Nearly ready to go

The packing is nearly done, everything is almost in place.

Tomorrow morning we will be headed south on interstate 65 once again.

Over this weekend we were able to attend Monty's school reunion where he saw friends from long ago and touched base with them. The weather has been perfect, the chill in the air telling us all that is truly is fall. The colors in the trees, the leaves falling, all signs of God's beauty.

This morning we attended our home church where they all gathered around us in prayers for safe travel, for each of our needs to be met and for God to work through us as we go out to follow His calling. As expected, it was difficult for me to hold back the tears.

This afternoon we bid farewell to neighbors knowing each one will be watching over our place while we are away. I actually went out and cut down the last of the dead flower blooms, another sign of winter around the corner.

Yesterday I went to visit my daughter, son in law and 2 grandchildren. The baby is only 4 months old and I realized that the next time I see her she will most likely be crawling and have no idea who I am. I had hoped to see my son but that didn't work out. He lives about 2 hours north of us and owns his own business so his work hours are precious.

We were able to have breakfast with Monty's mother and stepdad and she joined us in church this morning. Another set of goodbyes.

It's this "in between" that tears at my heart strings. Still here but not fully and not yet there . . . sort of like stranded mid stream. I know the calling, I hear His voice, I feel the excitement of another new adventure, but . . . leaving is NOT easy and I know it never will be. But it's all part of it and we signed on for the long term, for the duration, for the "whatever and whenever and wherever."

Tomorrow morning will be the most difficult goodbye -- to my parents, especially my mother as we will have breakfast with her before leaving. I cannot express the blessings that I have enjoyed over this past summer with my family! Being able to just stop in and see what's going on, to have them stop by our trailer do to the same, my brothers at arms reach, my aunt joining us for lunch almost on a daily basis . . . I thank God for all of that -- and more!

I did find out some really exciting news ---although Diane will not be there when we arrive on Wednesday she will be returning the following Monday! Yes, the Vineyard Clear Lake Relief Camp has realized her own calling over the past few weeks and have asked her to stay on and take charge of their outreaches!!!! She had family committments back in Wisconsin and they agreed to fly her home and back --- because they love her as we do!!!! Isn't God amazing in how He knits people and lives together, over and over again! I am so thankful to Him for keeping her there to work with us once again!

As you can surmise from this we will be "off line" for the next few days. Please pray for us, for safe travel, for wisdom, for guidance, for strength, for you name it! YOUR prayers are what keep us going. We thank you for them, for those you have already prayed and for those you will pray in the future.

As soon as we arrive we will let you know. We hope you will be putting together a team of volunteers to come and work with us?!

Until next time . . . be blessed! Susan and Monty