Oh Canada!

I just wanted to backtrack a little, and share about our week LAST week.  When we arrived, there was a note and a package of TimTam's on our dining room table.  The note was from our host family, Steve & Natalie, welcoming us, and letting us know that they were here to help us with anything we may need.  They had arranged for 3 families to have us over for dinner, with them being the first.  They are a sweet couple from Australia, in their 3rd semester of training here.  We have already enjoyed getting to know them.

                                                Steve, grilling dinner for us!

Our family enjoying dinner outside.

Then, it was off to my (Debby's) parents place for a few days before school started.  We had a great Canadian welcome...

swimming in Lake Simcoe...

and eating delicious meals cooked by my mom!

It was a great relaxing time, and we are so grateful to be around family for a little while.

Still Traveling...

After we left Kentucky, we made our way to the border.  We decided to cross at the Port Huron/Sarnia border point, as the Detroit/Windsor crossing tends to be really backed up.  We also did a little bit of shopping at the Sam's Club in Port Huron, as things are generally more expensive in Canada.

            The bridge from Port Huron to Sarnia, crossing over the St. Clair River.

                                                 Waiting to enter Canada.

So, On Thursday, August 16th, we crossed into Canada.  We had our paperwork in order, but Immigration Canada was still quite cautious about letting Bill into the country.  I'm still Canadian, and the kids are all dual citizens, so Bill was the odd man out:)  After 2 hours of questioning, and the officer doing research online, he finally let Bill in with a "Study Permit".  We are so grateful to God for favour with Immigration Canada!

After just a few more hours of driving, we finally arrived at NTMC (New Tribes Mission Canada).

 

We want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all who have prayed, given financially, had us over for a meal, called and written with encouragment, and generally shown your love to us.  We COULD NOT be here without the Lord enabling you to support us in many ways!

And Off We Went...

After our emotional weekend, it really was time to actually leave.  Although even THAT had a hiccup.  Bill got quite sick with a VERY sore throat, and spent a good part of the day in bed.  I would have done a lot of packing up, except that God, in His INCREDIBLE timing, enabled me to be there for the birth of our Pastor's son, Stephen.  Danielle was amazing, and I feel very blessed to have been a part of it.

Danielle deserves to be fed grapes after delivering Stephen Jonathan!

Our first stop was visiting friends Dave & Peggy Summy in North Florida.  We have been friends now for 20 years, and we always have a good time when we get together.  They were so generous in allowing us to use their trailer to haul our things to Canada.

After all these years of friendship, we are happy to see that our kids have now become good friends as well. Bronia, Simon, and their oldest daughter Hannah even spent a summer together serving the Lord in Malawi, with TMI. 

We are so thankful to the Lord for these friendships.  But alas, it was time to leave even them, and so we were on our way again.

First through Atlanta...

Then Nashville...

And finally it was on to visit with Bill's brother Joe, his wife Jamie and their 2 girls.  Unbelievably, NOT ONE picture was taken while we were there.  How lame are we?!?  But we did have a really nice visit with them.  We won't see Joe for a long time, as he leaves in about 2 1/2 weeks for a tour of duty in South Korea.  We so appreciate the sacrifice their family makes on behalf of the USA.

It Was Time To Go...

Well, we have come to the beginning of what we hope will be the rest of our life's work.  We have been working toward going back into full-time missions for about 15 years.  And then it seemed like suddenly, we were on our way.

The first weekend in August was our last weekend in Port Richey. We had a great time, saying "see you later" to near and dear family and friends.  Saturday the 4th was an open house as well as a time for us to be encouraged.

Our Pastor, Frank DiPronio, encouraging and exhorting us in what we're getting ready to do.

Dear, dear friends, Bill & Chris Pearce, who spent some time in Russia as missionaries, also giving us encouragement.

Our good friend Jason, encouraging the church to support us.

It was hard for all of us to say see you later.

Bill, thanking everyone for coming to see us, and for their support and prayers over the years.

Many friends and family praying over us.  How we will miss you all!!


Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for us, and supports us. You are a part of what God is wanting to do in and through us!