So Busy

Life has been crazy here over the last week - hence the lack of posts! As well as working on the visa issues, the kids attended Vacation Bible School at our church and I had the privilege of spending 2 FULL days at the CHEF Homeschool Conference in St Charles.

The time at the conference was wonderful. I was able to sit in on several workshops including "How to occupy toddlers while teaching others" and "Hands on Kindergarten and First Grade". Hopefully this will help me make our school year more productive. It was great to spend several hours perusing the vendor hall. I was good and didn't spend too much, but was able to get many ideas of ways to (hopefully) make learning more fun for the kids.

I have to admit the break from the kids was nice. I was able to be fed and encouraged and now feel energized to dive into this school year with enthusiasm and lots of hope for a great year.

An added bonus to the conference was being able to spend it with 3 friends from church. We had a great time laughing and learning together.

Michelle

Please Pray!!!

We are having to register the children as citizens in England before we can get them British passports. This process can take up to 6 months which will delay our moving until Jan/Feb, which we were originally planning early September as our arrival. Once we get them registered then we can apply for British passports. Only then can we apply for Gary's visa as we need their passport numbers for his application. We are praying that God would have us there sooner than Jan/Feb. If you would, though, pray with us, that God would move the government mountain to process the paperwork quickly. We have seen God speed up visa applications in the past, and I am confident that He will have us there when He wants us there.

Gary

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Never

Yesterday morning during the offering, Shannon led us in worship by singing the following song. I was moved, not only by the beautiful delivery, but by the words themselves, so I wanted to share them with you.

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer By Margaret Becker

Jesus, draw me ever nearer, as I wander through the storm. You have called me to this passage, and I'll follow, though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing, may I rise on wings of faith. And at the end of my hearts testing, with your likeness let me wake.

Jesus, guide me through the tempest, keep my spirit staid and sure. And when the midnight meets the morning, let me love you even more.

May this journey bring a blessing, may I rise on wings of faith. And at the end of my hearts testing, with your likeness let me wake.

Let the treasures of the trial, form within me as I go. And at the end of this long passage, let me leave them at your throne.

May this journey bring a blessing, may I rise on wings of faith. And at the end of my hearts testing, with your likeness let me wake.


Michelle

I deserve an award for ....

The Most Neglectful Mother of the Year.

I have been looking for sandals for Elaina for a few weeks, but couldn't find a style that was suitable for some foot issues she has, so she has never got around to trying any on. Well yesterday I found a pair that might work so I reached down to her size 4.5 shoe to feel where her toes were so I could guess at what size she needed. Her toes were all the way at the end of the shoe. This surprised me as she hasn't had her shoes too long.

What shocked me was that the new shoes she got were a size 7!! How could I have been so neglectful not to notice that she needed shoes so badly?! I cannot beleive she is only 8 years old and now wearing a size 7 shoe.

How fast our kids grow up!

Michelle

To Give Up???

I have a bunch of reasons to give up.

This is hard! We have spent the best part of 3 days making phone calls (in the US and UK), sending faxes, writing emails, searching the web still to be left in a place where we are not sure of which way we should enter the UK.

This isn't cheap. Even after we spend several thousands on applications we are not guaranteed that they will be approved.

This is emotional. We have to sell, take or give away everything we own. We started through stuff this week and it has already produced tears. What do I do with my wedding dress?

I know settling into a new home, along with the culture shock will be hard on ALL of us.

Life is just easier here.

BUT will we give up? NO

Christ did not call us to do things that are easy. Several times in the gospels we read of Christ telling people to leave everything and follow Him.

Jesus died on the cross for us and we are called to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him. When I remember this I am so grateful that He is only calling me to give up my comfort, money and things. At least (at this time in my life) He is not calling me to a country where my life would be in danger because of my faith.

So many have sacrificed so much for the gospel - including their lives, why am I complaining about my minor struggles!!?? So what does it matter if I have to get rid of my wedding dress, I can't take it to heaven with me. Also, does it really matter if we spend a lot to go where He is leading. After all, doesn't it ALL belong to Him anyway?

"If Jesus Christ be God and died for me then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for him." CT Studd

Michelle

A Hiccup!

 

Last night I was finalizing the above paperwork to be able to apply for the children's British passports. After a couple of hours of work I was reading through the application notes one last time to make sure I didn't miss anything, when I came across a paragraph that concerned me. It stated that (unlike biological children) children adopted by British citizens are NOT automatically entitled to citizenship. I had also read that the application fee was non-refundable even if the passport is denied. So I decided that I needed to confirm if the children could get British passports before we sent off their applications.

After much hassle I was informed by the British Consulate in Chicago that the children were NOT entitled to British citizenship. As you can imagine this greatly disappointed me. Partly because they were not allowed citizenship, but more because they are being treated differently because they are adopted. These are my children, given to us as a gift from God and I was upset that my home country is treating them differently than any child that might have been born to us.

I was also disappointed as this meant we have to change our plans regarding how we move to England. But you know, this is only a hiccup - God knew that this would happen and just as important, He knows what will happen. He has called us to England and He WILL make a way. I just need to be patient and trust in Him - easier said than done - but I'm trying!

Michelle

Prayer Update

We really would appreciate your prayers at this time as we prepare for our move to England. We have updated our PRAYER link on the left sidebar.

Thank you

Michelle

A Surprise for the Kids

Last Saturday we managed to totally surprise the kids.

Brian lived in the room next to us at the castle and was a good friend to the children. They often went to his room just to see if he was home. So when he called to let us know that he was coming through St Louis and wanted to meet up with us we invited him to spend the night and decided not to tell the children. So last Saturday evening they received the big surprise.

They were all ready for bed and we were sitting down reading a book. Gary had left the door open for Brian to come in. When he walked through the door the kids just stared. Brian came into the room and started to greet them, but it took 4 or 5 seconds for the kids to realize who was standing in their house - then they went crazy!! Elaina started bouncing up and down and Nicholas fell off of his chair! Then the excited voices all joined together for a very loud and enthusiastic welcome, along with questions like "Mr Martin how did you get here?" and statements of disbelief "It's Mr Martin!!"

What else can I say except we thoroughly enjoyed his short visit and it was well worth keeping it a secret.

Michelle

SOLD!

We thank God that after many months of trying to sell our house it finally sold yesterday.

We also want to thank you for all your prayers for us regarding this matter.

Michelle

Van Trouble Again!

The van overheated when Michelle was on the way home from the hospital with Daniel on Friday night and they had to find another way home. A friend brought their van to her and told her to keep it for the weekend. I retrieved our van on Sunday and tore into it on Monday to find the problem. A friend and I took the front of the van all apart looking for the radiator fan relay. We finally found it! Then I drove all over town trying to find all the parts to put it back together again and still did not fix the problem. We were stumped. So, on Tuesday, I took it to a mechanic and we searched some more and found a broken power wire to the circuit (he had access to the wiring schematic). He was very busy so I told him I would pay him for diagnosing the problem for me and I would replace the wire. He told me I didn't need to pay him and sent me on my way. I got up this morning and replaced the wire and now the van is back on the road. Praise the Lord! He does provide even in small ways.

Gary

A visit to the ER

Daniel is physically a very healthy child, so when he started with a cough last week we didn't think too much of it. By Wednesday night he was needing breathing treatments to help with his cough. I didn't really start to be concerned until Friday afternoon when he put himself to bed because he didn't feel good. I went into his room to check on him. He was asleep, but breathing fast and had begun to have a fever. The doctor's office was already closed so I took him to the local Walgreens clinic. After the nurse practitioner examined him, she informed me his chest was too tight and he wasn't moving much air. She advised me to take him to the Emergency Room as she couldn't do anything for him there.

I took him to St Joseph's Hospital in Kirkwood, MO. Thankfully, it was a quiet evening there and he was taken straight to an examination room. After another breathing treatment, blood tests and x-rays the Doctor determined that he has pneumonia. After just 3 hours we were sent home with a prescription for antibiotics and he was instructed to take things easy for a few days. This hasn't been hard for him to do because he hasn't felt well enough to do much at all.

After hearing that he had pneumonia he asked me "Am I going to die?" He thought this sickness may have meant his death because he has listened to an Adventures in Odyssey tape about the Underground Railroad where one of the escaping slaves died from pneumonia. I was pleased to tell him about the wonders of medicine.

Today he is well on his way to a full recovery. His cough is much looser and he has more energy. We are seeing Daniel back to his normal self!

Michelle

Homeschool Freebies

I have recently come across a great website which links you to a free homeschooling resource each day. Click here to view their homepage.

Michelle

Our Unexpected Guest!!

Last Saturday evening we had invited a family of 4 over for dinner and were anticipating a relatively peaceful evening of fellowship. We did NOT expect guest #5!!

Daniel was in our bedroom and suddenly came running to the door

Daniel "Dad!, Dad! come here quick!"
Gary "Why? What is it?"
Daniel "I think I saw a snake"
Gary "Where?"
Daniel "In your bedroom"
Gary "Where in my bedroom?"
Daniel "Next to your bed! Quick Dad!"

Needless to say Gary got up to investigate - and the rest of us followed (behind him of course!). The pictures show what Gary found behind the cedar chest next to his side of the bed. A black snake almost 4ft long!!!

After catching it in our laundry basket Gary took it outside and released it. We tried to figure out how it got into our room and the only conclusion was that about 10 days ago the kids left the back door open overnight and it must have come in then. It wasn't pleasant to think that it had probably been wandering around our home for 10 days. I am just so glad that I didn't step on it when I got up with the kids at night - just thinking of that sends shivers down my spine!!

Before we went to bed that night Gary moved every piece of furniture in this house to make sure we had no more 'unexpected guests'. Thankfully none were found.

Michelle

So What's Next

So now we have completed our training with WEC what is next for the Northcutts?

We will be staying in the St Louis area for hopefully just a few months before we leave to serve in England.

We have many things to accomplish during this time. We have to finish work on the house we are living in, sell some things, pack other things; apply for British passports for the children; work through the red tape of obtaining a visa for Gary and all the other details involved in moving a family of 8 overseas.

Right now we hope to leave early in September, but we realize that God is in control of everything and we will leave when He is ready for us to go, which is not necessarily when we desire.

Michelle

Right Hand of Fellowship

After reading 8 books, surviving 4 interviews, attending at least 50 classes, working around the hill 3 afternoons a week and meeting with support groups and mentors we finally finished our Candidate Orientation on May 9th.  
On that evening we were accepted into WEC as full time missionaries. We had a time of worship, followed by a message from the Bible and finally a foot washing ceremony where our mentors washed our feet. Afterwards there were refreshments and a time for fellowship. Many of the candidates had family members or their pastors attend the ceremony. It was a wonderful evening which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. 
 

Our class had 11 people in it who are now preparing to go to serve in 7 different countries. It was a privilege to be in class with them and get to know them. We look forward to following their journeys and watching how the Lord will use them.

Michelle