Wow, what a crazy last week/last month. Graduation from Willamette, a Texas wedding, some fond farewells, packing and moving. Phew. I'm exhausted and I haven't even reached the final destination. It was sad saying goodbye to a whole group of wonderful people back in Salem. We will miss you all so much. We're glad that you are going to stay in touch with us through this blog. Congratulations to Amy and Brian, your wedding was beautiful and Rachael and I are so glad that we were able to be there for it. Special thanks to my brother-in-law Dave, who superhumanly helped us move. Seriously, would have never been able to leave town without your help. Also, special thanks to my parents who graciously let us store our belongings at the house. I also have to thank my wife, who has been such a blessing in my life and has agreed to allow me to pursue my dreams. Of course, going to Africa has also been on her heart and I know that she is going to do some amazing things while we are there. She also made this blog visually appealing, thus making people actually want to look at it. Thanks my love. Thank you all for your prayers, encouragement, wisdom and advice, and financial support. Without all of you reading this blog, our journey would not be possible. We are taking your love in our hearts over there with us and hope to share it with all we encounter.

A quick look at the upcoming timeline:
May 29th-31st in Santa Barbara
June 1st-2nd in Bellingham
June 3rd-5th in Seattle
June 6th Garrett departs for Lancaster for training and orientation
June 10th Rachael comes to Lancaster
June 12th depart the U.S. for Rwanda

If you would like to financially support our cause, please visit the HOPE International website. There you will see a green "Donate Now" link in the upper right-hand corner. Be sure to put in the comments that your gift is going to support Rachael and me in Rwanda.

We are moving to Rwanda!

We feel so excited about this opportunity and are confident that God has opened this door for wonderful reasons. We hope to use this blog as a way to connect with loved ones from home, keep you informed on the work we're doing there, how God is growing us, the fun adventures we'll have and ways that you can be praying for and supporting us from afar. Please pray for us as we prepare for this big journey, for the many details involved in moving to another country (getting visas, learning the language(s), meeting new people, finding the right home), for the right nursing opportunities for Rachael and that we keep God at the center of our lives. Thank you for your love and support. We will definitely be sad to leave, but are so thankful for this chance to go serve together.