OUR PART IS DONE

Well, the paperwork has been submitted. After much labor, time and two trips to Santa Monica, our visa paperwork has been submitted to the NZ consulate. Now it is in their hands. They say they will let us know within a few working days if there will have to be a medical assessment done. If so, everything has to be sent to NZ and a specialist will have to assess everything. That could significantly delay the process. But, if the Lord is pleased to move as we would desire, no further assessing will be necessary and we will have visa's within a few weeks. Pray that this would be so.

UP AND AT 'EM

Sometimes it's just that way. It's been a busy week, a great week and yet a week with some unexpected distractions. In the end, here it is Saturday at 7 and I've already been at it for a couple hours. PTL for His goodness and grace in getting me up and at 'em that I might get caught up on a few things.

On the visas - our paperwork is on its way here from NZ and we will get it to the consulate in LA this week, Lord willing. If all is well, they say we should have visa's within a month. We just may make it to NZ by the end of May... just in time for Impact, the annual shepherd's conference of NZ. It is organized and run by the folks where we will be, so it would be great to be there.

On the work - it is wonderful. I am really enjoying giving thought to the development of the program, as that is my role. Went to TMC this week to interact with those that know what they are doing - very helpful. Also had a good chat with Nigel in NZ via Skype.

On the home front - things are great. As far as we are concerned, being with Grandma and Grandpa has been great. Guess you would have to ask them how they are liking it!

Finally, been checking out Grooveshark while working. I am enjoying it, seems a great alternative to other internet radio and downloads. They have a great selection of "my genre".

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...