Packing Up Life

We have begun the process – the complicated, convoluted process – of packing.  Well, it’s more like packing and sorting.  It’s not tiring physically, but it takes a toll mentally.  We have to sort our things into three groups.  One group is stuff to get rid of permanently.  Most of our stuff will end up in this group because we can’t take it to Africa and it’s not worth the cost of storage.  One group is long-term storage, which I think explains itself.  The last group is regular stuff to keep and use and probably take with us.  However, the fact that we will be living in Alaska until (probably) June, then moving temporarily to Washington before going to Africa really complicates what that all looks like in practice.  I’m not really a fan of this process, but it is certainly an adventure.

In other news, we are working hard on strategy for support raising.  Support raising is a big part of missions work, but it’s our least favorite part, I think.  Actually, I imagine it’s everyone’s least favorite part.  However, we’ve been encouraged by all of the materials and coaching from MAF regarding this critical aspect of mission work.  We even did a brief Bible study on the Biblical foundations for support raising.  To ask for financial support knowing you can’t repay those who support you can be hard and discouraging, but when there is scriptural basis for it and you have prayed that this is where God wants you, it is very faith-building and encouraging!  We rest in God’s plan for our work with MAF and know that He will provide the support and we just have to get the word out there.  Have you thought if you’d like to be a part of our mission team and offer some support?

And then there’s the whole process of being pregnant.  I am very very excited to be welcoming another little one, but the first trimester is tiring.  Mine are next to nothing, especially when compared to other women who have horror stories, but still…it’s just one more thing!  I’m thankful that Levi is a good sleeper and we sleep in as a family (Matthew works late evenings) – I think that helps combat the tired.

I have so many blog topics in my head…are there any questions or things that you’d like to hear about?