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Originally uploaded by ASIA TRACKS

Going Home
The bells are tolling midnight. Cinderella hears them and runs for the carriage. Will she make it home in time? Well, it seems like our bells are tolling as we come to the close of our time in Asia. With less than a week left, it seems a little surreal that, soon, we, too, will be leaving.
As we ate lunch today in one of the restaurants that we frequented, we asked ourselves if we thought that this day would ever come. I said, “NO”. Truthfully, hoping for this day was not something that we did or thought much about. It always seemed “out there” somewhere in the distance. As we watched others of our group leave, we said goodbyes and such, but did not consider our own departure. It is here now.
Are we ready to go? Yes. Is there still work left to do? Yes! Did we accomplish everything that we thought that we would? No! Expectations of what will be done are seldom realized. This was no different. We did, however, make contributions to the work at hand. Judy and Caleb completed two full years of school. They both worked hard and Caleb made great strides in his Math, in particular, and other subjects as well. I helped to establish coffee growing on the mountain. Although in the very beginning stages now, it has been one of the two reasons that we have gained access to a formerly, very restricted area. The second reason for gaining access to the mountain was through the language skills developed by three members of the team. Learning their language and showing them a means of bettering their lives has made all of the difference in being accepted by nearly everyone in the village. Before, we were absolute strangers without a real reason for being there. Now, they welcome the truck as it pulls into the village square.
We look forward to being part of the crowd again. Hearing conversations that we easily understand and not being the object of countless stares will be enjoyable. Being Americans again will be easy. Leaving our friends will not be. The café workers were a real joy to be around. Our good B friends on the mountain have been a source of great blessings. Our casual friends on the street by our apartment will be missed. Their courtesy toward us will always be remembered. We hope to see some of them someday when time is completed and evil has been vanquished.
What is ahead for us? We have plans through this fall, but after that it is uncertain. Visiting a long list of friends and finding a place to live the Parkersburg, WV area are our first goals. After that, we will go on an Alaskan cruise for our fortieth wedding anniversary. Now, that is one thing that we have been looking forward to. In October, I will go on an elk hunt with my brothers. So, the first few months after being back are already scheduled, but after that, it seems to be “open” so to speak. Retirement has always been over-the-horizon, but now it’s here. What does that look like?
We cannot thank you enough for your prayers for us while we have been gone. Getting here was not even half of the battle. Staying here was the real battle. Only because of HIS faithfulness and your prayers were we able to complete the course. We praise HIM and thank you so very much. The opportunity of being here has been a true life changing experience. We are humbled to have served HIM here. May the great Name of Jesus be praised on B mountain and here in this city!