Clearance Given!

Last week, we received our regional office (Pacific Rim) clearance to return to the Philippines. Today (January 24) we received our medical clearance. So, we are good to go! During the next few days, we will look at itinerary options, probably aiming for Saturday, March 8, as our departure date.

We are excited that the wait is over and that we will soon be back ministering among the people whom the Lord has given us a heart to love. I appreciate very much all the IMB has done to permit our return. They are a great organization.

Now the packing begins in earnest. Jonathan and I will be building a storage shed next week for the things we will leave behind. We have our many books to sort through. I will help set up Sara's new residence with 'Aunt' Peggy. There will be more paperwork to prepare as well as other decisions to make.

But most of all, I'm excited to see what the Lord will do during these next four years. There will be hills and valleys, as always. But the valleys are where the spiritual growth is, and the hills are for fun. Either way, there are benefits.

Hannah will be celebrating her 18th birthday on February 6. I don't know how a father could be more proud of a daughter than I am of her. Thank you, again, for keeping us in your prayers.