Reality hit close to home this past Friday. Furniture that we bought when we purchased our first home over fifteen years ago sat in a trailer on the back of our van and we hauled it off to the dump.
It took two trips. Some of it was junk that had piled up in the shed forgotten about...like an old rusty swing set that our kids long ago stopped playing on.
In one way I was kind of relieved to see it all go. Over the years the cats have destroyed the furniture. Shredded to pieces and stuffing popping out everywhere; none of it was fit to donate to anyone. Not to mention the fact that the animals had also peed on it. Nasty.
It's amazing how much "stuff" can accumulate over the years. I have always been one to go through my clothes and donate items I no longer want or need on a regular basis. In fact it has often happened where I have gone to wear something and realized I had given it away! On the other hand I love shopping for clothes, so also replaced what I gave away! It's a never ending cycle. I eventually came up with a system though; that if I bought a new shirt or pair of jeans, I gave away one already in my closet. So basically one in...one out! However once again, I found myself going through my clothes and getting rid of what I won't need or use in Honduras. I mean really how many flannel pj bottoms will I possibly need?
My children are doing the same thing as I write this. Their rooms have never been so spotless.
We now have about six boxes of stuff by our front door to be donated to a charity that is coming by tomorrow and we aren't finished yet!
We are also selling some things and using that money towards our journey.
Things here at Stratford are quickly coming to an end. It's sad to be wrapping things up. We are going to miss our church family and friends so much and it's going to be painful to say goodbye. Stratford has been amazing, and we have so many wonderful memories here.
We now have an end date. June 23rd will be our last Sunday at Bethel Church. It was announced this morning. That's only eight more Sundays! A lot of tears are going to be shed that day. Hopefully we can hold ourselves together. It really is bitter sweet...sad to be leaving but at the same time excited and anticipating what lies ahead.
Please pray for us that we are able to raise the financial support we need to get on the field the end of July. That is our goal. This way our children can begin school in August when it starts. We have had many promises but until our sending agency actually sees it in the account...we can't go. There has to be proof that the money is there or that it will be. The last thing we want is to get there and have to come home for lack of funds..
If you would like to be a part of our support team, that would be so appreciated. No amount is too small, and every amount helps us get there and helps with the work we will be doing in the Schools of hope, and will be investing in the lives of over 1500 children.
Blessings!
http://paoc.org/donate?mID=488
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