Bangladesh or Bust: I've Been Everywhere, Man!

(Just imagine Johnny Cash cruning this softly)...

Since we returned from our cultural training/studies in June, we have barely been home more than 3 or 4 days in a row. All in all, I think we hit 7 states in about 2 weeks. We are burning up the fundraising trail, having raised about 30% of our monthly budget.

One of the highlights of our time at Pre Field Orientation was watching our kids grow and blossom in to the calling that God has for them individually. Every day Gary talked about his time in the TCK camp (third-culture kids). He still loves to randomly bust out in a rap or cheer he learned about serving God and taking His message and truth where it doesn't exist.

Gary with his amazing teacher, Chief RAW

Joelle also loved her time in TCK camp. She grew increasingly more independent and showed us how great of an adventure awaits us all. And to think, almost 2 years ago, doctors never expected her to be able to achieve any milestones, much less live overseas (more on that miraculous story in a few weeks).

Here she is with her beloved caretaker: Chief Mish Mish

Another great highlight of our travels mixed a little bit of business with pleasure. In late July, we drove to Annapolis, MD for Mel's uncle's wedding. While there, we were blessed to see most of Mel's extended family and share our heart and vision for Bangladesh. In the midst of the whirlwind of wedding festivities, the kids experienced yet another first: their first boat ride! Thanks to Mel's generous uncle, the whole family was able to take a 2 hour sailboat ride on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay.

Joelle's theme song will NOT be "Yo ho, yo ho, it's a sailor's life for me" any time soon. The days of sea plane travels in Bangladesh are still a few months away.

Gary LOVED everything about the schooner, especially his cool blue sailing hat.

So far, the summer has found us speaking in 4 different districts, raising awareness about our assignment and the need for us to get there as quickly as possible. In one month alone, our green machine of an SUV took us more than 2,800 miles to share our burden for the Bengali people. While away from home for much of their summer, the kids have found creative ways to entertain themselves and enjoy the journey.