure date: 40 days! It's nice to know your praying for us!
¿Hablas Español?
This coming Sunday should be interesting. We will have the priviledge of taking part in the one year anniversary service at a newly started Hispanic church in Hickory, NC. John will be speaking. This will be the first time we have ministered in Spanish in a long time. We try to use our Spanish as often as possible, but of course we will be a bit rusty.
We are looking forward to the services. It should also get us one step closer to being prepared for our return to Peru. August 1st is coming quickly! As always, keep us in your prayers!
UPDATE: Yesterday's meetings in Hickory went great. We had a lovely time meeting lots of new folks and seeing the growing church. We were once again immersed in Spanish and did quite well. It was exciting to sing and preach again in Spanish. We even met a couple of people from Peru which was an added bonus. The day ended with a piñata for the children. Elizabeth was happy to take part with her new latin-american friends. We don't feel quite as "rusty" now with our Spanish. "¡Hasta la proxima!"
We are looking forward to the services. It should also get us one step closer to being prepared for our return to Peru. August 1st is coming quickly! As always, keep us in your prayers!
UPDATE: Yesterday's meetings in Hickory went great. We had a lovely time meeting lots of new folks and seeing the growing church. We were once again immersed in Spanish and did quite well. It was exciting to sing and preach again in Spanish. We even met a couple of people from Peru which was an added bonus. The day ended with a piñata for the children. Elizabeth was happy to take part with her new latin-american friends. We don't feel quite as "rusty" now with our Spanish. "¡Hasta la proxima!"
Planning, Packing and Patience!
After a busy year of furlough, it is nice to see our busy travel scheduling coming to a close. It is also nice to know that soon we will be back on the mission field in Peru. We know that August 1st will come quicker than we think. We've marked our calendar with the countdown of days in anticipation of our return.
It seems our three key words now are Planning, Packing and Patience! We are busily planning our last two months in the states. We've got friends and family to visit, last minute church meetings and a trip to Washington, D.C. to pick up visas. We also have to plan future events and schedules in Peru. It is exciting seeing so many things come together for our future ministry.
Packing is also well underway. I jokingly told the family yesterday that we now "officially" have 18 percent of our packing done! (I hope its more like 25 percent, and I really hope we are at 50 percent by the end of this weekend!) It is amazing how much you can squeeze into a duffle bag. It always humors me to think what the people in customs would think looking through our luggage: Placemats, pot-holders, vitamins, toys, underwear, mixed in with soup mixes, spices and a cutting board. Each bag is so very different, and each has to weigh the magic 50 pounds allowed by the airline.
What about patience? Well we learn that when dealing with the Peruvian embassy. They don't answer the phone much, and when they do, they enjoy the "hold" button. It looks like we could be making a couple of trips to the consulate this month. We hope the last one will be to pick up a visa for Olivia. They say "patience is a virtue..." and the Peruvian officials are all doing their part to help us learn this important virtue! (by the way its a real blessing to be able to communicate with them in Spanish this time around, last time we weren't so fortunate!)
It should be an exciting two months. We'll keep you up-to-the-minute along the way. As always, your prayers will help to sustain us each day! Planning + Packing + Patience = A need for your prayers!
It seems our three key words now are Planning, Packing and Patience! We are busily planning our last two months in the states. We've got friends and family to visit, last minute church meetings and a trip to Washington, D.C. to pick up visas. We also have to plan future events and schedules in Peru. It is exciting seeing so many things come together for our future ministry.
Packing is also well underway. I jokingly told the family yesterday that we now "officially" have 18 percent of our packing done! (I hope its more like 25 percent, and I really hope we are at 50 percent by the end of this weekend!) It is amazing how much you can squeeze into a duffle bag. It always humors me to think what the people in customs would think looking through our luggage: Placemats, pot-holders, vitamins, toys, underwear, mixed in with soup mixes, spices and a cutting board. Each bag is so very different, and each has to weigh the magic 50 pounds allowed by the airline.
What about patience? Well we learn that when dealing with the Peruvian embassy. They don't answer the phone much, and when they do, they enjoy the "hold" button. It looks like we could be making a couple of trips to the consulate this month. We hope the last one will be to pick up a visa for Olivia. They say "patience is a virtue..." and the Peruvian officials are all doing their part to help us learn this important virtue! (by the way its a real blessing to be able to communicate with them in Spanish this time around, last time we weren't so fortunate!)
It should be an exciting two months. We'll keep you up-to-the-minute along the way. As always, your prayers will help to sustain us each day! Planning + Packing + Patience = A need for your prayers!
Is the wait over?
Today was election day in Peru. The run-off was required because no candidate received the 51 percent required to win the presidency. There were threats of violence throughout the country today. One political party even threatened to overthrow the government if they didn't win. Makes our political system here in the United States almost seem civil.
The citizens of Peru still vote with paper ballots. The counting takes a bit longer, but resulted are expected soon. The officials claim they might have as much as 95 percent of the votes tallied by tomorrow! (At least they don' t have to worry with "hanging chads!")
The exit polls show former president Alan Garcia with a slight advantage. He seems to be the "lesser of two evils" from our point-of-view. We shall see what the future holds. No matter the outcome, we know God is ultimately in control. We also trust that you will all be praying for the future of Peru that the Gospel will continue to go forth!
(In other news: If you haven't seen the recent updates to the girls blog, take a look!)
The citizens of Peru still vote with paper ballots. The counting takes a bit longer, but resulted are expected soon. The officials claim they might have as much as 95 percent of the votes tallied by tomorrow! (At least they don' t have to worry with "hanging chads!")
The exit polls show former president Alan Garcia with a slight advantage. He seems to be the "lesser of two evils" from our point-of-view. We shall see what the future holds. No matter the outcome, we know God is ultimately in control. We also trust that you will all be praying for the future of Peru that the Gospel will continue to go forth!
(In other news: If you haven't seen the recent updates to the girls blog, take a look!)
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