April 8th, 2008

Well, it’s that time again to dig down deep and come up with some really interesting things to say about our lives and what God has been doing in them. I thought I would title this update, “MARCH MADNESS” and it would have nothing to do with basketball. (just the madness in our house). But, then Kansas (one of my favorite teams) decided to make the final game really crazy and send the game into overtime on a desperation three, and win in overtime. So, sorry non-basketball fans (and non-Kansas fans), this MARCH MADNESS update is also about basketball…at least the first paragraph.

Well, last month, I mentioned some things about “the house.” Not much has changed in that category. We still live in “the house” but I have recently changed my perspective on it. It’s no longer our house. It’s God’s house and if He wants us to live here a little while longer, well, that’s ok with us. I mean, after all, it’s not like we are suffering here. We finally got it listed on March 21st, the day of our 21st wedding anniversary…I know! It’s hard to believe that my parents would actually let me get married at the age of 8! (8+21=29). It’s really lots of fun keeping your house clean at all times. And it’s extra special when you get “the call.”

“The call” is a phone call from an agent who has a potential buyer. You go through a ton of emotions when you get “the call.” The agent often tells you that their client really, really wants to see your house and that their buyers are “from out of town.” And that your house is “at the top of their list.” “Oh, and can we see your house in 90 minutes?” You think, “OK! This is it! These are the people God has brought! Yes, you tell the agent. We can get out. Never mind that it’s dinner time, or bed time or Easter morning (we said no to that one). Come on over! So, you bust your tail cleaning and get out in the nick of time for their arrival and then come home wondering what they thought….only to find out later that they never actually came! Yeah, we are getting smarter though. We still say “yes, come on over,” but we don’t get as emotionally involved. It’s God’s house after all.

Kristi’s last day of work in her clinic was the 25th of March. It was bittersweet for her as she has been saying goodbye to all her patients and friends that she has made the past 4 ½ years. We are trying to stay connected with all of them who would like to and even encouraging some of them to come and see us on the crazy side of the world. Dr. Copperman has assured Kristi that she has a job anytime she needs one.

Support raising. This too falls into God’s category; God’s house/God’s money. We are inching closer and closer to the support raising finish line! Today, another personal supporter came through with a 100 dollar a month pledge! This puts us at less than $900/month to go! We still need about 8000 dollars in one-time gifts for our one time needs like shots, plane tickets, vehicle once we get there. But, God is faithful! He is doing it!

Colorado Springs here we come! We leave for another fun filled drive across the country (remember December?) this Friday. We will be at Mission Training International for a three week course called SPLICE. This is a program designed to help missionary families integrate into a third world culture and stay healthy (emotionally, mentally and spiritually) despite all the pressures placed upon them and their families. I say, if we can drive across the country and arrive intact and smiling, then we have passed the test!

Our planned departure for Kenya is still June 22nd. As you think of us this next month would you consider praying for the following?

o Safety and health as we travel once again for 3000 miles in our van
o Open house on April 12th and 13th. Pray God will bring the buyer with an offer this weekend!
o That we would be refreshed as a family during SPLICE
o The final pieces of our support raising to come together in God’s timing (by June 22nd)

Thank you again for your support and encouragement! If you are getting these e-mails and would prefer not to, please send me a reply to that affect. My feelings won’t be hurt! If you have been considering a financial partnership with us, now is the time! It’s easy to do. Just go to www.seidelfamily.org and follow the links to “support our work.” Kristi has a new e-mail address. It is kristi@seidelfamily.org Mine is lokoyan@seidelfamily.org

Have a great month!

Scott for the Seidel’s