31 May 2011

Time to get serious.


We are literally days away from flying around the world.  To a different continent.  A different climate, culture, and language. We are slightly intimidated and very excited.   However, this post is not about what is yet to come but rather to say thanks to our family.  This past weekend we went home to say good bye to our family.  It's odd because we have gone 2 months without seeing family in the past, but just knowing that we are on the other side of the planet makes 2 months seem a little longer.  We talk often of how blessed we are to have family on both sides that love, support, and encourage us.  Here are just a few snapshots of our beautiful family.

Mom, Dad, Lori, and I


Jack, Ruby, Colin, Silas, Calvin, and Jake (Evan is face to screen with the TV thus not in the pic, he's our oldest nephew)

My brother Cory displaying his athletic prowess by riding a toddlers bicycle over a mile.  Well worth the $10 I never paid him.

Mindi and Dustin

My brother Cory and his wife Shannan and their oldest, Calvin

My sister Lindsey and her husband Kevin with their youngest, Macy.

My sister Jamie and her husband Matt

Uncle Terry and Aunt Donna

Caitlin enjoying New Buffalo Beach (and the 40 degree water)

Jace

Me, Dad, Mom, Jeremy, Annie, Caitlin, and Larry (Lori's dad)

Family picture at Redemak's
Somehow, my mother-in-law Bev managed to avoid any photos this weekend! She's pretty sneaky like that!
 We tracked down a photo of my mother in law.

25 May 2011

The Final Countdown.

It's hard to believe that after months of praying, studying, and preparing that we are a mere 8 days away from a our internship in Burkina Faso, Africa.  We are hoping that this blog will be useful to those of you who wish to follow how God is using us among the Burkinabe people.

We first off want to thank all of those who have been such a crucial part of making this possible.  Those who have prayed for us, encouraged us, or financially supported the internship we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.  The last year has been incredibly challenging and we are grateful for the friends and family that have come along side us and encouraged us to continue to pursue Christ.  We know that God is in this.


Here is a brief snapshot of what the next couple of months hold in store for us (aside from flights, all dates and plans are flexible):

June 2-6: Pre-Departure training in Indianapolis
June 6: Departure date (Indianapolis --> D.C. --> Brussels --> Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso)
June 7-21: Language learning
June 22-July 12: Living/working on the Resource Farm
July 13-August 3: Participate in Chronological Bible Storytelling, church planting, and water rehabilitation

Although we may not be professional bloggers, we really want to keep you updated on how things are going this summer (as often as the internet connection allows).We are eager and excited to worship beside our Burkinabe brothers and sisters in Christ!