Praise the Lord we had a great trouble-free road trip. We were able to spend almost two weeks with Paul’s parents in South-Eastern Kansas and get some much-needed grandparent time in. We enjoyed getting some “honey do” items done for them and lots of visiting. Speaking of visiting, we were able to see two of our supporting churches, First Baptist of Altamont and Calvary Baptist.
While putting all those miles on the car we were able to “almost” forget about COVID. However, at each stop we were quickly reminded as we returned to the car to get our forgotten mandatory masks. We hit playgrounds and a children’s museum so the kids could get their wiggles out and we felt the ever present COVID restrictions. I for one will never complain about extra sanitation measures at children-oriented events. Let’s just say our highly allergenic sneezing family received our share of concerned looks.
On our return trip to Maryland we swung north to spend a weekend in Michigan visiting another supporting church, Skiff Lake Bible Church. We had a great opportunity one-on-one with a few as well as shared our ever-changing immediate and long-term plans. Most at the morning service could very much relate as several of the missionaries they support are “stuck” at various stages of attempting to return to their field of service. Several we know are on their third attempt. Ugh.
We then completed our trip returning to Maryland, settled back in and kicked off home school. As well, Paul has started back with his previous employer at a local airport working on small planes. This will help us towards some upcoming large expenses like a refrigerator, our temporary move to McNeal, AZ and airline tickets to PNG, Lord willing.
Speaking of Plans….
We have changed our plans slightly and are shifting from selling Mom’s house to using it for housing for Michelle (Andrea’s sister) and renting out the upstairs to pay the mortgage. This allows for no drastic changes for Michelle and her son, currently in distance learning. New neighbors upstairs is about the only new adjustment.
With rentals higher than our mortgage payment, it makes no sense to bring on all the changes that comes with a move and to lose money in the process. We are not comfortable with being long distance landlords, but God has provided a good Christian property manager in the area. Lord willing, we will get all the paperwork completed to make the necessary changes and to close out the estate. Pray that all the paperwork moves through the legal channels in a timely manner and that the current COVID and Nov 3rd factors won’t derail our progress. Please pray God provides good renters.
Once we get this ball rolling, we will move to McNeal, AZ where Paul will get some required helicopter training on our new R66 helicopters. (Check out the praise below.)
Since we now have updated passports and visas for PNG (another big praise), we will then be able to return to the field! Pray that airline routes will continue to open. Currently it is still very hard, sometimes impossible, for folks to find travel routes overseas.
Praise & Prayer Requests
- Praise: We had a trouble free road trip and enjoyed much visiting.
- Praise: Several missionaries successfully returned to PNG days ago.
- Praise: We are enjoying the beautiful and cool autumn weather change.
- Praise: The house is ready for rent and Andrea is closing out the estate paperwork.
- Praise: God has provided the first (of 3) R66 helicopters for the flight program in PNG….all during a very tumultuous time!
- Prayer: For all that is needed to outfit, paperwork, training and ship this new R66 helicopter to PNG.
- Prayer: Wisdom as we move forward through the long list of things to accomplish.
- Prayer: For those attempting to return to the mission field (various countries).
- Prayer: For our new brothers and sisters in Christ in Amdu, Pei and Wantakia.
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