The past four weeks have been some of the sweetest, hardest, most stressful, emotional and wonderful weeks of my life! Jeremy and I flew to Abilene at the beginning of December to say our good byes to family, friends and mentors that we love. It was a wonderful trip, and it was good to see Texas one more time before our two year African stay.
Something memorable that happened on my last visit to Abilene was sitting next to my best friend (that I have had since I was 14 years old) in the hospital watching her sweet grandfather and the greatest man she ever knew pass away. We had known this was coming for the past few years, and it ended up happening during the week I was there.
The rest of the month of December was filled with lots of great times with my family. I said good bye to my mom, my step dad and my brother on Christmas Day, which I probably would not recommend to do, but I was thankful for the time. My mom and step dad will be coming to see us this summer!
This week has been very strange for us as we pack up our lives in the U.S. and prepare ourselves for a different way of life. I felt so taken care of this morning and loved as we spent our last Sunday at East Brainerd, our supporting congregation. It was the best decision we made to move here in July and spend time with our supporters and family.
We leave for Zambia this Tuesday, Jan. 11th. I guess our next blog will come from Africa! Please keep us in your prayers and know we feel so blessed to be in the position we are in and are anxious to walk by faith more than ever.
Oh I hope the best for you two. I don't know if I ever got the chance to thank yall for your encouraging words. It meant so much to hear that. Zambia will trulely be blessed to have yall.
ReplyDeleteLove you both
Joey Shankle
Jeremy and Whitney, just wanted you to know that I have been thinking about you all this past week in particular. My heart will be with you on Tuesday as you say your final good-byes and head for Zambia. You have blessed me, and I know you will bless many there.
ReplyDeleteMany blessings to you!!!
We are praying for your safe journey. You are embarking on a great adventure of service, but my guess is that you will be blessed as much as the people you serve. Nancy Shankle
ReplyDeleteI went to BBS when Rex Davis was principal, Dana, Jena Kay, Brian, Delane and Debbie were all students. I loved the whole family!
ReplyDeleteOur daughters, Katrina and Haley went to Africa 3 years ago for a 3 week mission trip. Katrina and I went to Honduras for 10 days 5 years ago. Katrina will be leaving Feb 14th for Wuhan, China for a 10 months mission trip.
I'm so encouraged by anyone young or old that follows Our Lord's command..."Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel..."!
I look forward to reading your blogs.
Godspeed, blessings and prayers to you all!
You have been in my prayers for quite a while now! I am excited about your ministry in Zambia and look forward to hearing frequently about how God is using you there! We love you!!
ReplyDeleteGodspeed you sweeties! Can't wait to hear from you!
ReplyDeleteWhitney, I am so glad to know you have a blog! I'll love staying updated about how you guys are doing. God bless the work you are doing! Love you!
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