Update from Soldotna

We arrived in Soldotna on Thursday evening around 7:00.  We were having dinner that night with one of the

staff families from M.A.R.C. so we did not have time to even unload our 19 bags from the van - we just headed straight to their house when we arrived.  We did however, have to stop and snap some pictures of the moose in downtown eating the trees.  James Jr thought at first they were statues because they are soooo big.  It was a cool way to start our time in Soldotna.

After dinner on Thursday we headed over to the home where we are living during our stay.  We are being hosted by a gentleman that lives in Kenai and has 3 bedrooms in his downstairs.  We did not know what to expect but when we arrived we were super blessed by what a great host he is.  He has welcomed us into his home with such enthusiasm and love it is amazing!  The kids have had fun playing in his yard where the snow is still up to their knees.

Today is Monday, March 21st, and Jennifer and I had our first meeting with our Candidacy Committee.  They asked a lot of very good questions to confirm that this is a calling God has placed on our lives.  The meeting lasted about an hour and really encouraged Jennifer and I.  This afternoon I was allowed to fly along on a flight on one of the King Air A-90's. 

 It was good to get to see the primary airplane that I will be flying when we move here.

During the next 2 weeks Jennifer and I will continue to take the kids to a different house each night to get to know staff members and for them to get to know us.  After each evening the person whose house we ate at gives feedback to the Candidacy Committee.  I will also be receiving a flight evaluation this week. On April 4th we will meet again with the Candidacy Committee and at that time they will inform us if we are going to be invited to join them here are M.A.R.C. 

Please continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us in the direction God would have us to go.  We believe this is where God has called us but we are willing to accept a closed door if that is the conclusion of the Candidacy Committee.  Please pray for the children.  Mostly they are very happy to be here and enjoying the new experiences.  There is some anxiety and we pray it will be alleviated before we leave.