How it all began......

So just how did this all come about? In early February, Steve received an email from Darryn in Lynden USA. The last line of the email briefly mentioned that they needed a new teacher at the start of their new school year (Aug, 2013) and maybe it would be something Steve would consider.

Steve forwarded the email to me, not really thinking anything of it. That night we went for the nightly walk around the block and we toyed with the idea of if we went.....then this would happen etc. For the following week many scenarios were aired, many aspects were considered: elderly parents, Anthea, pulling the secondary kids out of school, kids not seeing their friends, Jaclyn's job at KFC which she loves, sell or rent the house, learning the imperial system :(, kids missing out on seeing their cousins/growing up etc etc.

Finally, we decided, along with the children, that such an opportunity was too good to miss and an excellent learning experience and gave the school in Lynden a 'YES'! From then on it's been go, go, go. Flights were booked, accommodation secured, visas and passports activated, as well as cleaning and going through all the cupboards and deciding what to take and what to store. It's been a busy 3-4 months and doesn't look likely to let up soon.

We had our visa appointment our the US Consulate at the end of May. It was just the day it turned winter! It was raining and freezing cold. We went by train and got there in good time. First we had to put all our belongings through the scanner and then we all got frisked. Then we had to head to elevators and up to the interview rooms where they checked all the documents, had our fingerprints electronically taken and finally got told that all the paperwork was in order and our applications passed! Yeah, another (BIG) tick off the list. A lovely warm coffee/hot chocolate at the DOME finished off our excursion! The following day we received all our visas by express port. What service!

Things are getting real now. Just under six weeks. I've nearly tackled every cupboard, drawer and shelf. Once that's complete, we can start packing the things we need/would like to take along depending on how many boxes are allocated either for that room or type eg books.

And then we also keep in mind that while we make plans, God alone will bless them.