As we edge closer to our departure date (July 29^th) we just keep trusting that God is good.  We are doing really well.  We have had some emotional moments, when our heart tugs at all we are leaving behind, mostly in regards to people and great relationships God has given us.  But in those moments we keep reminding ourselves that God is directing our path to Kenya.  We want to trust God fully with our lives, not holding onto anything tightly.  So today is a mile marker, less than 2 months until we are dropped off at O’hare airport with a couple dozen bags and containers headed out on a 1 way ticket to Africa! For months I have envisioned that airplane door closing as we leave the gate in Chicago ready to depart on a mission that will stretch our faith and draw us closer to Christ.

A Pair of Ducks:
It’s exciting to anticipate a new journey with God and yet sad to say goodbye to a life here that we have absolutely loved.  At MTI they taught us a lesson about the paradox missionaries face by using a “pair-of-ducks”, get the pun! One rubber ducky was called a “Yay” duck and one rubber ducky was called a “Yuck” duck.  On our journey there will be yay duck thoughts and yuck duck thoughts often at the same time and they are both valid emotions.

A definition of a paradox is:
“A statement that apparently contradicts itself and yet might be true.”

So we are thrilled to be leaving for Africa (Yay duck) and yet part of us is still wanting to hang on to the familiar handles of our current life (yuck duck).  We are excited to embrace new relationships (Yay duck) and yet sad to leave behind the friends that God has faithfully provided (Yuck duck). We are excited that our house sold but sad to leave behind 12 years of memories at our house.
Hence the paradox or pair-of-ducks we feel as we continue to prepare for our departure.
We are thankful for your support and prayers as we continue down this journey.

Update on our House:

This is the duplex that we will be sharing with Steve & Anji’s family. We will live on the left side.
We are grateful for Robert Kimball and all he has done in keeping the house construction on target.  Please keep praying that there wouldn’t be any delays in the completion. 

Items for prayer:

House closing:  Please continue to pray that our house sale closes on schedule (July 1).  So far everything has gone very smoothly.

Mini Van Sale:  Pray that God would provide a buyer for our 2009 Toyota Sienna.  If you know of anyone looking to purchase a used mini-van let us know.  

Kids at Naomi’s Village: Pray that God would draw these kids to himself and use them to make much of His name throughout Kenya.

Naomi’s Village Staff:  Pray that God would encourage them and give them strength this week as they shepherd the kids.

For His Name,
Mark and Liz Sisler