Is it Worth It?

So, many have heard about the dilemma of our dog. We of course love her and she is a part of the fam, but there is quite a process to get her to NZ. So we are in the process and all going well, she will be off to NZ June 15, so she can spend a month in quarantine upon arrival. Quite a process indeed!

Is it worth it? Absolutely!

Not that we're begging for affirmation - but, isn't she cute? She has never taken good photos, but these are great and the cuteness is really in her personality.

OK, here's another shot.

BACK TO WORK

Well, we've made it through most of the sorting and finding what we need. So, today we are back at it - only a bit differently. Micah was back at the school work, Traci at the teaching Micah, supervising and cleaning and Greg, well that's what's different. Greg is now in the have laptop, have office category and is focused on the NZ ministry. Some good progress has been made on development ideas for TSBC, we trust it will come together well and be a blessing.

Haven't heard from our NZ Immigration helper, we trust things are progressing.

On Friday, Greg and Micah stopped by the Fontana house some minor changes out front already and we sure didn't envy them having to move in on Saturday in the midst of one of the Fontana winds.

Well, off to more of the list of to do's.

FROM A HOUSE TO A ROOM

Well, we made it! Our house closed, we moved out, we sold stuff, we gave stuff and we packed stuff and moved stuff. Now we are fitting our stuff into a storage unit - those things we plan to keep, but don't need immediately, and into a room - at Greg's parents where we have the privilege of calling home for now. Apologies for the delayed posting, but you can imagine what fun it has been going from a house to a room. Greg is still packing his office at the church, then it will be a reorganization of the storage so we can fit it all in.

On the visa's, we have heard our paperwork was in very good order and so now we await NZ Immigration for approval. Thanking the Lord for all His goodness to us!

BLESSINGS

Sunday was great - Russell Hohneck from NZ preached at CCC and it was well received. The congregation seems excited and amazed with us to have such like minded partners. Monday we (CCC elders) interviewed a music minister candidate and he is now candidating. Tuesday we heard that our visa paperwork made it to the NZ lawyer who is helping. The packing continues - today there was some help for Traci from Sandy A, while I begin putting together the training ministry ideas at the office. We still plan to be out of our house by March 21 - it should be a busy 10 days!

CONFERENCES, PACKING, AND...

Saying goodbye to many possessions, we have also been busy with sorting what is to be kept. Greg has had the privilege of attending the TMAI symposium, followed by the Shepherd's Conference. Such a blessing it has been to be around the men we used to work with from around the world. Now to be partnering with GMI and to go as missionaries is an immeasurable joy.

While Greg has been busy with the conferences, Traci has been diligently packing and caring for the home. The house is due to close escrow next Friday (3/12). We are due to move out by the 20th. Along the way we are seeing the Lord also provide takers for many of our things.

One special opportunity happened yesterday. We listed a couple things on Craigslist and for one of them were contacted by a couple from Idaho. They were going to be in So Cal for another purpose and asked to come by and have a look. Through correspondence it was discovered that are brethren in Christ and were excited to hear of what the Lord is doing with us. Well, they came and not only bought the advertised item, but also a couple other things. Not only that, they also wanted to partner with our ministry!

Tomorrow we say goodbye to ministry partners from New Zealand after they preach and share in the ministry at Christ Community. We have completed our visa paperwork and will Lord willing send it with them back to New Zealand to begin the visa approval process.

Praising the Lord for His goodness and guidance...

Home Inspection

Well, this morning the home inspector came for the inspection. Armed with camera, clipboard and and an attention to detail, he set about taking pictures, noting this and that and doing what an inspector does. Also along came the buyer, their renter (a relative) and their realtor. Traci had opportunity to chat with the ladies (the buyer and sister-in-law, who'll be renting), while the men tagged along with the inspector. The ladies had opportunity to chat about schools, parks, stores, and the like. The inspector was very impressed by our home (PTL). Yet another example of how our good and great God has gone before us. The realtor and buyer sat at our plastic folding table (now our dining table) and signed documents. (Remember, I mentioned that our furniture is flying right on out of the house...such was the case with our dining room set)? The buyer himself purchased a massage chair we had for sale...and he left it here (which means, we can use it until we move).

WE'RE NOT CRIMINALS AFTER ALL!

The long awaited FBI clearance arrived in today's mail! While brief, it stated that we have no criminal history! Yee Ha! Next week, we'll set about trying to find a medical facility to perform the necessary medical exams. Our household belongings continue to fly right on out of the house. Soon, we'll begin packing!

Thanks for your interest in this journey and of course for your prayers!