| Not sure where the expression “for reals” originated. Perhaps you know? Years ago we heard it a lot while working with children and early adolescents. More pertinently, most plans we made to travel in the past year – to the US or countries nearby – were last minute cancelled by airlines, governments - or ourselves, when it became evident that our freedom to travel and get together face to face with friends-loved-ones-partners every place we intended to go would be severely restricted. Or forbidden. Or if we were in the States, we would have been barred from returning home to our work in Thailand for unknown months. Over time, we’ve grown more than a little hesitant to make and announce new travel plans.
A couple weeks back we learned that if we are to see any of you in 2021, May through July is likely our only viable window. We must return to Thailand by early August for our multi-stage annual visa renewal.
For reals? Are we coming? By the grace of God, yes! We just got tickets in hand yesterday. Please pray that (1) we’ll remain healthy, (2) successfully finalize plans for house sitters who will also care for our kitty, Maya, (3) pass the COVID PCR test so we can board our flights and enter the United States, (4) flights will proceed as scheduled, safely, on time, and with smooth connections. |
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BROAD STROKES STATESIDE ITINERARY
01 MAY – 25 MAY Cheyenne, Wyoming
26 MAY – 15 JUN Seattle & Spokane, Washington
17 JUN – 07 JUL Southern California
08 JUL – 03 AUG Michigan-Indiana-Ohio-Kentucky
06 AUG – 17 AUG Quarantine in Bangkok or Chiang Mai – shorter if vaccinated |
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NEEDS: (1) Dependable cars to drive while based in Washington, California, and Michigan. (We had offers if we had travelled earlier but don’t know if the cars are still available.) (2) Housing for our time in Western Washington. (3) A consultation with a CPA or tax attorney familiar with financial concerns of Christian workers who serve internationally.
Please understand that, like many with whom we work globally, we've noted that the past year’s disruptions have taken a toll on our resilience. This trip we must prioritize rest and recuperation, family, stage-of-life concerns, and long-term relationships, over public engagements. We know you’ve been through the wringer, too, and the situation in every place with every person we hope to visit is in flux. So we'll hold our plans loosely as we continue to trust and depend upon the Lord.
May He help us connect well in the States, so we can also appreciate your life experiences.
See you soon? |
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“I will thank you, LORD, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
For your unfailing love is higher than the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens.
May your glory shine over all the earth.” – Psalm 108:3-5
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Love and Blessings!
Averill & Kathy
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Financial partners:
1. Send checks made out to Beyond with separate note "Preferenced for Averill & Kathy A" to
Beyond
P.O. Box 831539
Richardson, TX 75083-1539
2. Or on Beyond's Give tab, select "Give to a Worker" and in the left column "Averill and Kathy A" to arrange Electronic Funds Transfers (EFT) or Credit Card giving.
Thanks! And may God richly supply all of your needs in Christ Jesus!!
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