The time has come…goodbye CA (California), welcome CA (Central America)!

The last three weeks have been a blur. Al had a brilliant idea to have a garage sale the weekend before our last few days in California. Let me tell you, Al NEVER does anything average. He set up a Square for the big transactions and had a total of 10 tables: electronics, sports, purses, housewares, etc. You get my point. His strategy was to price things to sale but still wanted to make a good profit. All in all, he made close to $4,000.00 on the garage sale!!!!! A big high five to my hubby for all his hard work.

I hate saying good-bye. I prefer to say, “until next time” or “until we meet again”. I have met some AMAZING, and I mean AMAZING, people in the Bay Area. From work, to church to neighbors - wow, we have been so blessed with the very best!! It was hard to meet with everyone but we managed to meet with almost everyone. My staff had a going-away lunch…Thai, my favorite!! My hope is that I have had a positive impact on their lives and I have educated them with wisdom and knowledge to help them in their career. They are family, like my children, and I only want them to deliver the very best. I shed a few tears but knew deep down inside that they are going to do amazing with or without me!!

Our old neighbors, Phil and Flo made a delicious traditional Filipino meal at our going away party at Roy and Sue’s house. We have known each other for the last five years and this friendship will continue wherever we go. They know my house, is their house. I can’t wait until they visit us!

As for my sisters-in-Christ, what can I say, they never disappoint. We decided to do an early Thanksgiving meal together. I wanted to buy them all something to remember me but instead the Holy Spirit led me to a special message he wanted me to share with them. I encourage you all to take time to read this post. http://rsjames.com/storage/sisterfreakspages.pdf A message of courage, being a soldier in God’s Army. A message so powerful it brought me to my knees, thanking God for believing in my family and I and for the courage to take this move boldly under His command. You see, He had been working through me for years in the Air Force. He took me to places that I never thought in my life I would be. He held onto me in my darkest hours and washed away my sins. Meanwhile preparing me for bigger and better!

 

Sorry, back to the topic…we were all in tears but encouraged by Karen’s letter. It is now my time to make this move to a developing country for His kingdom. Just a reminder, it’s not about me or my family, this is all about our Savior who opened this door for us. We have accepted His assignment and spreading our wings on faith alone. This time of fellowship made me so proud of where my ladies are today. All are serving in some capacity at New Life Church and Carol committed her life to Christ through baptism the week prior. I was proud of the work God has done in us and through us which lead to peace in my heart.

Our last service at New Life Church was perfect! Doug’s message was not written for us but it sure seemed like it!! It was over one of my favorite versus in the bible. I actually have it labeled, “Cecily’s verse” because I have prayed Ephesians 3:19-21 for her since I read it a few years ago. It states:

¹⁹ May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

²⁰ Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. ²¹ Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

3 points to his message:

1.) Surrender to the Father’s will and ways (check!)

2.) Continue to receive everything God has to give…surrender to receive His full blessing (check!)

3.) Share His love with more and more people (check!)

I can go on and one about our home church and the awesome people there but it is hard to fully receive it without being around God’s people in church. We are ready to receive above and beyond and look forward to our new assignment in Panama!!

My new motto...what do you think? LOVE IT!!

Thank you all for your kind messages you have sent us. We just continue to ask for prayer as we hurdle through getting Cheeks in school, me starting Spanish classes and Al starting his new job! Love you all!!