Where you go, I will go . . .

Our family moved to KC two years ago. The two years that we've been here have been both beautiful and hard--they are two years that we wouldn't trade for anything. We have seen God work in our lives, enlarge our hearts and show us His unfailing love and faithfulness.

At the end of May, just before our vacation, we found out that Todd lost his job (this is the 3rd job he has lost since we moved here--crazy!). We were confused, sad, disappointed and yet hopeful. Once the initial sting wore off and we had time to pray and process with friends, we began to feel like God was somehow in this loss and in our confusion.

As long as we've been married, Todd and I have prayed prayers and dreamt of living oversees to teach and be part of another culture. We've never fully pursued this but most of you have probably heard us talk about this desire.

A couple of days after Todd loss his job, he was having lunch with our friend, Glenn. They weren't even to Panera when Glenn posed a question, "Todd, have you ever thought about teaching/living internationally?" Todd, somewhat surprised, "Yes! Kim and I have always wanted to do that." That ended up being their entire lunch conversation.

That conversation led to a contact that Glenn had recently made, which led to another contact, multiple e-mails, phone conversations, prayer and a job offer.

In all of this craziness we see God's hand leading us and providing for us. Our family has accepted a one year teaching position in South Korea. There is an option to renew for a second year but we will evaluate that in the spring. Todd will be teaching Science to 7-12 grade students in a private Christian school for Korean students--all teaching is done in English. Todd will receive a salary and our housing will be provided. Zach and Lia will be able to attend the school for free and most of our health insurance is paid for. We also feel this is a missional call for our lives. So, we keep saying, "We are on Mission to S. Korea!"

We are preparing, emotionally, physically, practically and spiritually for this new season. We have not confirmed a specific date for departure but it will most likely be the week of August 10. This will enable us to settle into our new home, learn a little about our new city and begin to adjust living in S. Korea. Todd will begin teacher orientation the week of August 24.

We would value your prayers as we embark on this new adventure. We know that Jesus hears us when we pray and we ask that you join us as we pray into a few areas as we prepare to GO!

* That we would be able to rent our house and sell our car.
* That we would meet all of our financial responsibilities. Todd is still unemployed and I'm working as much as possible at Starbucks. (Cool story though--today we received two letters from the state of Missouri. They had made errors in our 2007 and 2008 returns and owed us money. The total was what we needed for our July mortgage payment plus $100--God is indeed faithful!!)
* For peace and joy to fill each of hearts as we prepare to GO!
* That our passports would arrive in a timely matter so that Todd's visa can be processed.

There are other things that we are going to start praying into as well but these are at the fore-front of our minds/hearts at this time.

Yes! We are really moving to S Korea. Wow!