almost here

We are amazed at God's faithfulness and goodness. We are excitedly wrapping things up here in cold Chicago and getting ready for the journey down to Tenancingo and settling into life on the other side of the border.

When Matthew stopped working at the end of August, we had 58% of our monthly support pledged and now we have 85%. We are still waiting to hear from a number of folks on a) whether or not they will be able to make a monthly commitment and b) how much they will pledge. Our estimate is that we are a little over 90% pledged. Throughout this past year the one time contributions that have been received as well as monthly donations which begun as early as March, 2007 have exceeded our budget for the transition expenses. The excess can be spread out over two years and should get us very close to 100% of budget.

During the last few months we have established contact with a few churches and families which might eventually develop into support partnerships in future months or years. We are very excited about getting started with the actual work and ministry we've been talking about for so long and so excited to have around 70 donors who are partnering with their generous financial support. In addition, there are many who have assured us of their desire to be praying for us as well as some who have made an occasional contribution - tangible reminders of God's faithful provision for each need.

As we go
we need prayer for:

• Diligence, clear minds and strength to pack and tie loose ends.
  
• God's favor @ the Mexican consulate in Chicago next Tuesday (11/25) 11 AM CST
• Travel safety - we'll be driving around 45 hours between Wheeling, IL and Tenancingo, Mexico in a span of 12 days.
• Good memories to be created on the long hours in the van.
  
• Safety on the Mexican roads, both for the vehicles and ill-inclined people.
• Quick adaptation to life in Mexico and acceptance in the community.

we praise God for:

• A supportive home church - they sent us out last Sunday with a special prayer time during the service. Our pastor ended the prayer time for us with these words: "... the Lord your God has commissioned you and has sent you forth and we as a church stand behind you in prayer and we bless you in the name of Jesus. Go forth in His power, in His strength, in His anointing, not in the flesh, but in the power of God for safekeeping until we meet again and God bless you in Jesus' name, Amen"
• Faithful provisions of the finances to go and to stay.
• The mom's group from Peoria who so generously provided many helpful things for our children and the long journey down.
• Friends who have helped construct and detail our trailer to be filled with boxes for the move.
• A co-worker who has patiently waited for the right time to take over our lease.
  
• Children who are not only at ease, but excited about this upcoming change.
  

Trailer is ready!

Here's what our new van and trailer look like. We just need to get it painted and we'll be ready to go. Now we have definite dimensions for what gets to come with us to Mexico. Either it fits in that wooden box and blue steel van you see in the picture, or it gets donated, gifted, sold or thrown out.

There are other logistical steps that need to get taken care of such as legal paperwork for Matthew to enter Mexico, registring the van there, getting addresses updated (thanks to our friends the Spencers who will be allowing us to use their US based address) and many other little details some of which are related to the kids' education and all of our healthcare.

Wrapping up Hewitt days (Matthew)

As of this coming Thursday, our wings of faith will be tested. Matthew will end his work at Hewitt after nearly 9 years. Lina will continue working there three days a week and we will begin to take on a small salary from International Teams, based on what is already coming in. We are entering what we hope and pray will be the last push to discover 40% of our ongoing monthly support. Our aim is to have all of the pledges by October so we can begin our travels early November. From Tuesday August 26, this is a mere 10 WEEKS!!

While in Tenancingo, the leadership team there helped outline a two-year plan for us. We liked the fact that we're being viewed as missionaries-in-training as this will allow a certain level of "weight" off our shoulders as we hope to be seen as folks who are gradually getting into the work being done there and in no way possessing any sort of mastery on the job. There will be a lot of reading, writing and practical ministry opportunities for both of us and we look forward to this aspect there. Stay tuned!

Many people have heard our story, our vision, our desire to bring the saving grace of Jesus to the lives of many in Tenancingo. Now, we are praying that decisions will be made by individuals, couples and families to get behind us and commit to a regular ongoing financial and prayer support. We need 25 more solid commitments. There have been some encouraging propositions which we will be addressing in September. Two involve churches, and in three occasions we will gather with multiple families and couples who might be inclined to join our team. Please keep us in prayer for this. Will you, reader, be willing to pray about your part?

Goodbye Futon!

This journey we are making as a family to Mexico has a definite impact on each of us. Recently, we realized how much it is touching our son Samuel's life. As a way to gradually get rid of furniture and things, we have begun posting some furniture items for sale. One of the first items was a futon which was actually given to us a few years ago. For the last few months, the kids have enjoyed climbing all over the futon, as well as laying on the top of the back side as they watched TV. Although both Lina and I had been talking about this plan, we had not looped the kids into the matter.

We found an interested buyer who ended up coming to take the futon while I was at work. Upon my return, Lina informed me that Samuel had been upset by the futon going out of the home. He was sad and even began to cry as he realized what was going on. My heart was touched as she shared with me how Samuel had reacted. I realized how the decisions we are making with our lives are having a big (and will have an even bigger) impression on our kids. We took this as an opportunity to remind Samuel how everything we have has been given to us by God and that "He gives and takes a way" but we will always "bless His name." (see Job in the Old Testament).

Even though we can't always exactly anticipate them, we expect situations like this will become more and more frequent. What a blessing to have real life situations through which to instruct and teach our children about the things that matter most. Please be remembering them in prayer as you think about it.