"Have I not commanded you?"

I'm sure I'm not the only mother to get her children's songs stuck in her head. CBeebies' theme tunes are some of the most annoying tunes on the planet. My children love to listen to the CD from the Bible Camp they attended over the summer in Chicago and this week I have been thankful for the truth that has constantly been in my head - God's promise to Joshua as he stands on the edge of the Promised Land: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

It's getting challenging now as we have started saying goodbyes and various problems are emerging on the front. I went to visit my grandparents, both 88 on Sat and the obvious question that comes to mind is whether or not they will still be alive in 2 years' time, then it was on to Brighton where we heard David's Dad preach at CCK on Sun morning. Not his last preach, but as he retires next year, the last time we will see him in that context and the end of an era for us.

Back in Sidcup, we still do not have any tenants lined up so we are furiously painting in order to make a better impression for both on-line and in-person viewers. As we lifted the bathroom carpet to prepare for new flooring, we discovered a leak which means re tiling and, around the same time, the central heating decided to go on the blink. The good news is that the plumber can come and fix it late next week, the bad news that we get saddled with an enormous bill and don't get to experience the benefits of the improvements as we leave first thing the following Monday! Oh, and did I mention that the container has been delayed due to loading congestion at the port?

Phew! It feels like the rubber is really beginning to hit the road. I think we always realised that such a move would be challenging - and especially where there is a church plant involved there can be real spiritual opposition. I know that God is with us and for us in this move. I certainly have no reason to doubt His faithfulness - we have seen Him sovereignly intervene on the school and house front on the US-side - so I will not be running to hide under my duvet, however much I may want to!! Stepping out on a God-adventure is always going to be stretching but I do believe that the cost is worth it. And it makes me even more passionate to seek God for what He will do in Chicago.

Watch this space.....................