Who'd a thunk it?

Who would have thought, after three weeks of crying in church that I (Joy) would have made it all the way through the service today without crying? My day started out thinking about things that were never thought about. As I was heading to the church to practice my offertory I started thinking about the piano. It may not be the best piano on the planet, sure the action is stiff, but it was purchased in memory of my Grampa Wilson.
I never met Grampa Wilson (or Wentworth for that matter) - so there was no way for the family to know how much that piano would influence my life. It was from listening to that piano in church every Sunday that I developed a desire to learn myself.
As I have gotten older, watching my own children with their Grandfathers, I realize how much I missed not knowing my Grampas. I feel sort of like playing that piano is the closest I will get to him, in this world. So, I'm glad that I got the chance to play today, and that I even managed to play without crying.

Tonight is our farewell party at the church, and I doubt I'll make it through that without crying. We'll see...

Post Closing & Moving Sale Update

So we've been a bit relaxed in getting out this update.

The closing of our house happened Thursday morning/noon and went off without a problem. It was kind of funny because the loan officer who was there used to play hockey with me (Ken) a couple years ago. I recognized the face but would have recalled the name had he shown up in his hockey attire.

Beyond that we had our final moving sale today. We're pretty sure that between the two sales we moved about 75% of our stuff. It was sad to see some of it go (good memories and all) but now we don't need to worry about it.

Last night we picked up Snickers' new kennel. Ours was too small for her. Airline regs require there to be three inches above her head (standing). Her new travel house will seem like a mansion to her.

Our Dover Baptist Church family is throwing a good-bye party for our family on Sunday night (June 26th) at 6pm. All are welcome. We'd love to see as many people as possible.

I think that is all for now.

-knme

All Required Papers in hand

While doing our yard sale the postal person came with our papers from the Consulate of Guatemala (10:58am). As far as we know this gives us everything we need for our two year Guatemalan VISAs.

As of this writing the weather is holding well and our yard sale (moving sale) has been very productive.

-knme

Mostly Out

After a "fun fill" day of moving in the rain Mt Auburn is looking pretty barren.

Many thanks to Ed, Ken, Rachel, Luis, John and Nate for all the help. Without you the day would have been miserable.

Well, time to start the day...

Papers at the Consulate

I checked our tracking info tonight.... (suspense)... the papers arrived at the consulate this morning at 11:37 am.

The waiting game continues...

-knme

Back from the USDA!

We received our package back from the USDA at 9:20am today!

I'll be off to the post office with the letter and our police reports.

Please be praying for a quick turn around!

-knme

USDA Here it Comes!

The process for exporting/importing Snickers is quite involved. We have to have everything done before we travel.

Stage one was to get the Vet to complete the APHIS-7001 (international health certificate). Done.
Stage two is to send said certificate and the Rabies certificate to the USDA for endorsement. Done.

When that comes back we have stage three, to send all that off to the Guatemalan Consulate in Rhode Island for their approval. I hope to have the stuff back from the USDA by Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

Fun, fun, fun.

-knme