Preparing for Peru

We are currently in the midst of preparing, in every way, for a major life change. Our decision to move to Arequipa, Peru to take over the directorship of New Hope Children's Home is finally becoming a reality and we're feeling it in every area of our lives. I (Julie) am preparing to end my time at Women of the Harvest, which will be a very bittersweet goodbye. Tony is more than anxious to finish his time with Fed Ex and there is nothing bittersweet about it!

We are moving in with my gracious parents at the end of this month to soak up some good family time before we move in August. Thankfully Tony is equally, if not more, excited as I am about that! June and July will be filled with visiting friends and family before we move and trying to decide which things can't be left behind and which are truly necessities for living abroad.

We have purchased our one-way tickets and now have departure dates on the calendar! Tony is leaving on August 2 with his friend Nathan, and my mom and I will follow on August 15. I'm so grateful that my mom will be able to go with me for the first week and a half. She'll get a chance to see where we live and meet the darling children that we'll be working with. We're hoping that her visit will help to ease the heartache of separation for both of us.

As we are preparing for this major event, we thought it would be easiest to share our journey with everyone through this blog. We will do our best to keep it current and will look forward to reading your comments and keeping in touch with your lives as well. The invitation is open for any of you to come visit us in Peru. Whether you'd like to visit the orphanage and spend some time with us or just pass through on your way to Machu Picchu, we'd love to see you!