Why am I ever surprised to see how God provides?

Dear family and friends,

Last night Miss Maggie fed us dinner, which of course doesn't surprise any of us. The truck left yesterday with about half of our things and will be back at any moment for the second load today. I've got to go and take pictures today of our belongings being loaded on the streets of London. I didn't even see them coming in and apparently it's quite the sight.

So as we were leaving I was grabbing my little red collection out of her washing machine as it doesn't surprise any of us that she was helping me with laundry yesterday now does it? I found an enormous discovery.

Before we moved here I was very aware that laundry would be more ardous. I knew that from previous experience living overseas as well as full warning from the Americans who had just attended the school. I prepared as much as I could. I bought an extra drying rack not knowing my dryer situation, but more importantly I tried to adjust my expectations. Do you remember that the decision was made inbetween the two flats because this one had a dryer?

I have a sweet friend here who has a strapping husband. She can only put one pair of his pants in at a time.

So last night as I was leaning into the washing machine I discovered my washer must be twice as big as Maggies. Isn't God so good?

Don't get me wrong, I've been grateful for our smooth laundry routine since we've been here and what I thought was going to be so difficult has been relatively normal. Of course, when God gives you a washer twice as big, it really helps.

It had me thinking last night. How does He provide that I just don't even know about? His abundance abounds....Lord help me to always be grateful!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for The Troops

What preparations are you making?

Signing medical clearance documents. This was actually a momentous occasion as I was allowed to sign our own children's education forms which is not normally allowed. Don't get me started on how I feel about taking papers to a school and having them sign for our children whom they've never met! Don't get me started...
The first bag to be packed filled with school books! We start school before we get our hold baggage. In the past year I've hauled our school over five to six oceans depending on how you want to count it.
Traipsing through London enjoying the last days and checking off the final things Mama wanted to see. LOVED the Transportation Museum! Yesterday the boys took off to the Imperial War Museum and enjoyed an evening in the theatre to see Stomp. The girls and I stayed home to pack, clean, and organize.
Five children for two weeks plus...Steven Dahl has been a wonderful guest and has really just jumped into the swing of whatever. Thank you Steven for just being a part of our family.
So I get these little things in my mind that somehow become important to me. This may sound silly, but McDonalds is one of those consistent things in our crazy lives. It's a treat and although it's certainly not nutritious, it's a taste we know filled with memories of our lives. I also feel this way about Chili's but we don't see them as often as McDonalds. I should not publically say it was my favorite meal in Morocco so I won't. Every time I walked by this particular window in London I've thought it would make a great picture. We got up at 5:15 AM on Wednesday to go and take pictures in London without a million people in our pictures. The children get the gold star for their sweet sweet attitudes!



Dear family and friends,

I feel so torn this morning.

On one hand I'm filled with sadness as I can't believe it's really over. The packers start today.

On the other hand I'm filled with joy and excitement as my heart is bursting with gratefulness at all that God's done and all that God's provided. I could spend an afternoon with you over tea talking double time, and you know I would. I wouldn't begin to really do it justice. I would share about the people we've met from all over the world, how we've seen God's goodness in new and exciting ways, and how I've seen the Lord working in the hearts of our children. The last could take a day in and of itself. I'd only be able to hit the tip of the iceberg.

The last of our time is filled to the brim with goodness. Tomorrow we are spending time with a sweet family from Hawaii. On Sunday our friends from Colorado are having lunch with the adults. They live in England and are coming in for the day. Next Thursday and Friday we will be immersed in time with my library friend from long ago. We lived together in DC, spent time together while we lived in different countries in Europe, and lived together in DC once again. The consistency that God continues to provide for our family amidst this crazy lifestyle we lead boggles my mind.

We also have a party tonight, a BBQ next Wednesday, a luncheon next Friday, and my dear Maggie will be taking care of dinner Monday night. We have three days of packers. Did I mention we had company this past week for a night and we have a house guest? Well, he's really been more like one of the family. One more to love and care for which is always worthy of my time.

In the middle of all that is going on my emotions are full to the brim. I'm not ready. I think I feel somewhat like you might when a child leaves for college or gets married. I'm not quite certain but I'd be glad to confirm it for you in a few years.

It's made me realize that in the past, no matter what or who I'm leaving, I've always been ready. Not that I don't have sad moments and not that I don't always miss the people who are left behind. Walking away from my precious sister in DC two and half years ago was a very difficult thing to do. Please don't get me wrong...I always miss people. I think it's God's grace in my life though as I am always ready.

Maybe in eight days I'll be ready as either way, we're going. I'm continuing to claim in my heart and out loud in our home that God's timing is good and perfect. I can't tell you how much I believe this and I know it's true. An opportunity to live out my faith, to believe what is true, and to let my actions and heart follow the Lord's best plan.

On the other hand, I have three you know, most mothers do...I can hardly believe that we are moving to Alaska! ALASKA...there is literally no place in the world that we would rather be going. How's that for a swing of emotion?

The job is going to be hard, but a sheer privilege to serve our country and American families who work so hard to protect our freedoms. We've watched America take a beating on many days at Ed's college. We know she's not perfect and my man continues to be incredibly gracious. America is filled with things that I would love to change, but our freedoms are not one of them.

The Smith's are waiting for us! I can hardly believe God is allowing this. I've written about them before. We heard about them in Colorado, met them in Alabama, spent time with them in Montana, and learned to live life together in Hawaii. This will be our fourth assignment together and one of those precious treasures that the Air Force (via Jesus) has given us. They've already purchased our new van and will picking us up from the airport in it. This is literally the third move we've had where God has provided the Smith family for a smooth transition. They help us on the way in town and we serve them on the way out. It's a great little system we have!

Preparations surround me. Preparations for the move. What am I forgetting? Of course, I've learned over these years there is very little that you can't really do without. Actually, nothing that I can think of. I would love to have my white dress that I was planning on wearing to the change of command. I wore it on our last day in Hawaii and think it's in my closet at Mother and Daddy's.

Preparations for the future also abound. We land on Saturday and Internet will be up and running on Monday morning.

We also see that you can prepare properly and then still have to be flexible. The plan was: leave on Saturday, enjoy Sunday, receive both storage shipments Monday and Tuesday, Ed inprocess Wednesday and Thursday, change of command on Friday. This is a move where there is no time in between assignments and we will quickly be in the full swing.

The little bump has been that on two separate days this week we found out the ball has been dropped in VA and CA and we'll be receiving nothing the week that we'd planned on settling in. God's plans are different and Ed and I are quickly course correcting expectations. I was going to start school on the 16th but it sounds like I'll be unpacking.

This morning I woke up early as my mind is swimming violently. I've had a quite moment in God's Word, a cup of tea, and a little time on the computer.

As I was thinking about preparations for packing, moving, and transitioning it made me think deeper.

Lord, please help me amidst the busyness and demanding schedule to prepare for the real things of this world. Help me prepare to honor you today, to love my man, and to whisper into the hearts of these precious children. Prepare me to continue to love others... and while you are there please teach me to love them more deeply.

Help me be a better daughter, sister, and friend...please prepare me for that. Prepare me to serve you more faithfully, to open our home widely without grumbling of the things that must be accomplished, and to encourage the families we are about to meet.

Prepare us to serve our country with fantastic energy that you provide. Prepare us for the moments of sadness that I know will come. We know with an entire base population some
tragedy will happen. Prepare us to minister, to claim your goodness boldly, and to give hope to those who don't know you.

Prepare us for what we don't know is around the corner. The fact that you do know gives me such peace...thank you for that peace. Thank you for going before us Lord and thank you for never making us go alone. Thank you, that no matter what state I am in, you are perfectly ready!

Love in Christ,
Dinah for the Troops

Who are your neighbors?

Dear family and friends,

Not only is my washer running full time but my sweet neighbor is doing my towels and sheets. God's goodness and provision are always overflowing....

It's had me thinking this morning about all of the amazing neighbors that God has really provided for me over the years! It's hard living so far from family and yet He graciously always provides exactly what I need.

Neighbors...to serve and be served...what a blessing!

So here's my list of the servers. I'm certainly not deserving of such a list as this...

Lubbock, Texas: Susan and Jeff Dunn-They lived a street over. We were in a little apartment and Jeff, who was a Captain, lived in a HOUSE. This friendship is where the phrase "Captain's are rich" was born. The Dunn's loved us through a very hard time in our lives. Bless their hearts, they just can't get rid of us. This friendship continues to sustain us even though we usually don't live on the same continent. It has been a friendship of commitment, accountability, and joy. The Jefferson in Jefferson Allan...

McGuire AFB, New Jersey: Marcus and Debbie Vincent-Debbie was my constant source of Diet Coke's and conversation. Just loving me right where I was at. We had the delight of spending time with them last fall in California. When Caroline was born Debbie gave me a tin of her mothers that her mother always kept her ribbons in. Her mother passed in her preteen years. One of the most sacrificial gifts I've ever received.

Washington D.C.: Claire and Allan Wright- Hence the Allan in Jefferson Allan. Their hospitality lessons continue to speak to my heart even after all these years. In New Jersey they lived a street over and in DC they lived directly across the culdesac. I'll never forget right after Caroline was born we were running some tables over for them to borrow. They were having a crowd of 40 plus that night. A neighbor who they'd really been loving on came over to ask if they could possibly watch the children that evening. We were waiting for Allan's gracious explanation of their massive party plans but instead heard Allan say with such joy and sincerity, "Oh we're having a couple of folks over tonight, but we'd just love to have them." Ed's jaw was on the ground. It was one of those convicting moments where God showed us we weren't as hospitable as we thought.

Budoia, Italy: Rich and Kat Seifert-We shared a yard and a wall for two and a half years. They were generous and gracious of our enormous collection of children's toys, noise, and general chaos. They were also bathed in hugs, love, and very loud cries of their names over and over. The welcome home wagon was often available with lots of jumping up and down followed by consistent chatter. I've never prayed more for a car than Rich's little red sports car as I was horrified it would be damaged by our children. In the meantime the Seifert's helped pull off ticks, Kat travelled with me, and Rich had his shorts cut with scissors WHILE they were on him.

Colorado Springs, Colorado: Rich and Kat Seifert- Apparently they had not had enough as God put them five doors down when we all moved to Colorado. They have thoroughly spoiled our children their entire lives. Our children are very grateful and highly encourage it. Sweet Rich even accepted an invitation in DC from Caroline to see Disney's Enchanted. This is a kill em, chew them up, spit them out kind of movie man. It was one of the dearest acts of love I've ever experienced towards our children.

Washington D.C.: Andy and Tricia Porth-The moment we left DC the first time, my sweet friend started praying for our return. When it happened she quickly secured the house across the street. It was a privilege to watch this family in action. You've never seen such an amazing network of neighbors living in each others lives as this neighborhood and it was catapulted by the Porth families desire to share the love of Jesus. They connect people like I've never seen. One of the best examples being the day she asked me if Wyatt had red soccer socks. Once I had answered yes her explanation went something like this, "Oh great, as Ethan (our neighbor) is also going to need some so would you be willing to share so they won't have to go out and buy any?" Her plan being that twice a week I would have to connect with my neighbor to trade the socks. Crazy, but it was a delight...twice a week...to return the socks, or have them returned...to live life together.

Hickam AFB, Hawaii: Brad and Emily Waters-When they were moving in we quickly found out that Brad would be gone to Wake island for the year. They have two young, and darling, girls. So there we were with an opportunity to serve...which was just not the case. Emily Waters took care of me providing extra sugar, new recipes, encouragement to our children, leftovers, dog advice, prayer, and friendship just to share the tip of the iceberg. Oh and did I mention that she is a Biology teacher by trade and did all of Caroline's Biology experiments side by side with our daughter and her friend.

Hickam AFB, Hawaii: The Purdham family-We lived in two houses in Hawaii as just staying put in one place would be no fun. We only lived next to the Purdham's for two months, but it was a delight. They were so dear in opening up their arms and hearts despite knowing we were leaving. I'm not sure how I would have gotten to London without Lauralyn...

London, England: Rick and Maggie Coleman-The only Americans in the building live directly above us. Their daughter is an Aggie! I know I've mentioned them recently but they are worth a second mention to say the least. They have just taken care of us here and are certainly a brilliant part of God's provision. I've had amazing neighbors in the past but one of the special things about the Coleman's that I've never experienced is they are ahead of us in life. Just by a little bit...we are all celebrating as number one grand baby is on the way! Maggie has cooked for me, washed my laundry, loved on our children, and been a precious sounding board of all that has been going on in our lives here in London and around the world. Rick makes me laugh no matter how long the day has been.

Neighbor's see you good, bad, and ugly...and to be loved anyway...that's where it's at. This list doesn't even mention the people who lived two doors down or out the back.

I'd love to have my Mother and Daddy living next door, but I don't. Instead we get to see God's grace in new and exciting ways...His provision is indescribable...may we always be grateful for it!

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops

You have company?

Dear family and friends,

We have a houseful....the beds, floors, and couch are full. What a great thing to have people in our lives! We have another family spending one night next week and seeing two other families after the movers have already started. God is keeping up busy and providing every step of the way. I'm so grateful that He makes me trust Him...

Love in Christ,

Dinah for The Troops