where we are

we want to go but we don't want to leave.  that's been the phrase in my heart and head these past few weeks.  we want to be obedient.  we want to follow where the Lord is leading us (and OH has He shown us that the path we're on is HIS path for us!).  we are excited for what is to come....but man, oh man, the thought of leaving is quite difficult (understatement of the week)(along with "i'm not a fan of forms, policies and procedures related to the GA Department of Revenue." that would be an understatement.)(here are few things - on a very short list - i'm GLAD that i'll no longer be responsible for once we're in Africa:  G-1003s, W-3s, 1099s, 1096s, G-7, Quarterly 941s, DOL-4s).

(just a quick side note:  i don't want to write this blog in the first person...but i don't know of any other way to do it at this point.  so it's going to be from me on behalf of "us".  here's hoping that other members of the family will post -- and at times it will certainly be more "we" focused than "me" focused)(now there's a lesson..."more we than me...")

as far as "where we are" -- we're HERE.  we're abiding in Him daily.  we're seeking to be fully present at 2215 19th Ave...all the while, preparing to head to Texas June 8th ish.  i'm not quite sure the "plans" for the summer -- not sure how long we'll be in Texas/when we'll actually leave for Africa/etc.  everything that needs to happen is happening....kind of...it all kind of feels "limbo-ish" -- just hanging...nothing is settled...but things are happening....God IS at work....

with TAs - applications for our jobs are being received, instructions are being written down (very detailed instructions!), God is at work providing funds (TAs just received a very significant grant from the Columbus Office of Crime Prevention!), we're getting ready for the 25th Celebration/Family & Friends Night next week (keep praying!)

with our house -- we've got a family who really wants to buy our house!!!  we've got a strong verbal commitment (nothing in writing - but we trust them quite a lot!!!).  they need to sell their place - and there's someone interested in it....so lots of maybes....but good stuff going on! (keep praying!)

with our cars -- nothing definite...possibilities out there....(keep praying!)

with our stuff -- we still use most of it on a regular basis (ie - we can't get rid of our bed because we need to sleep in it)...so no yard sale is possible yet - but that will come (i suppose we'll be able to know more of a time frame for a yard sale once we know a closing date for our house....) (keep praying!)

with support raising -- that will really get going in a few weeks after the TA event.  this is an area that my mind keeps trying to be anxious about - but God keeps reminding me that He is the same this week as He was last week (last week - and all prior weeks! - i've had tremendous peace about God's provision for us!  this week the anxious thoughts have been trying to creep in.  they need to back off.). (keep praying!)

God continues to confirm and encourage and bless us in this process....just today we've had someone offer to do what could be a very significant fundraiser for us - talk about "immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine" -- i didn't ask for or imagine that one!!! 

and in a week when the anxiety and fear tries to creep in, He sends me words like "do not fear change...find your security in me alone."  and in the very moment when i'm really wondering if we're supposed to leave TAs, He sends a song that says "the same God who lead you in will lead you out...take all your fear and doubt, go ahead and lay them down.  The same God is with you now." 
 
and the same God is with YOU now.  and He will be with each of us every step of the way (no matter where that way takes us....).

Surely there will be more to come.