The Year of our Lord…2011
Happy New Year! We trust that you are giving this next year to the Lord, and everything in it.
When we started our journey toward Congo, many people asked us when our goal was to leave for the field. After praying about it, and considering the needs in Congo, we set the date at “the fall of 2011.” (We set this as a tentative date, always allowing for the Lord to have other plans.) It occurred to us this week…2011 is THIS YEAR! We are still looking at the possibility of being in Congo this fall.
Idaho
We have spent a few very productive weeks in Idaho. We had a long list of things that needed to be accomplished…most of them we were able to cross of the list as “done.” We did not get to everything, but we feel progress was made.
There was an overwhelming few days at the beginning, getting used to all the English! However, we settled in quickly. We were able to spend some time with family and friends, and enjoyed the opportunity to visit.
The most overwhelming times in Idaho were the times we were set back in response to the generosity of God’s people! The Christmas gifts we received were such a blessing! Our “Packing List” has been dramatically reduced this month. There are just a few items left to collect, and we will be ready to GO! (It has been difficult to prepare for the return to Québec at times, since so many things are bringing us closer to Congo!)
Shipping Container
One of the main items on our “to do” list had to do with a shipping container (40-foot-long metal box, certified for international shipping). This will be used to send our pick-up and things to Congo.
The Ward’s put us in touch with a shipping company in Congo that will be able to receive the container once it reaches the port there. This will potentially save us a lot of headache since they will handle all the receiving process with the shipping company and the government. The company said they should be able to transport and deliver the container at least as far as Kikwit (about one day’s drive from the Bible Institute property). They also suggested that it would be cheaper and easier, in the long run, to purchase a container rather than lease one. The best price on a container we have been able to find is about $5,500. This price is for the box only and does not include the cost of shipping or receiving. We have also been in touch with a shipping company that will be able to get the container to Congo, but do not have a quote from them yet.
Please pray with us for the Lord to provide the finances and wisdom necessary for this step in the journey.
The Packing List
We really can’t say thank you enough for all the gifts of love we were given. As mentioned, there are only a few things left on our list. What a blessing! We spent some time packing, and most of the items are already in boxes, labeled, and ready to be loaded into the container!
However, there are still some things left to collect so if you would like to participate, there is still time. Among other things, the children are still in need of their future school materials. We will be using the A Beka homeschool curriculum, and we have a very detailed list of the books they still need.
Québec
Lord willing, our plane will arrive back in Québec City at 10:47 pm (Eastern Time) on Monday, January 10th.
We will continue our studies in the French language; however things will be changing a bit. Myndii will be working with a tutor at home, and Sparky will be attending language school. The big kids will continue to attend the local public school, 100% in French; though we are hoping it will be easier on everyone with mom home more. Please pray for us as we each diligently apply ourselves to learning this language.
We are excited to get back to Québec, mostly because we know the Lord has put us there for this season. We are ready to see our friends again, and get back to working on French. We are still unsure of how long the Lord will have us stay in Québec. Our answer at this time is, “When the Lord tells us it’s time to go, we’ll be ready.”
Will the Lord provide for us to be fully supported before we leave Québec? Please continue to “Pray for Rain” with us as we look to the Lord to provide financial partners. We are so very close, but also are waiting for His perfect timing!
Laborers of the LORD of the harvest,
(Luke 10:2)
~The Clancy Clan
Sparky, Myndii, Martha, Titus, & Ruth
Time in Kinshasa