Leaving on a Jet Plane

Hello Everyone =)

Sorry that it has been so long since I have last updated! The internet has been pretty testy lately, and when it was working, it was hard to find time! Last week was our last week going to the different Bible studies and youth groups and children's programs. It was so hard saying good bye to everyone! It has really shown us that we have been building amazing relationships while we have been here without realizing how deep they have grown.

The last few days we have been debriefing and we must say that Keith surprised us with the BEST surprise ever on Monday! He took us to a place called SHEEP WORLD. It is exactly what it sounds like! We went to a show at 11am, where a shepherd showed us how he herds his sheeps and it was actually really fun! Me (Stacie) and Jackie had the opportunity to go up on stage with him and actually SHEAR and SHEEP! It was great, we have pictures and videos of that. Also, the rest of the team fed the baby lambs with bottles! Keith refrained from feeling overwhelmed with excitement as we were, and he continuned his persona of being Dad and managed to take pictures of everything going on around him. I think you all will enjoy the pictures that we post soon! Once we get back to the states I will put on here different links where you can look at all of our pictures!

Overall these last few days have been very relaxing and good to close the month out reflecting on everything that God has done in us and through us. We did the "hot seat" last night for a few hours which is where we go one by one and take turns uplifting each person on the team and how they contributed. It was awesome to see how much we have grown and became a family over this past month, and entire school year in the bigger picture!

We have about 6 more hours from the moment that I am writing this, for us to BEGIN packing, clean the whole apartment and the van we have been driving, and to leave for the airport. Wish us luck! Haha... none of us want to start because it would mean facing the reality that the next time we fall asleep for the night will be on a plane and not in our Auckland home =(

Thank you all for your love and support! We are excited to see everyone when we return stateside! Please pray for our safety when we travel. We fly from Auckland, to San Francisco, to Denver, and finally to Tulsa! We leave on Wednesday at 7pm (Auckland time) and by the time we get to Tulsa, it will only be 11pm Wednesday night (Tulsa time)!

We will see everyone soon!

God Bless,
Stacie