It's Time to Get Ready!

Well, our departure date is fast approaching!  I can hardly believe that we are only weeks away from getting on a plane to Thailand!  A few days ago we received our visas and with that, it's official, we can move to Thailand!  We have already said goodbye to quite a few people and it's so surreal to think that the next time we will see them will likely be two years from now!  Crazy.  I have been trying to prepare the kids as well, talking about Thailand often, trying some food from Thailand, and spending some time with people whom we will miss GREATLY!
To be honest, I'm feeling really stressed.  Packing up a family of four to move to the other side of the world is quite the task!  I have been collecting, saving, and storing things for months now for this very time and it's crazy to be in the place where we are putting it all in suitcases and bins!  And well, it's exhausting.  Not to mention going around having to purchase certain items.that we are unable to get there, and need for the next two years!!  Anybody have any idea how much deodorant one would use in two years?  Yeah, me either, I'm just taking a wild guess and hoping to be able to find some kind of something along the way that will work! ;)
Some days I just need to tell myself, "Breathe Christina, just breathe, one thing at a time."  I can't wait until the final bag is packed and I can just say, "If we forgot something, oh well, we'll live without it."  That is, as long as it's not the kids blankies ;)  That would be bad. very bad!
This past Sunday was great!  Our church did a commissioning (a time of prayer and confirming their support of us as we leave) for us!  We are the very first international missionaries coming from our church and it has been incredibly special.  Although Rob wasn't feeling well that morning, it was a very special moment for us!
Here are some pics of what we've been up to!

Trying some dragon fruit from Thailand that we got at the local Asian Market here!  They loved it!  

 Clay woke one morning and said that he wanted to have a kite flying party, and so, we did!  I'm trying to make these last few weeks special for our kids!  Spending some special time with the cousins, who will be missed so very much!  this group is pretty tight.  No one is looking forward to saying goodbye.

 Picture from our commissioning.  So very special!

           Not only are we packing, but we still need to get rid of some things!  Selling our car is the last thing on our list! Will you pray with us that we sell our car quickly!