And they are off!

3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. NIV

Well – it was a looonnnggg day yesterday and today will be an even longer one for the team as they travel on to their destination. I was one of the lucky parents who drove the team to Denver last night to catch their plane (which left at midnight).  A long day and not much sleep before mine started again, but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything!

We met at the church at 8pm to load up the two cars and have prayer with the parents and pastor of our church. God decided to join in with some loud thunder and VERY bright lightning (praise God that none of us were struck). The kids hugged and kissed their parents (some siblings just cheered as they waved goodbye!) and then JJ (the youth pastor) then pulled the kids aside and gave them a pep talk about how LONG their next 35 hours was going to be and he reminded them to stay focused on God and His plan and not any of the petty things that might happen when you travel with 7 other people in close quarters for such a long time. He then gave each of the drivers a CD for the group to listen to for the first 15 minutes in order to clear their minds and get them focused in on their mission.

As we drove off and headed toward DIA the hail began, rain poured and we listened to the 3 songs he had selected to begin the journey. The first was “You Gave Your Life Away” by Paul Baloche. Beautiful. Lyrics to all songs below. It was wonderful to listen to the songs while the kids sang quietly and praised. Once the music was over, the chatter began. Sweet Kaitlyn says “I’m afraid my braces will set off the alarms at security” then Corey (the older smart aleck girl replies) “duh, they aren’t going to do that”. JJ and I just giggled as we listened to their chatter.
We arrived at the airport without incident and 2 hours before flight time (again, did I say MIDNIGHT)? With NO TEARS we unloaded the cars, hugged and kissed one last time and then I silently prayed again for God’s protection over all of them.

I can say now that they landed safely in Newark, NJ where they have a 7 hour layover. They leave at 12pm and have a 13 hour flight to their next destination where they will have one last 2 hour flight. Whew! Kaitlyn called and spoke to Greg a while ago and she didn’t understand why they were all sitting around when they were going to be sitting for so long later on!  That’s my girl! Run through the airport, do some lunges etc!!!!

We sent Kaitlyn off with notes of encouragement hidden in her backpack and luggage. I made her a mini scrapbook to show the children she meets all those who love her back home and that have been praying for ALL of them they will be meeting on this journey. 2 of Kaitlyn’s friends in Phoenix emailed me notes to give her as well. She’s going to love it. We even took crazy photos of ourselves and put them in her books, bible and purse to stumble upon occasionally!

Thank you all for everything you’ve done to help her get to China. She takes a part of each one of you with her as she goes on this phenomenal adventure! Each one of you has a special part of who she is today. We couldn’t be more proud as parents to send her out to answer the call she felt in her heart.

1 Chronicles 28:20 Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.” NIV

Thank you again for your continued support and prayers. Remember we will receive minimal information from the church and as we hear we will update the blog and let you know!

Love,
Aimee and Greg et al

Mighty to Save – Hillsong

Everyone needs compassion, Love that's never failing; Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,The kindness of a Savior; The Hope of nations.

Savior, He can move the mountains, My God is Mighty to save, He is Mighty to save.

Forever, Author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me, All my fears and failures, Fill my life again.

I give my life to follow, Everything I believe in, Now I surrender.

My Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save.
Forever, Author of salvation,
He rose and conquered the grave,
Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine your light and let the whole world see,
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus

You Gave Your Life Away – Paul Baloche

You spoke and worlds were formed
You breathed and life was born
You knew that one day You would come
So far from Heaven's throne
Clothed in human form
You showed the world the Father's love

You gave, You gave Your life away
You gave, You gave Your life away
You gave, You gave Your life away for me
Your grace has broken every chain
My sins are gone, my debt's been paid
You gave, You gave Your life away
For me, for me, for me

You lived a sinless life
Yet You were crucified
You bought our freedom on the cross
Forsaken for our sin, You died and rose again
Jesus, You are the Lamb of God

How glorious is Your love
If I could sing forever, it's not enough
How glorious is Your love
If I could sing forever, it's not enough
It's not enough, 'cause

Forsaken for our sin, You died and rose again
Jesus, You are the Lamb of God