First Days

Here's a sampler of images from our pilgrimage.

Packing those trunks

Dad Gutman hauls

Dad Stewart and two truckloads of stuff

Right after the Alaska Airlines clerk fainted

Off we go

Thirty six hours later, in Belem with no luggage

Our first time through the gates

The new favorite toy--a latanga fruit

Some tiny seedling on our clothesline

All our luggage--a miracle!

One of the few casualties

Jill hangs her first load of laundry, and then learns how to do it the right way from our neighbor, Karen

Making coffee in a whole new way

George's first day at school: Friday, April 18.

Our new house--post Junior/Senior high school all-nighter

The AVA Welcoming Commitee comes to help clean up

Caleb and George out in the back forty

Bugs beware!

Sorry about the formatting of this entry, we're a little rushed these days.

Quote of the day: "George, get back in that hammock, they'll be time to catch lizards after your quiet time!"

Today We Leave For Brasil!

Off we go! So long, and thanks for all the prayers!

THE VISAS HAVE ARRIVED!

Jill and I were having a date in downtown Tacoma. After a satisfying latte and some speculative conversation about our visa situation, we started for my parent's house. As we drove through the Hilltop neighborhood, my cellphone rang. Adrienne, our visa agent, was on the line. I could tell by Jill's giddy tone that some good news was being delivered--Adrienne had the our visas in her hand! As Jill hung up, the clouds opened and the rain came down. It has often been the case that the Lord sends rain as a sign of his blessing, especially in the Pacific Northwest. At the same moment, I noticed a scruffy guy on a street corner holding up a cardboard sign. It read:

Know The Truth

John 3:32

I looked up the verse later, and it reads "He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony". I'm not sure how this fits into the story, perhaps it is a warning to you readers. You may not want to believe our visas are here. We have been waiting and waiting, and stringing you on and on. Believe--Our visas are here! But you may need proof, I mean we have been crying "Visa!" for a long time now. So here they are, all stamped and approved:

We just purchased our plane tickets, a straight shot from Spokane to Seattle to Miami to Manaus to Belem. We will be departing the Lilac City for the Mango City on April 14th. We would be delighted to see all of you at our:

Goodbye Open House

Sunday, April 13th

3-5 p.m.

3721 E. Congress, Spokane

Thank you all for your prayers and support during this long gestation. Here's a few more pics of the precious parchments.

George admires the filled-in blanks

Finn and I ferry the treasured paperwork to its SECRET hiding place

Spring Has Sprung?!

March 20th!