Love and Prayers

These two words sum up our experience of final preparations for our departure.  We have been on the receiving end of many thoughtful words of love, encouragement, and support this week, and it has been a humbling and centering experience.  We are so grateful for our church family and leadership at West End Assembly of God.  They continue to cover us in prayer throughout our service in and out of missions, and we are honored to represent them in our time serving abroad. We had the privilege of being commissioned and prayed over at church this morning, and can't think of a better way to start off our return trip to PNG.  

(Sweet Pennie Mae lifting her hand in prayer 😍) 

    

PREPPING TO GO

JUST 2.5 WEEKS !!!

As we near our date of departure on March 1st, Rachel and I are SO thankful for the amazing support we have received. For those of you who have donated funds, THANK YOU!  For those of you Prayer Warriors who are keeping an angel army around us, THANK YOU! 

While God has perfectly supplied all major needs for our trip (Visas, Financial Support, Travel Arrangements, etc), we have been using every spare moment to check a million small (but critical) things off our pre-trip list. Rachel purchased supplies difficult to find in PNG (from Diaper Cream to Seasonings) and sent a package ahead to await our arrival (clever Mama!). The Missions Department of our church, WEAG, is very kindly allowing us to borrow some luggage, and all the things to pack are piling up! We have arranged care for our dog Cooper while away, and friends will be caring for our home. We have been practicing speaking in Pidgin (Pennie is a natural!), and I have heard two great updates from Kudjip Hospital:  1) that I will be covering the Pediatric Ward while serving there (my heart's desire!), and 2) that I will not be solely responsible for OBGYN emergencies that arise while I am on call overnight (one area where I appreciate all the help I can get!). Earlier this week, Pennie and Solomon had their check-ups & vaccines updated - thanks Dr. Lee!

We have also recently been thrown a SURPRISE PARTY by our dear Richmond friends, which was in truth the very first time Rachel and I have been completely surprised in our entire lives - and it was both shocking and exceptionally heartwarming. To have their love and support over the last 5 years has been one of the most powerfully affirming reasons to have placed roots in Richmond. 

We love you guys!!!

"The Lord will keep you from all harm,

He will watch over your life;

The Lord will watch over your coming and going,

both now and forever more."

(Psalms 121:7-8)