The residency permits arrived in the mail yesterday. We also purchased our plane tickets and finally have an official departure date...February 10th. It was a party moment at the Taylor house. Now the packing. Because we bought humanitarian tickets we each get two bags, plus a third for free, as long as it's full of humanitarian items - medicine, school supplies, etc. The kids and I declared yesterday the start of "winter break" from school and began packing. We packed up everything that we don't use daily and the things that definitely aren't going with us, starting in the boys' room. They are allowed one suitcase of toys and their clothes will share another, and that seems to be enough for them. God has certainly prepared their hearts for this. They aren't sad about what they're leaving behind, just looking forward to what's ahead.

While we pack Dan is tending to all the paperwork. Updating the will. Checking with our insurance company about different medications. Making copies of our important papers. Filing taxes. Suspending our local accounts. Wow! I am so grateful for him. Please pray that we are able to stay focused and organized these last couple of weeks. Pray also for our safety as we fly. 14 days to Africa!