Rattins living Coram Deo

John Piper preached a sermon recently "Why this child was born blind:" http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/why-was-this-child-born-blind

I have worked hard on my strategy for packing and traveling with my unique family. Here are some of my pearls and what has worked well for us: 1) I packed 7 days worth of clothes for each person (a few extra undies for Ana and onesies for Noah). 2) I packed all of our clothes in one suitcase so I only have one area to go to for dressing everyone. 3) I pack an "overnight" bag with 2 sets of clothes for everyone and our toiletry kit for the days when we're on the road and just making brief stops. That way, we only get the suitcase out of the car when we're at a place for many nights. 4) I packed a bin with extra toiletries so we didn't have to buy things along the way that I already had at home. The bin can stay under a seat or in the car-topper and doesn't come into the home that we're staying in. 5) I packed a bag that is just jackets and that stays in the car. 6) All our church clothes AND SHOES are together in a suitbag and that doesn't get unpacke...

What a privilege it is to have an opportunity to "tour the country" as we raise support to move to Uganda! We are blessed to see regions of the USA that we never got to see before and spend time with God's people across the States! Our support is moving along well. We are hoping for a fall departure to Uganda - we still have around $800/month left to raise, but that number is so much more tangible now! Now we see that every little bit helps! We are working hard on consciously not focusing on the numbers (easy though that would be as we long to be in Uganda) and focusing on God's calling and glory each day. This part of the journey is not just a means to an end, but is part of the journey and also a testimony to God's glory and grace! Every day is an opportunity to teach my children more about Christ - am I doing that or am I focused on packing the car, feeding the family, giving them a "fun" day, and somehow staying organized as we live out of a suitca...

Look at our girlie - standing with her back against the tree - she fell over shortly after this picture (haha!) but she's doing pretty good with that, huh?! :)