The excitment is building!

There is a LOT of excitement in the Ellis house.  We are packing and getting ready to head to Orlando for our two week training with Wycliffe.  If you came by our house, you'd think we were going to spend two weeks at Disney the kids are so excited.  I love it!  Bags are packed and ready to be loaded.  Now if I can just force myself to sit down and write out the kids' lesson plans for the next two weeks. 

According to the world's view, we should be dreading two weeks away.  I mean it is training, giving up two weeks of Tim's precious vacation time, lots of prep work, and homework.  The excitement is because we know that this is the first big step we are taking as we follow where God is directing us.  Everything is becoming "more real" you can say.  It is exciting.  It is exciting to know that you are following the One who is all powerful, all knowing, and completely sovereign.  How can you not be excited to see where He is going to lead you?  We know the next 14 months will have lots of ups and downs as we prepare to leave for Papua New Guinea.  Right now, we are enjoying the mountaintop experience.

I have to laugh as I look at what has been thrown at us this past week as we prepared.  Of course there is the "hole in the ceiling" incident, but we also heard chipmunks or squirrels in the attic that same night.  Then last night as I was preparing dinner, we had no water because of a water main break. And the printer isn't working right and my resident computer man can't even figure it out.  All minor frustrations that can lead to bigger frustrations and stress.  I can't say it has been a laugh a minute around the house because there have been times when we just want to scream and just say forget it.  But, we don't.  I am reminded of the verse Bekah was working on memorizing this week- "Do all things heartily as to the Lord and not to man."  I'm sure it was just a coincidence that was the verse we've been working on.  HAHA! 

As you think about us over the next two weeks, please lift us up to the Father.  Please pray for us.  Some of the specific prayer requests are:

• Pray for safe travel to, around, and back home from Orlando.  Pray the car works as it is designed.
• Pray as we make new friendships.  Many of the people in our group will be heading to PNG with us.We have been told several times that our "Equip Family" will become a large part of our support group as we continue with Wycliffe. 
• Pray for health for our family.  I don't want to take for granted how healthy we have been this year.
• Pray for God to work in the life of our family and draw us closer to each other.  

I'll try to keep the blog and/or facebook updated while we are gone.  No promises, though.