"It's Official!"

We've just returned from Portland and our Conference's annual business session. Each year our church joins with the other churches in the Conference for three days of business, inspiration and deliberation. Every year there are issues that are dear to someone. This year was no exception with the question of what to do with our conference center the key question. (We chose to retain it and, hopefully, develop it.)

Within our denomination's structure local churches are assigned to pastors. Every assignment is for one year and no assignment is considered "official" until it's read at the "Stationing Service." Well, after hearing our name read in relation to Colbert Chapel twenty six times, last night I heard another name read when Colbert's name was called. Bob Warren's name was read later under the category of "Special Assignment" as "Missionary, OMS International, Central Asia." It's now official. We're leaving Colbert and heading for Asia.

It's difficult to express the complex mix of emotions during the last few weeks which came to a head in the last couple days. We're tremendously sad at leaving our friends, our home, our family, our church. People ask us, "Aren't you excited about your new adventure?" Yes, there is a great deal of excitement. However, it's mixed with a great deal of "other stuff" that tempers the excitement. We are confident of God's leading and blessing on this change. That makes the topsy-turvy swale of emotions bearable.

We're anxious to hear what has developed at the school over the last few weeks. There is still a restriction in effect that prohibits that school from educational activities. The Board and administration are looking at what options exist. We're praying that God will grant wisdom in which option to pursue. This is not the time to "push the envelope" with the courts. However, God has a plan for the school and its our responsibility to discover that plan.

We're getting close to the funding level we need to make travel arrangements. We'd rather not wait too long since airline tickets prices seem only to be moving in one direction. We're praying that the last bit will come in soon so we can move ahead.

Meanwhile, we're sorting, packing some things and preparing to get rid of others. Some of those will go in another yard sale. Some things will be given away. I imagine some will find their way to the dump. I hope "treasures" won't disappear.

Well, onward. I'm reminded of the final volume of Lewis' "Narnia" series. The characters are climbing a hill that seems to get bigger and steeper as they go. The cry, however, is "onward and upward." I think that fits us right now.