When are you planning to move? We really don't know, but we think 6-15 months is a good guesstimate. Our two huge factors are selling the house (and everything in it!), and raising our support. As soon as both are tackled, we're on our way. We're not dragging our feet... we're ready to do this thing. But, we also know that 'preparation time is never wasted time' (thanks, Ben!), and God's timing is perfect. We'll get there!
How long will you be there, and are you coming back? We're committing to a minimum of two years of being in the field, but really -- we're wholeheartedly in this, and our timeframe is completely open-ended. Only God knows (really!) how long we'll be in Swaziland and in the mission field. We have huge, open hearts. We're going where He leads, which is most definitely the best place to be!
What are you doing with all of your stuff? It's going, going, and will be gone! Virtually everything we have will be sold, unless it's something that can't be replaced. We'll keep a small amount of things (pictures, etc.) in storage. However, it's amazing to me that things we valued a year ago are now listed on Craigslist or will be thrown in garage sales. I guess God has been transforming our hearts along this path. It's all about treasures in heaven, no?
What about the kiddies' schooling? We (read: Krista!) will definitely homeschool, and the kiddies are so excited that Mommy will be their teacher. I even have that great education degree to go along with it! Yes, we could send them to an international school while we're in Swaziland, but that would mean 1) extra money to support-raise, and 2) more time that they're away. It's amazing -- as a stay at home mommy, I already feel as though I don't see them enough and don't get that 'quality time' with them day in and day out. And, isn't it funny that I was the one who always said, "I could never homeschool." If you get nothing else out of this blog entry, remember: Never say never!
What will you take to Swaziland with you? Suitcases and kiddies -- that's about it! It's very costly to ship to Africa, and then you're not always guaranteed that your things will follow you there and arrive. Thankfully, we're not emotionally connected to our 'stuff' -- other than maybe the espresso machine, Steph's golf clubs, and the Wii.
What about Bambino? Okay... we're in complete denial on this one. Obviously, he won't be able to go with us, so he'll stay back with Stephen's parents (Grandma and Grandpa Prince), his 'second home'. At 9 1/2, Bambino has lived an incredibly full life and has blessed us dearly with his spunkiness, stubbornness, and slobbers. We couldn't have asked for a better first-born to break us in on everything parent-related. So, we'll continue to give him plenty of love for the time that we have left with him, and then we'll look forward to Skype-ing with him after our move. Yes, he's that smart and is capable of many things. He's pretty much our four-legged genius.
That's all of the Q and A for now... but more to come. Feel free to shoot questions at us... if they get too difficult, I can always defer to Steph. :)
"Expect great things from God. Attempt great things FOR God." -William Carey (1761-1834), missionary to India
