Happy 2012! My hope is that you had a blessed Christmas and New Year celebration filled with sweet memories and special times with family and friends. This Christmas was extra-special as my family and I enjoyed just being together and making memories that will last through the next few years until I am able to be with them again. I have an incredible family who has been so faithful to love and support me throughout my life. I will miss them terribly and am already experiencing the grief of saying goodbye. Please be thinking of us during this time! I know that he will comfort us and be all that we need as we part company for a season - but it is still difficult.
So much has been happening in the last few months - exciting things! I have a departure date set: February 3rd! It's hard to believe that I have less than a month left here in the States. There is still much to do! He is so good to provide all that I need. Thank you to those of you who are standing with me on this journey. I appreciate the love and support that has surrounded me through the many years of training and preparation. I am excited to take this next step with you as we follow his leading!
I will do my best to keep you updated as I make the big move and get situated into my new "home". My love and thoughts will be with you all - even from Asia!
Looking Back
A year in review
January—March: Finished Linguistic course in Oklahoma
April: Traveled to TX, MS, AL, and TN to visit friends and develop financial partners
May—August: Spent time with family and friends, developed financial partners, hosted fundraisers, lots of paperwork, received passport
September: Started online Teaching English course, celebrated Travis’ 18th Birthday!
October—November: Traveled to MS and FL to speak at conferences, continued to develop financial partners, helped with 5k run fundraiser in TX, more paperwork
December: Spent time with family, still more paperwork, officially financially released to head to Asia, started visa process, had a wonderful Christmas with my family, celebrated the Twins’ 16th and Emily’s 25th Birthday!
Looking Ahead
What’s next?
January-Week 1: Finalize paperwork, send in visa application, order necessary supplies/items to take to Asia, celebrate Tyler’s 21st Birthday!
January-Week 2: Continue online Teaching English course, final preparations, book plane ticket
January-Week 3: Finish online Teaching English course, organize and pack away things that will remain in the US
January-Week 4: Organize and pack my life into 3 suitcases, final preparations
February 1st: Say final farewell to my dear family, fly to Houston, TX
February 3rd: Fly from Houston to Asia
February: Get adjusted to my new home, begin language learning, continue to trust Him!
Snapshots of the past few months:
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| Silas in his Christmas best! |
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| The "Lights Before Christmas" at the Toledo Zoo |
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| Having fun at the zoo |
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| Mystery Party for the Twins' Sweet 16! So much fun! |
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| Left to right: Tyler, Me, Christian, Faith, Travis |
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| My dear friend and co-worker April |
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| Making shirts for the 5K run fundraiser back in Nov...what a project! |
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| The 5K was a huge success! Over $6,000 was raised! |
