Learning Thai

We hosted a dinner and program at Dayton Mennonite Church

Eliza shares a final breakfast at IHOP with Granddaddy Rhodes

Napping between Virginia and Delaware

The past ten days have been a strange combination of relaxation, mounting tension, and tearful goodbyes. We left Ohio for good on Sunday, August 6, and spent just over a week with the Rhodes family in Virginia. This past Monday we traveled to Delaware where we’ll be with the Mast family until next Wednesday.

We’ve been visiting our favorite restaurants one last time. So far we’ve made it to Jess’ Quick Lunch, The Smokin’ Pig, Klines Dairy Bar, and Grotto Pizza. We’ve also got plans to eat at The Old Mill Crab House before we leave. We have a lot of fun family traditions that are associated with eating at these places.

Of course it’s been hard to leave our family members (it was so sad to watch Candice’s Dad lean in through the back door of our car to say one last goodbye to Claire and Eliza). At the same time we’ve felt very loved and supported by our families and are grateful that God has blessed us with so many people who care about us.

And while we’re mourning the “loss” of family we’re also nervously/excitedly anticipating our departure. Today we got an email from Dan Byler with detailed instructions about how to get through the immigration and customs process at the Bangkok airport. Sitting here in Delaware, it’s hard to imagine what we’ll be thinking and feeling (not to mention seeing, smelling, and hearing!) next Thursday afternoon as we deplane in Thailand.

Thanks again to those of you who have supported and encouraged us during this transition – we couldn’t have gotten this far without you.