Our family arrived safely in the USA late at night on June 1^st.  It has been an amazing journey to bring us to this point in time, and we are thankful to God for bringing us every step of the way.  Shortly after arriving here we took a tour of what will be Michael Jr’s high school, and the school graciously allowed Michael to join in their summer basketball league.  It has been fun for him to get involved in the basketball team, meet some of his classmates, and become more familiar with his new school.  He also started his summer school today.  He will be attending summer school over at a Christian school in Portland, working on English and social studies.  We still have some home school classes for him to finish up before he starts 10^th grade in the fall, so please be praying for us to get that all done. 

Our daughter Kelly got some exciting news recently as well.  Concordia University in Portland accepted her application.  This is a private Christian university in North Portland.  We still have to figure out the logistics and finances for it all, but we feel like this is something great that God is doing in Kelly’s life and we trust that He has a plan for all of it.

We have enrolled KaLia and Nate in the public schools near our house.  I know there is still a part of KaLia that wants to be at school with her best friend, but it is comforting to hear her talk about *her* new school (calling it hers) and I trust that God has good things ahead for her there, as well as for Nate at his new school.

Please continue to pray for our transition.  We are all adjusting to a new culture, new surroundings, new way of living.  Pray for us to be comfortable in our new roles, and for our kids especially to make connections and good friends here.  We are also dealing with the limitations and constraints of 7 people (we live with my dad) sharing a 3 bedroom, 2 bath house.  It’s a bit tight!  I (Lisa) have been feeling a bit overwhelmed with trying to get everybody & everything situated in our new place, and all the details of life for 6 different people.  Please pray for me to feel like I’ve got my feet under me & my head on straight!  J

I am so grateful for all the God has done in our lives.  Amazing to think that just two years ago we were a family of 4 wondering how we would get ourselves to Rwanda, and look now where God has brought us!  What he has done is amazing & we trust him to take care of all of our needs for the future.  For his glory!

Blessings,

Lisa

P.S.  I wrote this on Monday, then on Tuesday we got a letter in the mail letting us know that 75% of Kelly's college tuition is eligible to be covered by grants- praise God!!!  Earlier that day God had told me that he wanted me to just accept his love, and this is just another blessing from God showing us how he loves us & wants to give us good things!