FIVE weeks
That’s a new one for us … to say “next month” as we’re preparing for Papua New Guinea. It’s exciting and nerve-racking in the same thought! We’re 36 days away from boarding our first flight to Papua New Guinea.
Our teammates Luke & Ellenie framed the emotions like this: it’s like we’re in line for a huge slide at the water park. It’s exciting the whole time in line, but then you get to the 3rd or 4th spot in line, and it starts to get real. You see the drop off, you look down, and the nerves kick in.
If you’ve ever been in one of those lines, you’ve seen that person … they don’t make eye contact with you as they quickly head back to the safety of their pool-side chair. The thought then tip-toes into your mind, “Do I really want to do this?!”
But with anticipation, excitement, and a little fear … you keep moving forward.
Prepping
As we keep moving forward, our days could be labeled as ‘MISCELLANEOUS’ right now:
Packing, organizing, and cleaning,
Communicating with teammates, leaders, and shippers,
Planning ahead for building our house,
Tying up loose ends of insurances, banking, cars, and paperwork,
Spending time WITH family and time AS a family,
ETC …
We’re really excited and thankful that Kaitlyn’s work permit cleared the PNG government! All of our visas are now in process to be available at the consulate in Washington D.C. We should have them before Christmas! That was a huge answer to prayer as it was looking a bit iffy there for a bit.
Soaking it up
God has put so many good things in our lives. The list is huge when we stop to think about all that He has blessed us with. Being home and established has been one of those good things for this stretch before leaving. We love being with our families and enjoying time together … especially during the holidays.
We’re really soaking up these last weeks at home. Going on dates with Natalie, baking cookies with her, and decorating the Christmas tree together have been so much fun. She’s already growing up so fast!
PRAISE GOD with us
- That Kaitlyn’s work permit cleared, and we should have our visas in the next few weeks.
- That He has provided 98% of our financial need for Papua New Guinea! He has led such amazing people to generously be part of the team.
Please PRAY with us
- That we would be faithful before the Lord in our priorities. As always, we have a lot of things that need to be considered and are important.
- That the Lord would give us wisdom in decision-making, planning, stewarding His money, raising our (His) kids, and valuing His people around us.
- That we would trust our always faithful God and rest in Him during this chaotic season ahead.
KONOMALA 
Eeeeekkk. Great update but don’t like the countdown!!
Sent from my iPhone
LikeLike
I don’t like the countdown either!!!
LikeLike
We sure pray all the Lords blessings for U 4
Sent from my iPad
>
LikeLike
Seeing God’s faithfulness down through the years and how He supplies all kinds of needs, we are not worried but excited for you!
LikeLike
Our prayers go with you. We are excited for you too and what the Lord is going to do.
LikeLike
Seth and Kaitlyn, 98% support level… Wahoo! Thanks be unto God!!! Harold Crowell, Plainville Baptist Church
>
LikeLike
So wonderful to hear from you and see all your pictures. This is a momentous time in your lives for sure. I will be praying that all goes smoothly with everyone staying well and positive. It is such a gift to know that we can live our lives in the palm of God’s hand. The Holy Spirit flows around and through all the events we experience. It is an honor that He has selected you to go out and teach His message of love in this world. I know that the two of you will do it very well.
My condo is sold. I will be moving into unknown territory on January 9. It is exciting and not nearly as scary as your venture but as I read of your concerns and challenges I could not help but identify with many of them. So please pray for me also. This is momentous for me. At almost 81, I am starting a new life. I will be about an hour north of Milwaukee in a lovely place which I recall telling you about when we last had breakfast together. I am not afraid in the least but new can be daunting at times. My new address as of January 12 will be 107 Cedar Ridge Dr. N 217 West Bend, WI 53095 My phone and email stay the same.
Wishing you a great Christmas with your lovely daughters and families and God’s Blessings everywhere you turn. Love, Ann
On Thu, Dec 7, 2017 at 12:58 PM, Seth & Kaitlyn Sanford wrote:
> Seth & Kaitlyn posted: ” FIVE weeks That’s a new one for us … to say > “next month” as we’re preparing for Papua New Guinea. It’s exciting and > nerve-racking in the same thought! We’re 36 days away from boarding our > first flight to Papua New Guinea. Our teammates Luke & Elle” >
LikeLike
Our prayers are with you for you and your family and for your partner for God’s protection. What a blessing it is to have people like you who are carrying out the Great Commission. Thank you
LikeLike
Great to reat your update, been praying for you guys and our other missionaries as God has brought you to mind along with the Ames family in missionary school now. God has been and always will be faithful to you and to us as he sharpens us on the anvil of life to make us into his perfected people and servants. May he continue to meet your needs and to bless the four of you in your next big chapter. God’s peace, love and blessings go with you. The Horschak Family, Fatih Bible Church
LikeLike