ARRIVAL!

We have arrived back in Buna, TX from Greenville, SC. The trip back was about 14 hours. We got home about midnight last night. I don't need to tell you that it was a very LONG trip. Sad to say that in about a month, we will pack back up (this time for good) and drive another 20 hours to VA but we will stop to visit friends on the way and hopefully, I will get to see the Biltmore in NC before we go. We went right passed it on the way to SC but for some reason, we didn't realize it before hand and did not factor in time for it. Anyway, we had a great time in Greenville as we met the 87 other people who were appointed with us on Wednesday, March 18. It is incredible how you can meet people from all walks of life - laypeople, dental surgeons, pastors, seminary professors, stay at home moms, software I.T. guys - and we share such a sense of family and communion. We are all in the same boat - leaving family and friends, walking out into the Unknown but walking with indescribable peace. It is nice to be reminded that we are not alone as we prepare for overseas missions. Do you know what impressed me the most this week? I had somehow forgotten just how wonderful the staff, directors, vice presidents and even the president of the IMB are. They all have such beautiful hearts and are so willing to serve the Lord in their position. They had genuine concern and consideration for all of us. They prayed over us and prayed for our future. We (those new missionaries appointed) are truly heading out into Satan's territory and into the battle. Praise the Lord that we already know who has won the war, though. Many heartfelt thanks to the IMB. They truly are some of our most dedicated cheerleaders and prayer warriors.