As far as the east...

The more we prepare and plan for our move from the west to the east, the more we are convinced that the comparision in Psalm 103 is intended to convey an impossibly large distance (especially since it's preceded by "as the heavens are high above the earth..."). Everything from the language to the cultural norms will be completely different, and we will literally live on the other side of the world from where we are now. David in Psalm 103 says that our move is a picture of how far God has removed our guilt from us....completely and utterly far away. So not only will our words proclaim to our new neighbors that He "heals all our diseases, redeems our life from destruction, and crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies", the act of moving itself actually proclaims His mercy as well! Now that puts a new perspective on the "hardship" of packing the next two years into 4 suitcases and a carry-on.

So that's where the name for the blog originated, and - although neither of us are "bloggers" - we'll be try to update it as much as possible with stories and photos from our new home. For secturity reasons, we can't allow you to comment on our posts. But we hope you'll keep reading and sending us emails!

Of course we haven't left quite yet....here's our schedule for the next two months until we fly out:
July 27th - a big going away party...if you're reading this, you're invited! Just ask us when & where....
August 4th - we leave for two months of training in Richmond, VA
October 3rd - we board the plane to travel to our new home city