Taking the Next Step...

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10

If all goes as planned, this will be our last post from this side of the ocean. Lord willing we are boarding our red-eye flight Sunday night and will arrive in Madang, PNG Thursday afternoon - just in time for the annual field conference. With so many twists and turns to our departure plans over the last months we are actually looking forward to four days of international travel with three small children (hey, at least we know the end is in sight right...right?) Our bags are mostly packed - with only the last few odds and ends yet to go in. Phew!

There are a couple of things that we would appreciate your prayers for over the next few days:

• Goodbyes: it is never easy to leave those we love. Please pray for us and our families.
• Baggage handling: there are many ways that our things may 'disappear' along the way.
• Transition: although we have prepared our kids as best we can for the major changes that they will experience, they are sure to take a few weeks to adjust.
• Relationships: we are happy to be able to see some great friends during our layover in Manila. We are sure to feel that the short time is too short.
• Rest: pray with us that the kiddos sleep on the flights so that we can too.

Thanks so very much for your prayers! We know that we are not going out alone.

Nate for the family

PS: We have signed up for a Skype-In number (please email us for it) so you can give us a jingle for the price of a normal long-distance call. Please be aware of the time difference (count back 7 hours from PDT). If we are out, you can still leave a message.