Today, we spent the day packing and finalizing things around our house. It was not an easy day, but it was an exciting day. It's always hard to think about leaving the people you have lived your daily lives with for the past 10 years. We have seen people come to Christ, we have seen families healed, we have seen our church grow. We have seen people start to read their Bibles, and we have started to see so many good things. Not because of us... But, because of what God is doing in Perth, Australia. But, the reality is... We can't do what we do in Perth, Australia without the prayers and support of our sending churches! And, although, it is bitter sweet to leave.... It is amazing to think about the reality of us, getting to return to America and tell them all the AMAZING things God has done in the past 5 years. Because, we want to celebrate with all of you.. what God has been doing. So, although, it is hard to leave.. We are also excited to return to the states and connect with each and every single one of you! Our faithful prayer and financial team! But, before we boarded the plane we still had some serious and important business to do!
Makayla had asked a few months ago to get baptized. And, it had been put off because it was winter and it was cold. But, one of the things she had mentioned to Chris and I was that she wanted to be baptized before we left Australia. Because, the Landsdale Wesleyan Church, was her church family. She had mentioned how amazing it would be to be baptized in the US with her real family. But, we told her it was her choice. And, in the end, she came to a very good place. And, that reality was that we now have Christians in Australia and they are "our" church. There are people who pour into her life, and she pours into other people's lives there (australia). And, she felt that if she were to get baptized. Australia is where it should happen. And, at her friend's house.
We gathered for an early church service at 3:00 and then headed up to where the baptism would be. Afterwards it was a really special time. many photos were taken. and, then we headed back to the church to celebrate with dinner! It was so special to see all the families that came to say good bye to us. And, even more special to hear some stories from people of the first time we had met, that we weren't even aware of!
After dinner. We headed back to our house, for a final "bag" weighing session just to make double sure each bag was under 50 pounds. And, then we received hugs, shared tears, and headed off to the airport.
When we arrived at the airport it was a final check-in and off to customs. After we cleared customs we all just kind of slumped in a chair until our plane loaded.
Makayla and I were still unwell. We even had a few minutes to stop into the dr's office and grab an antibiotic on our way out! But, despite how tired, and emotionally exhausted we were, we knew that in less than 36 hours we would hug our parents which we hadn't seen in a long time and, our children would embrace their grandparents and their cousins! This is a time that you look forward to, the whole time you are flying. After all literally sitting on a plane for 24 hours is a LONG ride. But, the hugs of family feel so AMAZING on the other side!
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