D-Day

   We have to be out of here in 3 hours!  Yikes!  As usual, we are finely tuning our departure to the last minute.   Many people have stopped and helped, for which we are thankful.  Meals, hugs, cards, gifts to send us on our way.

 I vow to get rid of a LOT of what we packed in the basement bedrooms!  I thought we had already disposed of a lot.  What consumers we are....as simple as I think we live.  It's always a relief to go on these mission years and live out of a suitcase and the good graces of our hosts.

We DO have a room rented in a house in Kabul.  More about that after we see it, but the yard has green grass, lots of roses, two peacocks and some doves.  Now, isn't that a bit of Eden in the desert?
Our house here is rented and nearly ready for occupancy.  Very nice people who love the place already.
Our cars have shelter waiting (just have to drive them there in the time remaining).  Muffin, the cat, has a home with three kids who looked eager to entertain her when she comes out of hiding.

We are desparately hoping the piles on the floor fit into the 4 cases and 2 carry-ons.  I've already sifted out the first batch that I could live without.  Hope I don't have to do it again.  The chocolate chips and frangoes will be next....poor Jon.

WEll, I'd better get to it.  Time is a wasting.  Just wanted to record that we are leaving tomorrow morning from our daughter, Jana's, in Seattle.  Tonight the family will have a BBQ there and we fly out at 7 am or so.  Then we can rest a bit (?) on the 36 hour trip to Kabul....thru D.C., Frankfurt, and Dubai. WE arrive 7 am Thursday Kabul time (7 pm Wed.).  Pray that we have a safe trip and get some sleep.  WE have parties to attend the first two nights there, and Jon has 5 days to learn the ropes before Dr. Fader departs.......our new life.

Stay tuned for the big adventure!

Love and prayers,
Marita for us