First Inspections

It has been a long 3 weeks since I last posted. Things got pretty crazy as we packed up the boys and headed out to Montana for Indian Youth Camp. It was a great week at camp. It was one of those years that shows you how much more God can stretch you. IYC had the most campers that we've ever had (283). With limited staff, this did create some issues with running the camp. But, as always, God had His way and made a wonderful week for the staff and for the campers. I'm excited for what is happening with IYC and grateful that God continues to use me as part of the team that makes it all happen.

Unfortunately, Deb had to leave camp early due to the death of her Grandmother. She was killed in an automobile accident. Deb left on Wednesday to make a Thursday funeral (she traveled all day and didn't get into Clarksburg, WV until 4:00 am and had to be up for an 11:00 am funeral). All is well now and she enjoyed spending a few days with family that is scattered across the Eastern seaboard.

So . . . today we had our first inspection. Harford County, Maryland sent Mr. Driscoll to look over the house. Aside from a few minor suggestions, all went well. We passed! Now we need to have the Fire Marshall come in. We have started working on our Fire Evacuation Plan with Justin and Alex. They don't quite get it yet or why we need to practice, but we will continue to explain it to them. We are trying to move things along with the process as quicly as we can, but it feels like its not moving at all. I know that it all takes time, but God is still working on my patience. I realize that once this phase is complete, we will be waiting even longer and life will begin to roll quickly, but since this part is in our control I want it to move faster. Oh well, we can only do what we can do.
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Prayer Request: Please pray for Deb's mother as she mourns the loss of her mother and recovers from the same accident (she was in the car too). Please continue to pray for Sunshine. We know that she is eagerly awaiting her new home and we just pray that God will prepare her for life in the Ruiz family. :) Please continue to pray for all of the logistics (time, money, preparation, etc).

Indian Youth Camp

Hi Folks,

Sorry that it has taken a few weeks to get back on the blog. We are still working on the paperwork and inspections necessary to move our Home Study forward. We have both done our physical examinations and have received our Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Driving Records and Medical Clearances. The dog and cat have been to the vet for shots and we are setting up the house for the Home Inspection by the County Health Department.

Friday, we are all flying out to Montana for Indian Youth Camp. This will be my 15th year with IYC. Time goes by so fast. Justin and Alex love it there, I'm sure that our little girl will too. My nephew, Paul, will be joining us this year. This will be his first time away from home and his first flying experience. Pray for him!
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Prayer Requests: We aske that you will continue to pray that she is doing well as she awaits our arrival and that God will keep watch and protect her. Pray for my mother (Pat) - we invited her to travel with us to Albania. This is a huge deal since she hates to fly. When we did not get immediately shut down, I knew she wanted to, but would not enjoy the task of getting there.

*** We have set up a savings account to help offset some costs. Thank you to Mom Mom for donating to the Sunshine Fund. :) It all helps. If anyone else wants to help, please feel free to email me for the address.