Well, after what seems like months of waiting, the time of our departure is at hand. No, not in the sense that the Apostle Paul meant it. We are not anticipating a departure from life itself, however, in so many ways, the life that I have known for the past 30 years or so is about to change in ways that I cannot even begin to catalog.
We are forever grateful to our many friends and family who have expressed their love, good wishes, and encouragement toward our family in this transitional time, and are most sincerely thankful for the many prayers that we know have gone up on our behalf.
To those of you who have not been able to encourage us because our path and decisions are too far from your ability to understand, we appreciate your willingness to overlook that which you have perceived as our foolishness as you have also joined in prayer for us.
Much has been accomplished in the past few weeks as Rachel and the children have diligently packed up and stored away most of our possessions adn the life that we have become so comfortable with. On the one hand, iti s a bit of a challenge to pack all that is important to us in 12 checked bags and one each carry on suitcase, yet, on the other hand, it is amazing exactly how many possessions will actually fit in that amount of luggage.
Our home is feeling very empty, especially, as my Rachel and our four children have left for an extended visit with family and friends in Tennessee and Mississippi.
Our departure time is fixed at 6 PM on the evening of May 27, 2009. We hope to be safely moved into our home in Siem Reap not later than Friday, May 29.
As I am home alone this week and next, I am faced with a number of projects which remain unfinished. Please pray that I will find the self discipline and attentiveness to complete those things which must be accomplished. The short list of items before me are: Gadget guy that I am, I need to rid myself of those items not necessary for the work that is before me and find a way to consolidate and stow my toys in a manner that will enable their transport. I need to finish cleaning and organizing my office which will house my library while we are away. I need to complete the remaining doctor’s appointments and travel documentation. I need to finalize the remaining billing and project handover for my secular job and make the necessary arrangements to allow my continued service to my company as I attempt to telecommute from our new home.
God willing, Iwill be in service with Luling church this weekend, and with Shiloh church of Stephenville, Texas the following week. We are looking forward to our final service with Luling church on May 24, as Elder Vince Hardy is scheduled to preach the gospel.
Again, please keep our family in your prayers.
Dear Jody and Rachel, I just found your blog and read about your move (taking place even as I write this–I’ve just stopped to pray and beg our Father to give you and the children sound, peaceful sleep during your flight and at every opportunity)and I’m so thrilled to learn of your plans-God’s plans, we trust, and your heart’s desires to honor Him in such a way. Praise to His Holy Name! We recently read through a copy of a work by Hudson Taylor which was such a blessing. Are you familiar–I mean really familiar with his work? I’ve been so blessed in reading about his life in the two volume biography and then this smaller work from his journals…he had a true heart for God uncommon among mere men. I will be praying that the Lord will bless you all–your entire family–with such hearts. Held by the cords of His love, Kathy Strevel
Joseph & Rachel and children,
We heard of your safe arrival and are so thankful for that.
Your sweet card came in the mail today, thank you!
Please tell Beth and Emily, Jeremiah and William that I said hi! and that I enjoyed their visit. We look forward to the next time we see you!
Praying God’s blessings on you all and the work there!
Much love,
Sis Kathryne