Closer . . .

Each day brings us a little closer to China. Life has taken on a new flavor these days as we prepare for the big move. Today has been particularly intense. Here's what we have been working on:

• Visas--Rob still needs a physical. Then we need someone to hand deliver his application to the consulate in Los Angeles and pick it up 4 days later. We are also nudging Laurent (his new company) for help with the fees for the family.
• Garage sale planning for next week--This goes against many of my own natural inclinations, but we simply have too much stuff that we don't want to store.
• New tire--The right front tire on Rob's truck was looking worn. . . . not any more!
• Housing--We got notice of our options from the Realtor firm handling things yesterday. We're consulting with our foreclosure expert friends to work out the best plan for leaving this house. We're hoping to benefit from the Cash for Keys program. We certainly need it to get to China . . . And of course we need a cheap place to live for 4 more months, 2 of them without Rob around to help out.
  
• Eng 125--I got a contract for my next class that starts on April 12. I will finish up with grading papers in that class just in time (May 20) to take off for a trip to visit Rob's family before Beca's baptism (May 28) and before Rob leaves for China (June 1).

In the mean time we are loving the weather here and just trying to keep our heads. We're very happy to have a goal, though the strangeness of everything is almost mind numbing at times. (and it's only the beginning of strangeness . . . ;] ) It's easy for me to feel insecure with what needs to happen next and wondering what the kids should be doing right now. BUT, here we go, moving forward trusting in the Lord's plan!