ALL DONE!

We are finally moved out of our apartment! We are so relived that all the boxes are packed and we don't have worries about being done in time. Yesterday morning we went through the place with the landlord and gave her the keys. It was very refreshing. Now we are staying with Levi's parents for the next week. September 8th is our leaving date.

Last night we went out to dinner with Pastor Joe after Beyond. We always have a good time with him telling funny stories even though we get home late every time. We also went through what to share when we speak this weekend at River Valley. Come and support us this weekend, we will be nervous but know it's part of getting to Mexico. Just about a week to go!

Gnarley!!

So today was an all day cleaning event. My mom and little sister Rachel came over to help which was huge. They worked mostly on the kitchen and living room, while Levi and I tackled the bathroom and rest of the apartment. We got pretty far and tomorrow looks like working on getting the boxes into the jeep and getting our clothes packed. During the day Kim Backes stopped by to show us her new pup named Narley. He is only 4 months old and is very very nice. He was the most calm puppy I had ever seen. He got along with our kitty Charlie but other cat Peter (which is a girl, long story) was very territorial. I can't wait to be done with the apartment. It will be hard letting go of it but I know it's part of getting to Mexico.

An eventful weekend

Friday- It was my last day at Northfield Retirement Center. I have been there for over two years and I have built many relationships with the residents and their families. I didn't think it was going to be so hard because I was getting tired and worn out due to the labor of the job. Once I was saying good-bye to a certain resident that I new wouldn't make it a year until I returned, it really hit me. So I had to say bye to some residents for the last time. It was very difficult but it is nice to have that chapter of my life over. It means one more step to Mexico.



Saturday- We spent the day in Fairbault where Levi's parent's have a seasonal RV site by the river. It is such a quiet place to get away from the chaos at our apartment. We brought our bikes and rode on the trails for a while. Then we went to see a church choir from India. It was very cool to hear about the struggles and trials in their country about Christianity. The kids were so cute to watch when they got into the songs, and they even raised their hands too, so sweet!



Sunday-Today was church service and the annual RVC picnic. All day I was very emotional. During the church picnic it was overwhelming to see the church as a whole and know I won't be able to see some of those people on a regular basis. Being part of a big church, you don't realize how many relationships you build. It is a very good thing, but it makes it harder to say good-bye, which I am horrible at doing. One time Levi looked at me teary-eyed and said "Wow, it's going to be really hard leaving this church." I almost lost it to see him get emotional. Then after a few moments, I begin to feel that peace again. That familiar peace that I have been feeling ever since we were called sitting on the mountain in Monterrey. Saying good-bye is only as hard as you make it. It's like a shot. The anticipation is scary, it stings for a few minutes, it's sore for a few days but after a while you go on with your life and in the end it's healthier for you.

Winona, Mn

The last week or so we have been meeting with a few more families and tying up loose ends around the apartment. It's shocking to think we only have a week and a few days left here. It has been exactly three years here this August! So many memories. We are happy to be giving it to close friends.

Today we went to Winona, Mn to move Levi's little sister into her dorm. It was such a beautiful town and cool college campus. It was fun setting up her single room, and got it all cute and cozy. It was hard leaving but we all know it is for her best. We are continually praying for her and her new life ahead of her.

Fun times Canoeing

Last night Levi finished putting the last parts onto the Jeep and finished welding the exhaust. After I finished with a small group (Beyond 75, a young adult group) I stopped over at the home where he was working and I didn't even recognize him! From head to ankle he was completely black. This morning after church we had to go straight over there before a guy was going to be taking the motor for scrap metal. Levi needed a few more parts off before it was taken.

Afterwards we met his parents out at their RV campground and had a quiet relaxing afternoon in the sun and went canoeing on the river. It was really fun! The last month our primary focus is spending quality time with family and friends, besides packing. With the more packing getting done the more anxious I'm feeling because we are physically doing it rather than just talking about it. We are ready to go!!

Empty Apartment

Since we have gotten back to Minnesota we have been really working on getting stuff organized into "storing" boxes or "Mexico" boxes that will come with us. My mom took a whole truck load of stuff to her garage sale the other week and we still have a few items to add. We sold our couch to a friend of ours that was moving out and since he was in a financial situation God laid it on our hearts to give it to him cheap. So all that's in our living room is a coffee table, one chair, and a TV on the floor. It is very welcoming and cozy!

The last week we were contemplating if we are actually going to be able to bring our Jeep Cherokee to Mexico. Levi just got done putting a newer motor in it yesterday and is doing finishing touches on it tonight. The only thing that has been keeping us from bringing it is getting the title back from the State. It is a really long story but a lot of things went against us and hopefully today after work Levi will be able to get it sorted out with the DMV. If so, then we can bring it through the boarder with no problems!