3,285 days ago:
We took the first steps towards an opportunity. An opportunity to join in on what God is doing to reach people all around the world. Step one was Bible college.
1,277 days ago:
We began training specifically for the goal of making disciples among one of many people groups who have never had the chance to hear and respond to the truth.
547 days ago:
The Lord started giving us opportunities to spend time with people all over the country. He led some amazing families, individuals, and churches to link arms and make it possible for us to introduce Jesus to a people without hope.
Then there were NONE.
We’re at 0 now. The Lord has confirmed and guided us to this point, and we’re getting to step into the unknown again as we count on our Heavenly Father, His promises, and His Spirit.
It’s amazing to look back and see how the Lord has led us, changed us, provided for us, and unloaded His grace on us each step of the way.
Right now, we’re sitting in a hotel in California … soon to get on a plane that flies through 7 time zones and across the international dateline to Papua New Guinea. When many of you read this, we’ll be over the Pacific … hopefully with well behaved kids.
We’ve said all the goodbyes, we’ve put everything we own in boxes or basements, and we’ve flown across the country. Now we’re with our friends & teammates, Luke & Ellenie and their kids, James & Noah. With our last night “at home” behind us, we have yet another chance to trust our heavenly Father and count on His grace.
Our last month
It’s been busy. Nothing new there of course =)
The holidays are always a bit crazy, and preparing to leave definitely added some extra flavor to the non-holiday days. It was a bit of a process to decide what was coming with us on the plane, what would be shipped later, what would be stored, and how to get rid of the rest of it. We also began planning for how/when our shipping container would be sent and what it may look like to have teams come to build our houses.
Our family is doing well. Lauren’s just along for the ride, and Natalie is starting to feel a bit of the reality that our lives are about to change some. We’re all just taking it a step at at time. Not knowing what all lies ahead makes us a little nervous and a little excited.
Here’s what our next few days will look like:
Today, January 14th, we leave Los Angeles and fly 15ish hours to Manila, Philippines.
We’ll have a 5 hour layover in Manila then take an 8 hour flight to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.
After about a 7 hour layover in Port Moresby, we’ll take a 1 hour flight to our final destination (for now) at a New Tribes Mission base in Madang, Papua New Guinea.
When we arrive it will be around dinner time on Tuesday (local time). If everything goes smoothly, it should be a little over 30 hours of traveling.
Please PRAY with us,
That our perspectives would be bigger than ever as we face the new challenges of this trip and the transition of the next month. It’s going to show us what’s in our hearts, and force us to lean on our Lord and each other.
That we would be patient and gracious parents during a challenging life-change for our kids.
That we would be loving and others-centered teammates. We’re so thankful that we get to do this with Luke & Ellenie. We want to do whatever we can to help our friends and their kids be successful.
Also, please pray for our families at home. This is a really challenging transition for them too. Leaving them is the worst part about this.
But guess what! In eternity, we’ll never have to say goodbye or leave ever again!
In light of that eternity, it’s worth it right now
KONOMALA 
Seth and Kaitlyn,
Congratulations on your great adventure of a lifetime. Linda and I will be praying for you as the Lord brings you to mind. We’re looking forward to hearing about your good times as well as struggles so we know how to be praying. The flights will be tough and may stress you out, but remember that God cares more about your reactions and how you handle what he brings into your lives, than he does about making you comfortable! Take care my friend and above all… continue to wear those pretty striped socks!
Dan
>
LikeLike
Praise the Lord. As Matthew 28:19-20 comes into view for a new people. Dave Meunier, Pastor, Plainville Baptist Church, Plainville, MA (John 4:34)
LikeLike
Seth, I think you are the very first one of us all to actually send a letter in the midst of such “taking off” circumstances!! 🙂 We are amazed and so enjoyed getting all those details! Such cute pictures also! Continuing to pray with love, Grandpa & Grandma
On Sun, Jan 14, 2018 at 9:07 AM, Seth & Kaitlyn Sanford wrote:
> Seth & Kaitlyn posted: “3,285 days ago: We took the first steps towards an > opportunity. An opportunity to join in on what God is doing to reach people > all around the world. Step one was Bible college. 1,277 days ago: We began > training specifically for the goal of making disciple” >
LikeLike
We are standing with you. The first thing I think of—
The Lord is our Shepherd. And as our Shepherd He will lead and guide your every step. Trusting that He will provided all you need. That He will lead you into green pastures, and restore your soul.
Thank you for being faithful th His calling.
LikeLike
Wow thanks for the precious update. We’ve been thinking about you all day and praying for the long days ahead. Talked to both moms today and said goodbye to Todd. Hard to believe just a week ago we were sending you out as a church body. The days ahead will be both exciting and hard as you go with God. Can’t wait to hear about your family’s wonderful adventure. We love you. Bob and Denise
LikeLike
Praise Almighty God. You are all in our prayers, every day. May God continue to bless You like you have never imagined. We Love You. Len, Jill, Cameron
On Sun, Jan 14, 2018 at 10:07 AM, Seth & Kaitlyn Sanford wrote:
> Seth & Kaitlyn posted: “3,285 days ago: We took the first steps towards an > opportunity. An opportunity to join in on what God is doing to reach people > all around the world. Step one was Bible college. 1,277 days ago: We began > training specifically for the goal of making disciple” >
LikeLike
Excited and anxious with you at the same time. Have been thinking of you for that grueling trip! But we are thankful to stand on the sidelines to watch and cheer you on as well as love on your family back here. God speed (yes, I looked up the definition..well wishes to those entering a “journey!”)Seth and Kaitlyn. You are loved and prayed for much!!!❣️❣️
LikeLike
Prayers from northern NY. We wish you Godspeed and His infinite blessing on
your families.
LikeLike
Praying for you guys now!
On Sun, Jan 14, 2018 at 10:07 AM, Seth & Kaitlyn Sanford wrote:
> Seth & Kaitlyn posted: “3,285 days ago: We took the first steps towards an > opportunity. An opportunity to join in on what God is doing to reach people > all around the world. Step one was Bible college. 1,277 days ago: We began > training specifically for the goal of making disciple” >
LikeLike
Love and Prayers!
On Jan 14, 2018 10:07 AM, “Seth & Kaitlyn Sanford” wrote:
> Seth & Kaitlyn posted: “3,285 days ago: We took the first steps towards an > opportunity. An opportunity to join in on what God is doing to reach people > all around the world. Step one was Bible college. 1,277 days ago: We began > training specifically for the goal of making disciple” >
LikeLike
Remember friends, Faith Bible Church sends their prayers to you, and a cord of 3 strands is not easily broken. With Jesus going with you two and the babies you have the power from him to do great and mighty things which you do not yet know. Love and safe travels. The Horschaks
LikeLike
Seth, I just wanted to check on you and your family., make sure you are safe and secure, an getting settled in. Anything you can give us as far as prayer request? Please let us know how things are there when you get a chance. You and your family and team mates are in our prayers, and the church prayers !
We send our love and hugs
In Christ, Rick & Carolyn Keller
Bethel Baptist Church
Sent from Windows Mail
LikeLike
I have been praying for all of you as you embark on your awesome goals of spreading the gospel to remote areas of our world. I am so proud of you and honored to know you. The messages and pictures are a joy. Thank you. I am living in West Bend now. Have found a church named Kettlebrook. Not sure of their affiliation with Elmbrook….seems tenuous. But it is a vital church with excellent pastors who can inspire us to reflect upon our lives and think about whether we are living for Christ. I am part of a startup Bible group here. It has grown rather rapidly. We meet weekly in the afternoon. Our topic is Acts at this time. The only book we are using is the best one; the Bible. Stay strong and feel the prayers of all the people who are keeping you in their hearts. Love, Ann
On Sun, Jan 14, 2018 at 9:07 AM, Seth & Kaitlyn Sanford wrote:
> Seth & Kaitlyn posted: “3,285 days ago: We took the first steps towards an > opportunity. An opportunity to join in on what God is doing to reach people > all around the world. Step one was Bible college. 1,277 days ago: We began > training specifically for the goal of making disciple” >
LikeLike