Home Assignment in Review

I've decided to let the old blog rest in peace (as it has been doing for a couple of years now) and start fresh with a new blog as we prepare to head back to PNG.

Our family is in transition again.  We're packing bags, getting in those last visits with family and friends, and tying up the loose ends.  Now that Christmas is over, it's time to really focus on getting ready to head back to PNG.  Our home assignment is almost finished.  Our jobs, co-workers, home, and dog are awaiting our return to PNG.

As news and magazines often do a year in review this time of year, I thought it fitting to do our "home assignment in review"  So, what HAVE we been doing for the last 6 months? Well, here are some highlights...

June 30: arrive in the US, tired but excited about seeing family and friends.

July: Got settled in our temporary home; went camping with family; Sydney and I had an awesome chance to visit dear friends in Maui.

August:  Sydney and Calvin had a great opportunity to attend summer camp for a week.  Traveled to Oregon to see family and friends.

September:  Stood alongside family as we said goodbye to Grandma Jonnie (who is now rejoicing in heaven)

October: Traveled to Soutern CA and had a great visit with a supporting church, famly, and friends.  We also met some great new friends on this trip.

November: Traveled again to Oregon.  Spent thanksgiving with my family.  The kids got to see snow!

December:  Celebrated with Chad's family and enjoyed the holidays in the US.

Jan 10th:  We head back to PNG for the next 3 1/2 years.

All along the way we have been meeting people, reconnecting with others, sharing formally and informally with others about the work we do in PNG, connecting with churches and other groups of people.  It's been exciting and exhausting at the same time.

While there is a part of me that wants to get back to PNG where I have a schedule and routine and the pace of life is slower,  goodbyes are going to be tough. As we prepare to leave, I regret not spending enough time with many of the people I care about... If you are one of those people, please know that you a loved, even if we didn't get much time together. As we planned and prepared for our return to the US, we had great plans for all the quality time we'd have with people...the reality didn't quite match the expectations, but we have savored the time we have spent with family, friends, and our partners in ministry.  In case we haven't said it in person, we love and appreciate each of you.