Gas Prices: It's all about perspective!

In DALLAS, the gas prices are around $3.73.




While we were in IOWA, the gas prices were about $3.48.
While in INDIANA, we paid $3.75 for gas.



In CHICAGO, we have been paying between $4.19 and $4.35...sometimes more!



When we get to URUGUAY, gas prices are about $6.20/gallon*.
In SPAIN it is around $8.15/gallon.
(*The unit of measure for gas is actually liters, but this is the converted rate.)

Looking at just the cost of gas can give you a good picture of the sort of standard of living that we will be introduced to in Uruguay and Spain. The value of the dollar, plus the problems with gas contributes to this increase in gas prices. Right now, the exchange rate in Spain is about 1Euro = $1.51. Because of this exchange rate, the monthly amount of support that we are raising is $8,024.19. The currency rate is one of the many challenges that we will face as we serve in ministry in both Uruguay and Spain. One thing's for sure...we won't take the $3.73 gas in Dallas for granted :)

Chicago

Last week, we arrived in Illinois for some time in Chicago. We have had a busy, but great week! Kendra Cervantes one of our teammates for both Uruguay and Spain) lives in Aurora - just outside of Chicago. Lindsey has had a great chance to spend time with her, as we work on support raising together, preparing for leaving the field (aka - sorting through belongings: purging, giving away, and selling!), and continuing to build out friendship. We have also been able to spend time with lots of Kendra's family, which has been awesome to learn more about the people she always talks about!

Last Wednesday our Uruguay team leaders - Jim and Cheryl Eberline - were coming through Chicago on their way from Wisconsin to Indiana. They joined Kendra and us for some time together chatting over coffee and a yummy dinner at Cracker Barrel. It was awesome to touch base with one another, discuss future ministry and Uruguay, and continue to build our team together. You can't beat the fried okra and veggies from this place!


Cheryl and Lindsey - Rocking on the porch at Cracker Barrel


Jim and Brad - what a duo!


Jim, Brad, Lindsey, Cheryl, and Kendra

Last Days and First Days - Part II

This post is the second part of posts entitled "Last Days and First Days." Don't forget to read part I after reading this post.

Friday entailed a couple First Days that are particularly memorable for us:

Welcome Home Jackie - Our friends Aaron and Carrie Kraft welcomed home their little daughter Jackie Kraft from Guatemala. (http://www.bradandlindsey.com/blog/2008/08/welcome-home-jackie.html for the complete report).

When it comes to bringing your baby daughter home for the first time after many, many months of wading through government paperwork, there aren't many better feelings in this world, I am sure. We are all excited for the Kraft family as they are enjoying getting to know, hold, and play with their daughter Jackie (as well as get up in the middle of the night when she's crying :).

Partnership Development Ministry - Friday was our official LAUNCH into our ministry of partnership development. Some of you have asked what in the world we are talking about when we say the words "partnership development."

Our ministry from now until we leave for the mission field is focused on providing opportunities for other people to get involved in missions. We've outlined some of the ways that you can become involved on our website (www.bradandlindsey.com/partner.htm). Check it out!



We have the privilege of welcoming you onto our prayer team, our financial team, or our service team. Some of you want to pray for us and those we'll be serving and serving with. Others of you want to contribute towards our monthly financial support that we'll live on as missionaries (it is our only means of support). Yet others want to use their talent of encouragement, crafts, video editing, writing, or some other gift to serve on our team. We've already gotten to know a few of you who are serving in all three ways. THANK YOU!


Join the journey. Be on our team. See God work!

Learn more at http://www.bradandlindsey.com.

Moving Out...Moving On

Done! No more packing, cleaning, organizing. Our stuff is in about 25 boxes + our bed. That is all we own, period. Enjoy the video.

Uruguay

Lindsey and I are moving to Uruguay. Yes that's right. Uruguay. Why? Good Question.

Mentoring. Training. Team. Fellowship. Business. ESL. Church Planting.

Jim and Cheryl Eberline. Brent and Le'Ann Downs. Bill and Linda Parker. Mike and Nancy Blake.

Why not Spain? Spain is still coming...just later. Would you want a doctor that skipped his/her residency and just jumped into surgery?

Departure is set for January! Is the Lord working in your heart to pledge monthly financial support? If so, we need you!

Pray for us as we navigate many transitions right now. Pray for our marriage. Pray for our walk with the Lord. Tell us how we can pray for you.

Email us with how you'd like to partner with us. Prayer. Serving. Giving. Connecting.

Brad