It's Official

On Tuesday we found out that we are now officially approved to be sent out by our church. As soon as they have an account for us, we can officially start fundraising. This has been something we have needed to start but could not until we had the formal approval. Once we have information about our account we will be sending out support letters. Please pray that God would supply the funds we need to raise.

Car Wash Fundraiser

Our Esperanza Viva short term mission team had our car wash today to raise funds for our mission trip. It was a gorgeous day with the sun shining and the cold water from the hoses actually felt wonderful. For those that don't live in the northwest, sun shining is a combination of words that has not been used much since last summer. We had such a great time and our team washed 60 cars in five hours. By the time 2:00 rolled around, we were all exhausted.

Jonathan and Erin each had a friend with them. The kids were awesome helpers. I don't think we could have done it without them. I made sure to put sun screen on the kids, or so I thought until the end of the day. I put sun screen on everyone but Jonathan. He is quite burned on his face and neck tonight. I felt so bad. Other than that, it was a very successful day.

Good-bye Gordy

This evening we had to say good-bye to Gordy,our puppy. He had an aggressive tendency and we thought we had it under control but today he bit one of Jonathan's friends on the face. Fortunately he did not break the skin but it was the last straw. We called the breeder to see if she knew of anyone who would like him and she said she knew of several people who might take him. So he is gone from our family now but not from our hearts. The kids are taking this pretty hard. It didn't hit Jonathan until this evening when we came home and Gordy wasn't here. Both kids got to say good-bye but it doesn't make it easier. We will miss him.

School's Out!

Well, the 2007-2008 school year if officially over for us. We ended last Friday and the kids are so sad.... not! They are already enjoying the freedom of being able to play and not hit the books every morning. I have decided we will continue doing some math throughout the summer so that we don't lose what we learned.

Now it is time to start planning for next year. Next year we are changing curriculum. Erin will be doing a computer schooling and Jonathan will be doing what is called Life Pacs. I prefer Erin's because it makes the lesson plans up for you. I guess that means I only need to write up lesson plans for one. Jonathan will be doing Spanish on the computer though. I have been working through the computer programs for Spanish so that I know what they will be covering. Not only am I doing review by doing this, I am also learning more. I am now into studying my Spanish everyday. It is a commitment I must make to be prepared for next year when we move to Mexico. It's hard but it is also fun.

On Monday we sign papers for the sale of our beach house. It will no longer be ours. It is bitter sweet. We know it is necessary for our future but it is sad to see it go. God will bless though, we are sure of that.

Well, that's all for now. Check back later.

The Preparation Continues

Time seems to be moving faster and faster. It is now just over ten months before we move to Mexico. God is so good and we are excited about this new chapter in our lives as we follow His leading. In the excitement, we are beginning to feel the sacrifice. Two years ago we bought a beach house in Lincoln City, Oregon. On June 18, it will no longer be ours. We have sold it in preparation of our move and this past Monday Jim and I drove down and loaded a truck with all of the furniture and stuff and moved it back to Portland. We are so thankful that God allowed us to have it as it had been a dream of Jim's. God is good and we know that he has so much more in store for us.

More of a sacrifice is leaving our children and grandchildren. We have lived away from our them before, but Kristen, Taylor and the grand kids just moved back to the Portland area last December. We cherish every moment we are able to have with them right now. In fact, I just finished watching Dylan, Brooklyn and Preston while Kristen and Taylor went to his sister's graduation. It was a wonderful time and it does bring sadness that I won't have that after April of next year. But again, we willingly follow God's lead and His calling on our lives. We know that we will see each other again and we will cherish each moment we have while we are still in the states. We will also be leaving James behind. We don't see him as often as we would like right now, but we enjoy watching him move up in his job and seeing the man he is becoming.

So, as we continue to prepare and make sacrifices, we cling to what God has in store for us. Please pray for us as we continue to plan and prepare.

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