Packing ... or panicking?

Precious? Most definitely. Packing assistants? Not exactly. Our girls love using our suitcases as hideouts and Annalise even CHOSE to take her nap in one this afternoon! During our final week here, the focus has been trying to pack our "must-haves" while hoping there will be room in the end to also take a few "fun" items.

It doesn't take long for anyone to interact with us before determining that David is the optimist in the family and that I am the pessimist (although I think I am more of a realist than a pessimist). Therefore, if you ask David how the packing is going, he is confident that we will have all we need when the time comes. I am not as confident. This month has easily been one of THE most intense seasons of my life. Thank God that we are not alone and that we can rely on His love and strength.

We have been enjoying our time at my parents' home in Upland. They have been so patient with the chaos we've created for them. But our girls don't seem to notice the chaos. They've been loving this "big sleepover" (as Verity calls it) at their grandparents' place! And we're relishing in our final home-cooked Korean meals! There's nothing like mom's cooking (you have to try her famous kalbi, which David insists is the best Korean BBQ recipe).

We were really encouraged by the friends and family who drove the long distance to Victoria Gardens last Saturday to say goodbye to us. Thank you for coming and for blessing us with your kind words, hugs, cards and gifts. Your kindness means a great deal to us!

Many of you have asked about our housing situation. We received some GREAT news this week that cheered us up while in the throes of packing. Our teammates, Neal & Elisa, have been so sweet to apartment-hunt for us and have been e-mailing us great photos of our options. A few days ago, we made a deposit on a place we really like and will be able to move into it straight from the airport! Home sweet home!