11 days and counting

       It is hard to believe we are just 11 days away from going back to PNG. The prospect seemed so bleak for so long, but God is in control and He acts in His own time. We are in the process of sorting through everything and deciding what stays, what goes and what to give away. It really doesn't seem like it would take very long but when you multiply it by 8 even the smallest task turns into a chore.
     We are grateful for all the things you have given us to take back. Each one of these items makes our lives a little easier. We still need quite a few things as you can see by the “Wish list” on the right side of the blog.
      They will be packing the shipping container at the JAARS facility in Waxhaw, NC on July 10th so we have to have everything packed, labeled, and listed before then. My Dad and I are planning on taking everything up on Tuesday the 9th (next week).  I am looking forward to doing that together. We are also going to visit my grandmother’s farm in York, SC while we are up that way. I have not been there in many years.
     I know some of you have expressed interest in helping with the remaining items. It would be great if you could get whatever you have to us by Saturday July 6th so that we have time to pack and label everything properly.
     On a totally separate note the 4th of July is just a couple of days away. It is one of my (Matt) favorite holidays. We arrived just in time for it last year. the kids had a great time. It was probably the first time that they were old enough to shoot fireworks themselves. When they started seeing the fireworks stands around town this year they asked if we could buy some fireworks to shoot this year. Being my favorite holiday and so close to our departure date how could I refuse. We are planning on buying them on the 4th and having our own little show an Nana and Papa’s house. We don’t have fireworks in PNG so this will be our last chance for 3 years.
     Thanks again to all of you who have made our return trip possible. Keep praying.