The Transition Continues - Whetstones Returning to USA in 2 Weeks

Here on our nine year anniversary we write with mixed emotions but an unwavering faith in the One who continually takes care of us! As the title says... We're still in the midst (at least we feel) of an ongoing transition. After much prayer and guidance from some trusted mentors, we've decided to return to the states. For those interested in seeing some pics right away and then of course come back and read what we have to say click here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=217725&id=723792783&l=f83fc419f0

Long story short...

After the many rejections and the continuous struggle to find employment that fit our

family, what we hoped to participate in and what the Naz church hoped to accomplish with us too, it just seemed like we were going to be stretched too thin especially with our growing family. So, we felt that this was probably the best time and the best decision we could make.

There is no question that we still have a strong calling to cross-cultural work. We also have a strong faith in our church and look forward to how we will serve Him through this family in the near future. Are we sad, disappointed, confused, nervous, excited, hopeful, and stressed? Yes, yes, yes, and basically, yes to everything. We'll be leaving behind new friends and plans, hopes and dreams for our future here.

At times it's easy to doubt one's work, especially in ministry. We tend to have these "gauges" that we like to measure our "kingdom work" by and every time I begin to do this, the Lord drops grenades into my life and blows up these measuring tools. After the blast and once the dust has settled, I'm reminded clearly by my Lord, that we've been about His Kingdom work, no matter what our "gauges" may tell us.

He reminds me through the friendships that we've made and the grace that seems to flow from them, that His work is much bigger than what I may see! This lesson is continually humbling and affirming. Here's just a glimpse of our affirmation that Singapore was part of His plan and the reminder of the amazing "family" that we had established here in Singapore:

A few ladies at our apartment complex are throwing Danielle a farewell party... One of Natalie's classmate's mother is throwing Natalie a going away party... Tim's soccer team gave him an appreciation gift for playing with the team and being a "role model"... The pastor of the church we've been attending is going to take time our last Sunday to pray over us and bless us... Friends who helped us find our apartment took us out for a going away lunch. . . Email addresses have been exchanged, stateside visits have been planned, friends have helped with our packing and cleaning... And much more.

Finally, we'd like to thank you. Thank you for not only believing with us but believing in us. So, it is to you, to whom we owe so much we could never repay, that we say

Thank You! I guess this is the lesson in grace that our Father keeps teaching us.

So, as we move forward, despite yet another road of ambiguity ahead, we go in the grace and knowledge that He has promised and given us; "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).

We're honestly not sure when the next time we'll blog is as we plan to be stateside by June 1. These next few weeks will be busy making all the necessary arrangements needed for this long journey. So, we leave you with our requests:

1. Pray for our kids. Natalie is already refusing to say "goodbyes", especially to her friends. Even though she is excited to see family she's struggling as a 3 1/2 year old does.

2. Pray for Danielle. Now at almost 6 months pregnant... well if you need to know just ask any mom.

3. For strength in making all the necessary arrangements as many of these will have to be made late at night since this is the only time that we (Mommy and Daddy) can seem to get work done without our children going berserk!

4. For the 24 hour long travel back to the US. (Note: if you'd like our stateside address just write us an email.)

5. For the "next step" that lies ahead for us in ministry. That it would be evidently clear from the Lord.

6. For our families - whom we will be bombarding until our "next step" is made. Which most likely won't take place until after the baby is born in September.

7. For our friends here in Singapore. We know that many of these will be life-long!

8. For Natalie's last week of school.

9. For our finances. (If you'd like to know more about this you can write us personally.)

10. For Daddy and Mommy - emotionally, spiritually, and physically. We're already tired in all three areas even as we cling to our Strength - Christ. (Matthew 11:25-30)

Finally, "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps"!

Cheers and thank you from Singapore - one last time! We'll write more from the other side of the planet next time, but until then enjoy this last little video of Nat Rollerblading . . .