So Long Ordinary

Things keep emptying out of the house. We're down to just our couch, TV, a mattress and a freezer to get rid of (of the big stuff anyway). Although quite a few things are still sitting around the house for our use before we move out, the house is beginning to feel pretty empty! Today was a crazy, hectic day. Whew. The day started early with the landlady at our gate asking if she could bring a potential renter to the house in a few minutes...I was just getting out of bed (yes, she came that early). We're still trying to catch up with ourselves! We haven't really started packing - just sorted out the stuff we definitely want to get rid of, and put things in tubs to pack better later. Looks like tomorrow we'll start really tackling the tubs that must be packed carefully and documented precisely for our shipment. I vaguely recall all the hard work we went through when we sold our house and did this same sort of thing to leave Colorado for the mission field. Basicall...

First of all, I want to say a HUGE thank you to those of you who have been praying for us. It has helped so much. I could literally feel the difference as friends and family from all over the world began to pray. Woo-hoo!! Keep it up! We are making progress on the move. Most of our larger items have sold. Just having that done is a big relief. As things clear out, we feel more and more confident that this is truly going to happen. Sean and I spent this morning sorting through toys and children's books while Brooklyn was at school. We threw away the trash, set aside a few things to sell, and packed most of it for our shipment. Only the favorite toys were saved to take along as part of our luggage allowance on the airline to Mexico. (We'll have to wait a few months for the shipment to get to Mexico, so we're trying to think ahead for what we'll need most our first months there.) There is still a TON to do, but things are getting easier as we get the ball rolli...

Sometimes, we just have to drop all pretenses and humbly ask for some help. Today, I'm asking for prayer. It is difficult for me to admit to you that this move has me far more stressed out than I want to be. I feel like I'm getting scowl wrinkles in my forehead, my back is in knots, and my stomach is churning. Sean and I have barely begun the process of sorting through our things, selling, and packing, but it is obvious that this is not something I can do well without an extra measure of God's grace. It is a constant battle for me to keep my words kind, my thoughts honorable to the Lord, and my actions gentle and patient. (Not so unusual really, but I so don't want this move to go down in history as the time Mommy had to be tranquilized.) Even though we have plenty of time to get things done well, I still feel anxious - mostly because, at this point, I just want it all done . I'm an all or nothing girl - I don't like to leave things undone. But there just ...

February has been the month of parties. Brooklyn has had a party to go to (and sometimes more than one) every week so far. Two of the parties were for two of her little girlfriends - they were the kinds of parties little girls dream about. One was a princess party, and Brooklyn went decked out in her princess costume. Here she is at the party, having the time of her life (thanks, Irwins, for the picture)..... Another party was a "Teddy Bear Tea Party." Brooklyn got into character for that one too! We've also had a Valentine's Party and a party for one of our Ecuadorian friends turning two years old, surprise parties for some adults celebrating birthdays this month, and more parties at preschool for the birthday girls. We love to party!

I know my blogs have been terribly scarce. Sorry! I do like to blog more than I have been lately. For some reason, though, I haven't had much extra time..... Actually, I just started this today. It is only the preliminary stuff - things I can do without Sean's help. I am going bit by bit weeding out the "give away or sell stuff" from the "absolutely must go with us to Mexico stuff," and I can see this is going to feel really good. All those bags on the table are clothes - too big, too small, too something - and are going to be given away. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. 8 bags full. One for the neighbor, 6 for the MAF chaplain ministry, and one for the little girl who lives down the lane. Really. I am absolutely amazed at how much stuff we've collected in not even two years in Ecuador. Actually, I'm appalled. And embarrassed. God is really working on my pack-rat heart. And speaking of rats...well, let's just say that it is very interesting what...

Well, the selling off of our earthly goods (for the upteenth time in our married life) has begun. It looks like we have a buyer for our car - Sean is dealing with that today. We've sold our appliances and a few other odds and ends (though they'll stay in our house until closer to our departure date). But, the fact is, we are getting rid of stuff and it is happening fast. Aak! I feel like we are making a terrible mistake by selling all of our things... because I truly do not buy into the "fact" that we are moving. Really. No, seriously. I do not believe we are moving. It isn't that I don't want to move or that I doubt God's plan for our lives in Mexico. I just, honestly, flat-out do not believe this can be happening. Therefore, it is a touch disturbing to see my "belongings" being sold off for what, to my mind, is a make-believe move. People, I have never been dishonest with you. And I won't be right now. I'm crazy. That is a...

I know that most of the people who read my blog, do so for only one reason. Pictures - not of me, nor of Sean, nor of beautiful scenery or interesting things found only in Ecuador. Most of you want only pictures of my girls. Well, I finally have a quiet afternoon and I've spent quite a while putting lots of pictures up of both of the girls just for you. It had to be done post by post - for some reason Blogger wouldn't let me do more than one picture per post. But, just for you, I slaved away all afternoon. I could have been taking a nap, or reading a book...but JUST FOR YOU, I SPENT ALL AFTERNOON POSTING PICTURES! So...enjoy! Keep scrolling down, ther are 8 or so new posts. And don't ever say I never do anything for you, my beloved and devoted readers... (Okay, okay. We use our blogs as a way to document our lives and our girls' growing up years. This will eventually end up in a special professionally printed book that will be treasured by me personally fo...