Appointed!!!

After an intense morning - we stood before the board, presented our testimonies, answered questions, and then stepped outside to wait for them to make their decision. We were elated when Dan Branda (Director of ABWE Mobilization) hugged and congratulated us as officially part of the ABWE family. We are now prefielders. Our recognition service was web casted and we heard from some family and friends that were able to watch. Thanks so much for all the encouragement.

One (small) fun moment was when Pastor John and Betty took us for a 10 minute free riding tour of the Hershey factory. They gave us yummy samples at the end. I have to admit that I'm happy ABWE is close enough to Hershey, PA that I might get to visit again.

Kidless for 11 days

So, Andy and I are taking our next step in pursuing mission work in West Africa. We just finished the first day of Candidate Seminar and have enjoyed it, I think. (Currently, I'm sitting on the bed typing this while Andy is snoring - and it's only 7:30PM - it was a long day yesterday.)

I got ready for bed last night and then hooked myself up to the breast pump. The pumping is my only real reminder (besides just memories of course) that I have kids. We realized that except for a short night in Louisville last August (while I was pregnant with Silas and Nora was being taking to ER in Anderson) we haven't been off work and alone together in 2 years. Woah. It was such a weird, good, giddy feeling to be alone together. I feel good that I can keep pumping because it helps me feel like I'm still somehow taking care of my kids even though I'm far away. I kind of miss them, but not too bad yet. And, they're in good hands having a blast with the grandparents.

It's going to be a long 11 days since we're going to be filled with lots of pre-field information, interviews, and finally a presentation to the ABWE Mission Board for final approval - but, I'm loving my Andy time. And, I'm loving my time befriending the other candidates.

I'm not sure what my life story will look like when in 10 years I look back to see what's happened, but I do know that God is a great master at weaving our lives together to complete His plan. I'm pumped, totally excited, and maybe a tiny bit afraid of what's to come. I'm ready to do something radical for the Kingdom, but I'm also praying to be used right here and now where I am.