"Alas my friends we say goodbye

In May of 2007 Caitlin and I said goodbye to our friends, family and home to head off on an epic adventure in a far away land. Who knew our lives would change as they did? Who knew we would see and experience such wonderful and terrible things? Can you put words to the people, the culture, the injustices, or the life that one endures on a mission field in the third world? We shed many tears, had many laughs, we were frustrated to no end, experienced many victories, and we were deeply loved.
Today Caitlin and I are saying goodbye again. As you already know we made the temporary transition back to the states this last summer. Everything has gone by so quickly. Our beautiful daughter, Lucy Layne, is now four months old. For the last 5 months we have been living with my parents in efforts to save money to reestablish ourselves in American society. As I write this we are entering into the next faze of our transitioning life.
What lies 2233.6 miles away? Answer: Our new home. We have decided to go west. Seattle Washington is our destination. Along with being some of the most beautiful country in the nation, it is also home to my best friend that I have known for over ten years. Jeremy, his wife Meghan, and son Emmitt have opened their lives for us to come share with them. We have found a house to rent and plan on living in community with our friends for a good bit of time in Seattle. The plan is to explore, grow, and learn all there is to offer from this unique opportunity. No doubt it will be a challenge, but one that is adventurous and full of memories waiting to be had. While living with our friends will be a short-term experience, we do desire to explore to see if Seattle is an area God would use us in.
The adventure begins on Friday December 4th for me. My friend will meet me in Missouri and together we will drive 40 hours to the Pacific Northwest. Caitlin and Lucy’s journey has already begun. They flew to Seattle Sunday the 29th of November, and have begun to settle into the house and get things organized. We do not know exactly what God has in-store for us. Please pray that he continue to guide us, and that we will continue to listen and be faithful when he calls. As of now I do not have a solid job lined up, although I have some interviews, and temporary work available upon my arrival. Praise God for taking care us! He always has, and always will. Pray that we will continue to be obedient to His word.
Friends, we don’t know how to thank you or express our gratitude for being willing to serve by supporting us. Through prayer, time, and finances you have made it possible for us to put our hands to work and be apart of God changing the lives of children and adults. The stories are a book-length long and still bring us much joy and rejoicing. Caitlin and I pray for you, that God would continue to bless you, that you might bless those that do His work. Please, we beg you, to seek out those in need and continue the rich service that you have graciously shown to us. There is a great work to be done within our borders, as well as outside. Thank you, thank you for all you have done. We love you all, and would love to hear from you and all God is doing in your lives. God bless.