Enjoying Life

We have got our own apartment here now and loving it. We were supposed to move in on Thursday, but then the landlords called and asked if Friday was ok for a move in date because she couldn't schedule the carpet cleaners until Thursday, such a difference from China. In China we moved into a completely filthy place filled with our landlord's crap (old purse, kite, phone, chains, water dispenser, toys, etc.) and then here we moved into a professionally cleaned apartment. I mean, we couldn't find a speck of dust it was so clean. All this to say, we love our new home. 

Patrick still does not have the desired CNA job. He is working construction for his dad's company and will soon start working at a climbing wall. But he is still looking for a CNA job. 

Tonight we went to the Great Midwest Balloon Fest. It was so neat. About 20 balloons launched into the air, and then later when it was dark they had a balloon glow, which was really beautiful. Unfortunately, the loud count down and then all the fire scared Amariah, so we left. But we had already been there for a couple of hours and then he fell asleep on the way home, so I think that he will be ok, : )

One my favourite things about being back is the garage sales. Whoever said China was cheap obviously doesn't garage sale. I have been overly excited about the deals I have found. For example, I got this black leather bag for a dollar. I remember looking at one very similar to it in China, and was tempted to buy, but good thing I didn't because it was a whole lot more than 7 RMB. I laugh at myself though- it is such an odd American event, if you would call it an event, that we do. We can put all our unwanted stuff out on the front lawn and complete strangers will come by, give us money for it, and take it away. It is odd, but there is something about getting a 'good deal' that is addicting, and makes garage saling a justifiable hobby. It is also a great excuse to get to know an area when you first move into it- which is the category I have fallen into. 

Anyway, everyone else is sleeping and it is time I hit the hay too (right after I check on-line for tomorrows garage sales- I now have an apartment to furnish LOL). 

 

Kari

update

Well, jet leg has been beat and we are finally on a regular schedule, PTL!!! God is good.

We haven not heard back from PAtrick's job interview. They were looking for someone with more experience than what Patrick has. We are not discouraged though because we know that God has a job for PAtrick. And not to say that he didn't get this one, we just haven't heard and we were expecting to by now. 

Patrick has been working construction with his dad for and he also has been offered his old job at the climbing wall. God is good, we have money coming in. 

It is official, we have an apartment. It is a 2 bedroom, 2 full bath, newly renovated with new appliances, light fixtures, carpet, flooring, shower, counters, and fresh paint. We get the keys tomorrow and start moving in the same day. Thank-you Jesus. 

Well, gotta run, kids screaming. 

In KC

This is just a quick e-mail to let everyone know that we made it to Kansas City Safely. The trip was amazingly smooth and the children slept most of the journey. It was the complete blessing of the Lord how well the children were for this long haul. PTL!

We viewed 2 apartments already, but we weren't that keen on either. We will look at more tomorrow. We know that the Lord has a home for us. 

Please remember Patrick in prayer as he has a job interview tomorrow, God is good. 

Thanks for your prayers. 

Patrick, Kari, Amariah and Eternity

Our final China update

I am sitting here eating dragon eyes (like leeches) and I can't help but wonder the next time I will have these. It is so hard to believe that this time has come so quickly. I am excited to go but I don't want to leave the relationshipd that I have here. This is always the hardest part of moving. Well, some I know we will see again, and the others we pray that the seeds planted will grow into a mighty harvest. 

I apologize for not keeping you more updated. "Keeping in touch" has never been my forte, but PTL I am here now writing. We still have so much to do, so I am keeping this short. We are leaving tomorrow, September 5. A friend is picking us up at noon and driving us to the bus. From there we will go to HK to catch our flight. WE fly from HK to Taiwan, to LA, to Houston, to KC. Yes, that is with 2 small children and a husband prone to get sick every time we fly. So, please pray for a smooth trip, for the children to be gracious, for the parents to be patient and in the mighty name of our Lord we will see no sickness. Thank-you Jesus. We have some great testimonies coming out of here and I pray that they will be used to glorify Him. 

We have an appointment to view an apartment this week. And Patrick has a job interview on Sept. 8th and KU medical centre. We are exciting about these opportunities and praying that the Lord has everything set up for us so we need not be anxious. 

Any further questions, please e-mail us. 

In Him, 

Patrick, Kari, Amariah, and Eternity