So, we leave bright and early tomorrow (9/4) morning for Liberia! We're dropping Punk off at his friends' house tonight and calling a cab for 6:15 tomorrow morning (the airport is a good, oh, 10 minutes from our house!) I can still barely believe it! We're still throwing things in bags, doing laundry, etc. We're going TOMORROW!!! 16 hours til the cab comes. Wild!

I'll do my best to hijack a computer while we're there so I can fill you all in, but we might be so wildly busy (hence, tired) that I don't have an opportunity. I just want you all to be prepared so that you aren't too disappointed.

We'd be so honored if you would join us in praying the following (and whatever else):
--safety and efficiency in travel and safety in-country
--ability to communicate with locals (they speak English with a STRONG accent) and connection with the Liberian staff members with whom we'll be working
--good connection with Pea and Pence
--wisdom in caring for Pea's and Pence's emotional needs as we will not be able to bring them home at this time (especially Pence since his case is so different and he seems to be languishing a bit as he waits for "his turn")
--that God would break the chains that are holding Pence in the hospital and free him for adoption; for us to be cunning as serpents and gentle as doves in our role in effecting his release from the hospital
--comfort for Punk while we're away and he is staying with our friends

We will return late in the evening on Thursday (9/13). Thank you so much for covering us during this time. :)