Making the Move

As we journeyed through the Christmas season and set aside all our belongings for The Shipment, our house became more and more empty, and our garage became more and more full.

We had lots of help with packing and children.  The day the movers came to pack The Shipment was full of excitement.  The boys' table and chairs were carried out to the car port, waiting to be loaded, and the boys quickly set up an art station there.  Aunt Jodi helped them stay out of the way when she whisked them away to make "dirt art" and have fun at her house.  She also made lunch for all of us so that we could find time to eat in the midst of the chaos.  Meanwhile, following her typical pattern, Emma fell asleep on the living room floor.  When she woke up, Aunt Denise (barely back from her Home Assignment) was happy to take her home for a while until she got hungry again.

Finally, the moment came that the boys had been anticipating all day - time to load the truck.  The movers enjoyed having a curious audience, and we all breathed a deep sigh as the truck with all of our belongings pulled away from the house. 
 

Just one week later, we were ready to get on the airplane.  We'd been counting down the days, and while it was hard and sad to say goodbyes, the boys were ready for the adventure.  On Boxing Day, the day before we left, Daddy helped the boys pack their carry-ons (mostly full of Christmas gifts).  Over the next 24 hours, Noah unpacked and re-packed his backpack at least a dozen times.  He emptied it and showed the contents to anyone who would give him a little attention, and he constantly asked if we were getting on the airplane yet.
The time finally came.  Our missionary family gathered to pray with us before we left, and sent us off in our own PNG tradition - throwing flowers at our car (at Aden's request).  Airport activity is perfect entertainment for the Band of Brothers, so we had no trouble keeping the boys happy while we waited for our flight.  The 16 1/2-hour flight went very smoothly, and it helped that it was dark through the whole flight. 

Watching the sunrise in Atlanta