it looks like we're leaving...on a jet plane

Jarod here...Well, the time has finally arrived.  All the packing is done and the preparations are coming to an end.  We leave bright and early at 6:00am in the morning.  I am not sure how often we will be able to update this blog and get on facebook and all that other great jazz but we will try and keep you as up to date as possible. 

I want to say thanks to all of you who came to the going away party and for any gifts you gave us.  We love you all and will miss you very much.  Feel free to send care packages (packed with lots of care).  That would not upset me in anyway! Please keep us in your prayers as we leave on this journey into the unknown and the unfamiliar.  Be blesses!

Until next time,

Rings in Rwanda

From Sea to Shining Sea

Jarod here...So we are a little over two weeks until departure now...crazy to think about! The last month has been incredibly busy but also a lot of fun as well.  So this is a run down of the last month...two weeks in Bakersfield, California where we spent some time with the family, day with the niece and nephews at Santa Monica Pier, many visits to In-N-Out (Sarah's favorite fast food place in the world), couple of days in LA, visit to Zachery Levi's house AKA Chuck from the NBC show "Chuck" where we watched a Cowboys game (probably the biggest flat screen TV west of the Mississippi), watched the brother-in-law (Jim Ranger) get a golden ticket on American Idol to go to Hollywood week...pretty awesome, spent one week in Fort Lauderdale with Seth and Megan, few days of golf, day in Key West, day at the beach, lots of food, several days with Grandparents, more food, day at Aunt Pam's with some more family, time with both sets of parents and last but not least, more food. 

At this rate, I may be able to pack on some much needed weight before our departure on the 23rd where I am sure to have a very limited supply of protein or all meat in general for the next couple of years.  Nonetheless, we are both very excited, anxious, nervous and every other kind of emotion you can imagine at this time.  I think the last time I felt like this way was the day I married Sarah (the best day of  my life by the way...might have just picked up some points there).  It is hard to imagine leaving everything familiar to us behind for two years and exchanging it for something extremely unfamiliar.  But, that is part of what makes it all so exciting and intriguing. 

For all of you reading and following us, I hope you enjoy following the exciting journey that is ahead.  I promise these blog entries will get more exciting once we arrive in Rwanda.  Be blessed!