Quick update

Thank you for your prayers. We got the van back on Wednesday afternoon, but as Gary was driving it home the engine light came on and he had to limp it home. So on Thursday he took it back to the auto shop, had to wait an hour or so for the owner to come back. They told him that he had to take it back to the place where the transmission was rebuilt. So Gary went back there and waited another couple of hours for them to fix a bad switch. So finally, Thursday afternoon we had a working van again.

The van saga (and the snow) put us a little behind schedule so today Gary and some friends were finally able to take the furniture to a lady and her neighbor who needed it. It feels good to have the house empty of most of the furniture. Slowly, but surely we are getting through the long 'to do' list.

The worst thing about having the house empty is that it echos terribly in here. As you can imagine the kids love to hear their voices, even louder than normal. The best thing about having the house empty of furniture is that the kids are enjoying 'camping' indoors. They get to sit on the floor to eat and they brought their mattresses into the family room to camp by the fire. No snakes or bugs with this kind of camping!!

 

Michelle

Our week isn't going as planned

It wasn't going to be a stressful week as we our days planned out and while they were busy, they weren't packed with too many things. But our week isn't going quite like we had planned.

Our challenges started on Sunday night when we became stranded on the way home from church because our transmission went out. We were very grateful for the friends that helped us get home that night and for the loan of a small truck until we get the van back. But the truck won't fit us all and with the 6 inches of snow we received over the last 2 days the truck won't get us anywhere right now. The temperatures are suppose to stay below freezing for at least 2 more days, so the snow isn't going anywhere fast. This doesn't make moving all of our furniture out (which we had planned to do tomorrow) very easy.

And just to top it off the kids are getting sick. Thankfully, it is just colds but Deanna is feeling pretty rough so she is tired and crabby.

I just have to keep reminding myself God is in control :-)

Michelle

Beginning Goodbyes

What special, yet emotional day we had yesterday. I started the morning strong but by the time I got to church and saw the faces of the people who we would be missing, the tears started to fill my eyes.

Despite the emotions we were really blessed during our day as we enjoyed a day full of fellowship including sharing lunch with Gary's Sunday School class.

During the evening service our Pastor prayed over us as we begin this new chapter of our lives. Following the service we enjoyed a fellowship including deserts and cake (above) with lots of our friends. Many had kind words for us and the emotions flowed as we hugged many and started our goodbyes.

It was a very special day, one I will treasure in my heart for a long time. First Baptist Church of Fenton will has truly been my adopted family while I have been in the States. They have been there for us through the tough times and celebrated with us through the joys in our lives. One dear friend said it so well "We have been through so much together"

It is hard to move on and leave family behind. But family will always be family no matter the distance between us. Thank you FBC Fenton for loving me and my family.

Michelle

Emotions are running high

With only 11 days to go emotions are running very high in this home. Gary and I continue to battle with the extremes of excitement, sadness and nervousness.

Please specifically remember the children in your prayers as they are so hyper and noisy. I have been receiving comments from them such as "I can't seem to get all my energy out". Consequently this is leading to some mild behavioral issues and they are having a really hard time concentrating on their school work. I have to admit I do look forward to regaining a schedule and routine in a few weeks :-)

Michelle

Our things are on the move!

This is the 100 cu ft (28 boxes) of our things to be shipped all packed up and ready to go!

The men (big and small) loading the truck!

What an incredible feeling to see the truck drive away with our belongings! They will be transported to the transfer station in the City of Saint Louis, moved to a road truck and hauled to Maryland, placed in an ocean container and put on a ship bound for England.
Lord willing we will see them again in about 6 weeks.

Gary

This is hard work

Today we continued sorting through our things. Anything that was broken was put into the dump trailer. I asked Elaina to put the chair in the trailer. Half hour later this is where I found her .... fast asleep!!

 

Michelle

Ahhh - I don't understand the dialect

I am a Brit, and while I know the language I certainly don't understand every dialect. This was so evident last week.

Gary was trying to book the mini bus to pick us up from the airport in England and couldn't figure out what the man was saying. He handed me the phone, assuming I would understand but I didn't have a clue!! It took four or five attempts before I finally caught on to what he was saying.

This move will really be an adventure!!

Michelle

Chaos and Tears

The packing has not been going quite as quickly as hoped. Tuesday we spent most of the day on the phone sorting out flights (which took about 4 hours longer than expected!!) so yesterday we resumed the packing with Gary packing his tools and the boys and I tackling their toys.

Every toy was looked at and they had one of five options for each. To put it in the shipping box (which they won't see for 4-6 weeks); put it in their suitcase; or their carry on bag; to place it in a box to give away or the trash. We got on well until they found toys they hadn't seen for a while, then they got distracted and wanted to play!!

Deanna had a very tough time when we placed an old broken rocking horse in the trash.

Today we attack the girls room!

Michelle

The Flights are Booked

Today the visas arrived and we booked our flights.

We will be leaving St Louis on February 3rd. Our plans include renting a 15 passenger van to take us to Chicago for an overnight flight to Dublin, Ireland. At Dublin we will have a 3 hour layover before catching a flight to Manchester, England. From Manchester we will be renting a mini bus to take us to our destination in Rothwell, Leeds.

Lord willing we should arrive in Rothwell by early afternoon of February 4th.

Michelle

It is 3:40 am ...

... and I cannot sleep. How is it possible for so many emotions to be running through our bodies at the same time? We are all excited ... sad ... nervous ... amazed ... and experiencing many other emotions that I cannot even name.

It is almost unbelievable that the day has come when we know (for sure) that we are going to serve the Lord in England. He has led us on a journey over the last few years to prepare us for this and we've been anxiously anticipating the approval of the visas, yet I struggle to believe they have finally been approved and we are really leaving. Leaving friends and family that have meant so much to me over the last 15 years, not to know when I will see them again.

To pack up our lives so that no trace of us remains, except for photos and memories, is a daunting feat. Yet, the excitement of the adventure that God has in store for us is indescribable. Intertwined with the excitement are many questions tinted just a little with fear. What challenges lie ahead? How will the children settle in England? What does life look like as an English wife and mother?

But, through every emotion I know God has directed our steps and I know He holds our future. With that knowledge comes peace.

I'm going back to bed, praying for sleep ... good night

Michelle

28 Days to enter England

This afternoon we received notice from the British Embassy informing us that Gary's and the children's visas have been approved.

We should receive our paperwork either tomorrow or Wednesday. Then we will book our flights.

Check back here in a day or two for further information.

Please keep us in your prayers as our goal for this week is to get everything ready for shipping. This is a hard process for all of us - especially the children.

Thanks

Michelle

Our Boys ...

Below are some recent pictures of our kids. I know I am biased, but I think the Lord has blessed us with some beautiful children.

Daniel (10)

 

Nicholas (7)

 

Jeremiah (5)

 

... And Our Girls

Elaina (9)

 

Naomi (7)

 

Deanna (3)