New Year

The New Year 2012 has begun. The beginning of this year has brought many changes for our family. We spent new years eve moving the last things out of our home where we have spent the last 7 1/2 years. It is the only home our kiddos remember. So many memories. We left amazing friends and neighbors. We said goodbye to our cat 'sweetie'. Yes, tears were shed. We are adjusting and we have been blessed to stay with an incredible family. A family who should get a special award for hospitality. They have specifically finished their basement for families moving to the mission field to stay. They have had 29 foster children through their home. A friend of mine told me about this family at the very beginning of this journey during our trip to the Orphan Summit 2011 (Wendy, the girl we are staying with, actually drove us there!). I didn't give it too much thought. After our house sold and we were looking for a place to rent, she once again brought it up and encouraged us to call and check it out. We did and after much prayer and encouragement from others, knew it was where we belonged. Easy...No. It has been an adjustment for everyone.....but the family we are staying with couldn't have made it more easy or comfortable staying here. Each day gets better. This morning Trayton prayed, "Thank you God for leading us down the right path and to this house" We are getting there.

Tomorrow Team Beyond begins a 4 day retreat where they will be praying...planning...strategizing..and casting the vision for the team. The president of I-teams is in Uganda right now taking part in this retreat. It is our prayer that the team will have a clear idea of how, where, and if our family will fit into this vision. So, we wait...moving forward...and trusting His perfect plan....even when we don't know what it exactly looks like right now. Isn't that faith? Moving forward..trusting...and not knowing all the details. It is not always easy. Our family will be leaving on Jan. 18 for Elgin, IL for training at International Teams. We will be there 10 days. This summer we hope to finish the other 3 1/2 weeks of training needed. We hope to begin our support raising for International Teams after returning from training. Our kids are all coming with us. They have a program for the kids while we are in training where they will do their homework...fun activities...and also learn about the country they are going to. We have heard great stuff about it!

If you would like a really great inspiring book to read about a young girl serving in Uganda...check out Kisses from Katie. It have just read a couple chapters, but it really gives a great picture of life in Uganda and the dependence in Christ that is needed each day..hour...while living there.

Fun in the cornfield behind our home














The neighborhood boys football games














Kidist, our neighbor and friend Cameron, and Chloe

Sweetie the cat with Chloe and her friend Katie

Happy New year from our family to yours!

Our home on Ericridge court May 2004-Jan 2012