Countdown Near Completion

I keep waiting for a moment to write a decent blog post, and I'm realizing it's just not going to come!  We leave in 10 days for Uganda -- August 30, 2010.  Almost exactly 5 years later than my original plan.  (Leslie was far more realistic, but this has taken longer than even she had anticipated.)   But we're going!  In God's timing, and through the love of God's people, and with the clear evidence of his guiding, providing, protecting hand on our lives.

Here's a snippet from our forthcoming newsletter that describes it well:

We thought we'd be in our Texas transitional home, "two, maybe four months at the longest...!"    Eight months later we see how the Lord's purposes prevail past our plans, and those purposes are so good.  During this time, our marriage has strengthened, our team has had weekly bonding in prayer, planning, and playing, we’ve received exceptional cross-cultural preparation, and our kids have grown in strength of body and spirit while living in their grandparents’ home.

As we begin the countdown for departure to Uganda (we fly out August 30th), we are filled with excitement and awe at what the Lord has done (with the occasional moment of panic thrown in for good measure).  Our hearts rejoice in the Lord and His lovingkindness towards us.  We have put our hope in Him, and He has been our help and our shield.  He has proven faithful to provide for our every need.  We are so humbled and grateful!  We are stepping out towards Uganda with stronger faith and love for each other and for those whom we will be blessed to know in Kabale.

Pray for us in these final days that we will leave well and land well!

Here are a few photos from the summer just for fun.

Kids atop boxes ready for shipping to Uganda

Jesse's 10th B-Day: Daring the Fireball

We did it!  (I, personally, was scared...er...spitless.)

Tea Party

Georgia's 7th B-Day party -- Making Jewelry

We keep trying for a family photo....

Lucy & Julia looking lovely