4 days and counting! (It's finally here)

Tuesday evening in Delaware the goodbyes continue and simply we're exhausted. . . our son loves to wake up every 1/2 hour at night and well during the day we've been trying to get the last of everything that we need to get accomplished before we leave on Saturday, done . . . So, here I am coming to this incredible digital community of friends and family asking for your prayers. . .

As we anticipated the past few weeks have been full of everything. The further we journey, the more we continually experience "everything" to seem to be moments of both "the good, the bad, and the ugly"! However, we also have come to realize that we have a choice in each of these moments. . . In other words will we choose "joy" or not. It's true as C.S. Lewis says that, "joy is the serious business of heaven", and if we are active partners of His "kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven" than there is no doubt that we are going to experience some "serious business", and it's up to us to "consider it pure joy", right? Well, I guess this is truly what we try and do even in the midst of . . . my dad being admitted into the hospital as well as my nephew nearly simultaneously last week with horrendous illnesses, our children having trouble sleeping, my bike getting stolen, our loaner car breaking down, our first two sets of tickets getting canceled, and a bunch of other stuff . . . Yet, strangely and maybe not so strangely enough these "trials" we seem to be facing have also been laden with numerous incredible moments of exuberance. . . and again affirmation of our move like the fact that we have the necessary employment needed, housing is seeming to come together, and much more you can read about in our "update newsletter". If your interested in one of these incredible newsletters which most likely won't come out for at least another 6 months, so get 'em while their hot, right?! Just email us and leave us your email address so we can get one out to you ASAP.

We've also had the opportunity to speak twice at two incredible churches about our stories as well as what lies ahead for us and our family in our move to Asia. Thank you Leonardtown, Maryland Church of the Nazarene and Laurel, Delaware Church of the Nazarene. It was a blessing to make new friends at Leonardtown, as well as reconnect with one of our most faithful fellowship groups at Laurel. Blessing and mercy be upon you all this coming year as you serve in His kingdom. It was a great honor to share with you all. Thank you.

Lastly but not leastly, we had an incredible wonderful opportunity to dedicate/Cristen our baby boy at my folks' home. . . which at this time in our life was the best place we could have chosen- a true sanctuary! Despite the tumultuous time with the even t being laced with anxiety due to the fact that my dad was still in the hospital the morning of the dedication, it ended up being a glorious day celebrating our Father's faithfulness in bringing both my dad and my nephew home as well as the life of our baby boy- Jeremiah! This was a true picture of what William Vander Hoven said, "Life need not be easy to be joyful. Joy is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ." And needless to say, He was and is present!

Thank you Espada/Whetstone/Murray family, ALL 20 of you who were here! Your presence truly was more of an encouragement than you could ever imagine! We are blessed to have such a supportive and even more, loving family. . . We look forward to seeing some of you in Asia just like we did in Italy! Right?!

Until next time, which could be in our new country home in Asia, "Be still, and know that I am God!" or as another possible literal translation from the Hebrew might be. . .

"Have leisure (play), and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10). Now, go do it!