A lot has happened in the last few weeks and we feel that we are in the midst of a whirlwind that will ultimately land us in Kenya the beginning of July. In the mean time, change is the word for each day and we are so thankful that God continues to give us the energy we need in the process. Here are some of the highlights.
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| Deb working at her "desk" |
Over the past several months we have
been invited to visit many small groups from our church to talk to them about our journey. We have so enjoyed these visits and the wonderful groups of people we got to know a little better. Thank you to all of you for allowing us to stop by and for your encouragement!
And then there was none!
We had a very successful estate sale where we sold just about everything. What didn't sell was taken away leaving us with the very bare minimum. Its taken some getting use to and every once in a while we head out to a coffee shop for a change of scenery and an actual table to work at. This new minimal lifestyle is helping us prepare for our 500 sq. ft. apartment in Africa!
Quite a Ride
Not sure we could have packed much more into this past week ....It started at 5am on Saturday May 31st as we woke up to get ready for our "Ride for Africa" bike ride fundraiser. At 6am we met Mark Wachendorf and the three of us drove to Lombard to meet Pete and Mary Ann Kippes who organized this event. At 7:30a Pete, Mark and I headed off on our bicycles for the 50 mile trek to McHenry. Along the way we met up with Rob Ludwig and rode on to Elgin. It was such the perfect day for this ride, sunny, cool temps, and a slight tail wind. The bike path was very scenic and the company was fantastic. As we pulled out of Elgin I ran over a piece of metal which promptly flattened my tire. After a on the trail tire repair job (thank you Mark Wachendorf!!) we were back on our way pulling into McHenry IHOP at 12:45p, After a restful lunch, Diana Miller joined the Praire Dog Riders while Mark and I said goodbye to them. Pete and Diana went on to complete the remaining 25 miles. Thank you Pete, Mary Ann, Mark, Rob, Diana, and Chase!!!
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| Rob Ludwig and Pete Kippes |
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| Mark Wachendorf |
Steaks On the Grill
A little rest, a shower, and off to the McHenry VFW Deb and I got to attend the Steak Fry Fundraiser that same evening. Walking in the doors of the VFW was mind blowing. It was decorated so beautifully and the auction item tables arranged just perfectly! The smell of charcoal told us the three 3'x4' grills were warming up. Then at 6pm people starting streaming in and in and in and in. It was unbelievable the number of people who joined us that evening, more than 200. A prayer from our Pastor Jeff Pittman started the steak grilling and Derek Galvicius our DJ got the house rocking. As dinner was winding down, Mark Mohr blessed us with his godly wisdom, humor, and heartfelt introduction of Deb and I had us choking back tears of joy to offer our sincere thanks. What a blessing to have so many family, friends, and friends of friends attend this event. Everyone's generosity raised at the Ride for Africa and the Steak Fry events completed our funding needs for our first year and have begun to fund our second year!! Praise God! Deb and I are overwhelmed by God's provision and the friendship and generosity of all you who made these two events such a blessing!!!
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| Mark Mohr at the Steak Fry |
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| Steak Fry Ruzga fundraiser |
Packing and more Packing then cleaning. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday became our days to finish packing what little remained and move it over to Deb's mom's and aunt's house where we will be staying until we leave for Kenya on July 7th. It was amazing how more stuff seemed to appear as we kept putting things into our packing footlockers!!! But by Tuesday evening, everything was out of the house, cleaned and ready for the new family to move in. It was a bittersweet moment as we left the house for the last time. 22 years of memories. Dave and Ash just over two years old when we moved into the house we got to build. All the times with neighbors, family, friends, sporting events, school, dance recitals, the list goes on. Yet as we walked out the door we knew we were starting a new and exciting season in our lives and we can't wait to see where God is taking us. On Wednesday we officially became "homeless" as our house sale closed! Thanks to Renee Kessel our real estate agent and Tony Buckun our attorney who handled the entire transaction on our behalf.
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| Saying good bye to an old friend |
What have we been doing since Wednesday? Catching up on everything we had put on hold!!! Visiting our travel doctor, sold our car, writing thank you's finding things we packed (somewhere), updating facebook, writing blogs/newsletters and catching up on emails from Africa. Oh yea, and purchasing our plane tickets!!! Departing Chicago O'Hare on July 7th!! Wow that's only a month away ... Stay tuned!
As we wind this update up we find ourselves overwhelmed with gratitude to God for all of His provisions. He has been so faithful in every step of our journey and for this we are grateful. We are also so thankful to you, our friends and family who continue to bless us in so many wonderful and unexpected ways. We are overwhelmed and excited for all the lessons that God has for each of us on this journey.
Much Love,
Bob and Deb
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Bob preparing the crates for Kenya
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Giving thanks always and for everything to
God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
