Tuesday, July 27, 2010
GETTING READY TO GO

Well we are almost there. We ran into a few baggage issues with the new airline rules. Our tubs that we used in 2007 are now an inch and a half too tall. We can still use them but at a cost of $90 per tub. I called to ask for ‘grace’ on the inch and a half...the airline rep told me that even if the president of their company brought in a tub an inch too tall the fee would still apply. So Jeanette and I scrambled to repack the tubs into new tubs. We almost have them completed. Should be done tomorrow!
We also know that Susan has arrived and is safe. We have not heard anything regarding the Lyall family yet. They left on Sunday night and should be there already.
 

Wednesday, July 28, 2010
ONE MORE DAY

Wow, isn’t it amazing how much you can get done the day before you are suppose to leave!!  It has been action packed with making our last changes to the bin situation, getting my bag to shrink in weight to under 50 lbs., getting my robe folded and ready for my sermon on Sunday at the Cathedral church in Nairobi, along with all the gifts to dignitaries wrapped and loaded.

Went to bank to withdraw money that was series 2008 or newer as there is counterfeiting in Africa of American bills older than 2008.

My wife is an incredible gift from God to me.  She has organized all the bins with packing lists, and more importantly organized the Singer troops who are remaining on American Soil.  She also was up every hour last night with Rachel who was sick throughout the night.  We prayed today that she recovers and that no one else decides to share in her suffering.

Last night Jeanette and I were at Til Tuesday and the topic was on fear.  There certainly are things in the news right now that could cause concern.  But my hope, confidence, and trust in the Lord is a firm foundation for me.  He has known each of my days before even one of them comes into being.  Ps. 139

Well that is it for now...got finish packing my carry on now.  We covet your prayers and will pray for you as well.

Looking forward to the opportunity of Skyping back to church this Sunday.  Ken Pummill has done an incredible work to get us set up for it in the auditorium.  Of course being in Africa we may not be so guaranteed an internet connection...but we are going to go for it!   So I can say, see you at church on Sunday!
 

Thursday, July 29, 2010
SAYING GOODBYE

Well we got everyone where they needed to go!!  We both got teary eyed when we left the kids, especially when after running in the house they realized we were leaving and came running out for one more hug...that really started the water works!

We got to church and loaded up and Dr. Jay and his wife showed up with our ‘ride’.  A long stretch limo...able to carry the 16 pieces of luggage and 6 passengers all crammed in!  What a treat!

When we got to the airport my nervousness really kicked in as all I wanted to do was to make sure those crates were gonna make it.  Thank you for all of your prayers...they worked.  All the crates got on and zip tied.  Be so glad when they show up in Nairobi and when we check them through customs.

Unfortunately, Dr. Jay could not get his compressor through.  After three supervisors and some persuasive arguing, and finally begging and pleading they would not permit us to take the compressor since they could not see straight through the canister.  We left it behind and are now praying we can find and purchase a compressor in Nairobi.  It is a crucial piece for Dr. Jay’s work there.

Rob was great at the airport and his wife took the compressor home so we wouldn’t lose it to airport haz-mat.

Jackie, Karrie, Frances, Cindy, and Jason were at the gate.  After a long check in process we made it through.  Hanah and Logan were so excited to get on the plane.  We were delayed and hour and forty five minutes.

The flight was good, we are now sitting in Heathrow Airport.  Starbucks is our friend as we slept very little.  Poor Jason at 6’7” had to be removed with a can opener from his seat position!  (to his kids I want you to know that was a joke).

The girls are now shopping and we have three hours for the next flight to Nairobi. 

The group is already starting to take on a feeling of unity as the miles away from our usual identities bring us together to form a new Mission Identity!  This group is alot of fun and I am excited to get there and get to our work.

The LORD is so amazing.  He controls even the strongest of storms.  My wife witnessed a lightening storm from her window seat high above the clouds.  She shared her faith with me again as she mentioned how amazing it is that God controlled that amazing electric light show!!

I am so thankful to have this opportunity to be apart of the LORD’s work.  I am very thankful to all the staff and family who helped us get everything ready!  Especially our administrative assistants, Shannon Beshara and Jennifer Stoehr.  It takes a whole team to do this kind of work!  Thanks also to Nancy, Caroline, Sue, and John who helped get phones and finances all in line.  Special thanks to everyone of you who helped this team financially to make the trip.  I carry the last check for the land purchase and will dedicate the land when I am over there at a special ceremony!

I also pray today for Pastor Tim while I am gone and am looking forward to trying to connect with him and the auditorium services through Skype on Sunday. 

(Singer kids...we love you and miss you already...love Mom, Dad, and Hanah.   Groves, Logan is such a wonderful kid and we are enjoying her and Hanah together so much.  Thanks for lending her to this opportunity!)