Hey Everybody! Hope you're enjoying Spring as much as we are!

We are busily wrapping up our schoolwork and activities and trying to tackle a whole lot of details for summer plans and just plain details of life that have been put off until summer -- can't believe it's almost here!

Tonight Matt and I met with some of our friends and a couple from Indonesia, who gave us a presentation about the works there, etc. It was neat to hear about their experiences and some of the pluses and minuses of that particular field. We are still considering the possibility of going there, but also heavily considering China, the Amazon, and Africa, all while remaining completely open at this point! It is exciting to see what God is doing in so many areas, and the great need everywhere leaves so many viable opportunities to be used!

We are very excited to announce that Chloe, Matt and I will be heading to the Philippines this summer for a short term mission trip to the Bicol region. We have been considering and praying about the idea of going since last August. It became apparent to us earlier this Spring that we should definitely take the opportunity to serve and learn, and we really feel this is what God would have us do despite the seeming financial irresponsibility and the many details that still need to fall into place. We are thrilled to be able to help friends Steve and Jen Hagen with practical needs and encouragement while also getting a taste for what a tribal missionary does as well as hopefully meeting several support missionaries in the field. After the devastating typhoon last November, there is still much work to be done, and we hope to free the Hagens from some of that work so they can progress in their ministry! Please pray for us as we prepare for and make this journey, late July -Aug.

Other happenings around here include getting Chloe's passport, Matt studying for his CDL (Yes, he IS going to be a bus driver! Chloe is hoping he'll get to drive her route!) ... A new baby across the hall (which means we get to experience all those cries in the night and extra tantrums from brother and sister, too -- but sometimes also get the pleasure of watching her while her Mommy does laundry, etc.) ...Packing and organizing what we'll need for the summer in all our various locations ...Oh, and Matt now has to go to another floor to go to the bathroom, as they have ripped out one of the other girls wings' bathroom and the overflow is using ours...

We feel so blessed lately, despite all the craziness. Emma won a $75 grocery card in a Mother's Day contest (3 weeks worth of groceries!!!). Chloe got into the dental hygiene clinic at the Technical College, where she's been on the cancellation list for a couple of months. She was so good during the super long appointment and so proud of the sealants she got! We've had the chance to get involved in church and get to know our wonderful small group. I have been checking out preschools for Emma, about which she is very excited! I've been doing pilates as regularly as possible with a single girl on our floor, which is a huge help for my hip and back after my car accident. Matt will leave with the little girls in only two weeks, and I will have a busy week of packing, cleaning, wrapping up some church activities, having Chloe's (early) birthday celebration at school and accompanying her on her class field trip!

Everything is going well and we are so looking forward to the next few weeks, going home, and to the Philippines! Please pray for our transition as we head home, especially as our family will be apart for several weeks this summer, that details will fall into place for our mission trip, and that Matt will be able to work! Also, please pray that time spent with loved ones at home will be profitable!

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!

Love,

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