We get this question daily. Sometimes it's from family, some times friends, sometimes members of the congregations we visit. Most of the time it is one of the Tweedles who then rush off to start packing their carry on, regardless of the answer (although at least once a week Sean asks). They keep us entertained!
Anyway, I don't actually mind being asked when we will leave - it's nice to remember that we WILL leave. OK, when I've been asked by one of the kids for the 3rd time in a day I get tired of the question, but everyone else is fine. I don't mind having people ask, I doubt most of them are anxiously awaiting our moving all the way across the world (well, if they can't wait to get rid of us, they've politely not told me!). I love it that people are thinking of us, and also praying for us. Being asked if we have a date yet is wonderful because it means we've been remembered.
Support building is a kind of Limbo. And, of all the missionaries that went through training with us, there are only three families still in the States. All our fellow missionaries to East Africa left in January and now have terribly sporadic internet so it's been isolating for us. Having people send notes to ask when we leave is simply lovely because we are remembered and we thank you.
So, to answer the question burning in your mind since you read the title of this post... When are we leaving? We don't know yet. Last we heard we were at 88% of the just under $250,000 operating budget we need to raise. We were hoping for sometime in May, but as we have yet to get a green light, that's looking less likely as time passes. Thankfully, the house we are renting while we're in transition has let us continue on as a month to month rental so we do have a place to live. We continue to pray for God's perfect timing. We continue to teach the children to practice patience. We work to enjoy the here and now of living in a town that we chose (not one the Air Force sent us to) and we love being in Wyoming!
Pray for us. Pray that the support we still need comes in! Pray that John continues to get the appointments and visits that we need and that the congregations we have visited decide to partner with us (no matter how small - it adds up!) Pray that we can get a green light soon so we can really get packing! And please pray that the kids limit asking when we'll leave to once every OTHER day! :) :) :)
Anyway, I don't actually mind being asked when we will leave - it's nice to remember that we WILL leave. OK, when I've been asked by one of the kids for the 3rd time in a day I get tired of the question, but everyone else is fine. I don't mind having people ask, I doubt most of them are anxiously awaiting our moving all the way across the world (well, if they can't wait to get rid of us, they've politely not told me!). I love it that people are thinking of us, and also praying for us. Being asked if we have a date yet is wonderful because it means we've been remembered.
Support building is a kind of Limbo. And, of all the missionaries that went through training with us, there are only three families still in the States. All our fellow missionaries to East Africa left in January and now have terribly sporadic internet so it's been isolating for us. Having people send notes to ask when we leave is simply lovely because we are remembered and we thank you.
So, to answer the question burning in your mind since you read the title of this post... When are we leaving? We don't know yet. Last we heard we were at 88% of the just under $250,000 operating budget we need to raise. We were hoping for sometime in May, but as we have yet to get a green light, that's looking less likely as time passes. Thankfully, the house we are renting while we're in transition has let us continue on as a month to month rental so we do have a place to live. We continue to pray for God's perfect timing. We continue to teach the children to practice patience. We work to enjoy the here and now of living in a town that we chose (not one the Air Force sent us to) and we love being in Wyoming!
Pray for us. Pray that the support we still need comes in! Pray that John continues to get the appointments and visits that we need and that the congregations we have visited decide to partner with us (no matter how small - it adds up!) Pray that we can get a green light soon so we can really get packing! And please pray that the kids limit asking when we'll leave to once every OTHER day! :) :) :)
It's sweet how exciting the kids are to move to Kenya! What a blessing! It's also a blessing that you know how to enjoy the present moment. The Lord's timing is perfect. Let's keep reminding each other of that!! :-)
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