Leaving...

We've arrived in Singapore! Woohoo!

The past couple of weeks have been absolutely massive.  I knew from the start that the leaving process was going to be difficult, but I don't think I knew how difficult.  The last two weeks have been spent finalising last minute details: mail redirection, banking, shopping for travel supplies, cancelling phones, deregistering the car, writing up a will, organising documents for our Zambian employment, Dave finalising his time at Redcliffe Hospital, writing and responding to e-mails, packing our things into four suitcases, visiting dear friends and spending as much time with the family as we could.  It has been a wild ride.  Throughout this time the emotions of leaving, contemplating the uncertainties ahead and the anticipation of the upcoming adventures have been a very new experience for us all.  At times it has been easy to become overwhelmed and to start to question whether this is all worth it.

Teddy made the cut! 

Tough? Yes. Tiring? Yes. A little bit crazy (especially with kids)? Probably. But I am reminded that God has brought us to this point and that He knows the road ahead.  Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."  I'm certainly not feeling very strong or courageous at the moment, but so glad that my God is always close and in control! 

It's been a great, great day today!  We're staying in Singapore with some wonderful family friends,  and were taken on an 'adbenture' (as Zeke would say) to the Zoo.  Zeke's highlight was the giraffe feeding and mucking around in the pool. We're really loving the relax here.  m

Preparing to go...

We're now less than 2 weeks away from heading off, and have been reasonably busy with a number of different activities since our last post in early December. To give a brief summary:

• We celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary - God's faithfulness to us both has been such a blessing
• Mary (and her wonderful Mum - Jill) have spent a lot of time packing up our home
• We enjoyed the Christmas/New Year's holidays, particularly the opportunity to catch-up with lots of family and friends
• I completed my final term at the Redcliffe Hospital at the end of last week, and am very grateful for the experience I have gained in my 2 years of work there
• Mary celebrated her 28th birthday
• God's provision continues to encourage us (and strengthen our faith) as we now have accommodation in Liverpool with a Christian family 
• We left our home of three years and have bunkered down at Mary's parents place until we fly out

Mary's Birthday Brekkie @ Sutton's Beach

I was recently reminded of a great quote from Dr David Livingstone (who did much pioneering missions work in southern Africa (including Zambia) about 150 years ago) - "It is a venture to take wife and children into a country where fever, African fever prevails. But who would refuse to a make a venture for such a Captain?" Whilst we don't currently know too much of the costs of the African fever, we are beginning to understand what it is going to mean to be apart from our loved ones for a time. As exciting as this adventure is going to be, we are very acutely aware of some of the big events and family milestones that we will be missing this year. However, it is also a privilege for us to be able to serve our "Captain" and we wouldn't want to be found anywhere other than in the centre of His will for us this year. D

Toby cooling off after a hot day.  Brisbane max 36.9C / Liverpool max 11C