the big things...

We're going to post last weeks pictures for a few days, because this weeks pictures are Stressful! The White's house has been taken over with items for Haiti, as we "attack" packing. We're trying to focus on one task at a time, but...wow! We spoke with one of our Haiti team this past weekend, and she reminded us to spend time this last three weeks on "the big things." Despite the thousands of little things it feels like needs to happen, we're going to try!

pictured: Matt with his brother Casey, mom Barbara, and friend Ron Smith (president of Wesley Biblical Semiary and chariman of OMS's board)

it's official...

We are missionaries! Our official comissioning took place this morning in Cincinatti, Ohio. Our families were able to be there, and got to meet many of the missionaries we will be serving with in Haiti. The chairman of OMS's board was the speaker, and we also got in a Red's game! It was such a blessing to us to have our families there, to catch up with old friends and to be officially "sent off"!

Bye to Bex

We have now arrived safely back in Canal Winchester, OH after saying good bye to Stacey's dear friend, room-mate and fellow missionary. We passed through Pennsylvania to spend a last evening with Stacey's grandparents. Tomorrow morning, we will pick up Matt's parents and brother and sister-in-law at the airport and head for Cincinatti, Ohio with Stacey's dad. Our official OMS Commissioning is going to be there on Sunday! This is "the final step" before leaving for Haiti. wow...

leaving in less than a month means...

...life gets crazy. I (Stacey) am in Galax, VA visiting my best friend and college room-mate, Bex, who is leaving in 2 weeks for her first 3 year term in Northern Africa. We spent the day shopping for mosquito nets and water purification systems...what a joy to be able to encourage each other as we prepare to follow His similar call on our lives. Matt is spending a last few days with his family, spending this evening at a Philly Game. Our heads are swimming with packing lists, final good-byes, and details like dentist appointments and address changes! Please continue to pray for us as we prepare...We are so thankful for His overwhelming peace!

a strong finish...

We finished our 2 years of support and prayer raising today with the church that started us out, Sharptown UMC. Many members of the Ayars' family were able to attend, which proved for quite a meaningful and emotional day :) We were blessed beyond description by this body of believers that has lifted us up and surrounded us so faithfully! They have promised to "hold the ropes" while we follow His call to Haiti.
He has provided for us in so many ways...

one month!

We had such a great time in Hilton Head! We are safely back to Delaware, getting ready to be at Sharptown UMC, our sending church, this weekend! We had a very relaxing time and enjoyed PERFECT weather. It took us a little over 12 hours to get back home, so today we are staying home, working on painting the Ayars' basement. We are moving to Haiti in ONE MONTH from tomorrow...whew!

always so good to be at the beach!

Thank you so much, Franklinville UMC and Pastor Jim, for a wonderful time in Franklinville, NJ on Sunday! Matt preached 2 services and we shared a bit about our calling and our upcoming ministry in Haiti. We felt so welcomed and blessed to be there!
We made it safely to Hilton Head, SC and are SO enjoying the wonderful weather, the beautiful beach and having some down time together!

our "last" few days off...

Saturday night we spent on the water watching Matt's Dad's band play. Pictured here is Matt's mom, Barb and our good friend, Maria; Matt & Stacey; Matt with his brother, Casey and lovely Laura, Casey's wife.

Sunday morning we are speaking at Franklinville UMC in Franklinville NJ! We can't wait to worship with this new (to us :) church!

After the two morning services, we are heading for Hilton Head, South Carolina. Two wonderful friends are letting us stay in their beach cottage for a few days so that we can have a few days of couple time and relaxation before we head for 24/7 ministry in Haiti. Thank you, John & Bess!

"Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." 1 Thess. 5:11...We're so thankful for this verse and it's truth in our lives!

our Seeds of Greatness...

We had such a great time of worship, prayer and sharing with Seeds of Greatness Bible Church on Wednesday's "Hour of Power". What an awesome church! They are truly excited about the Word and about being involved in our ministry in Haiti, and that is exciting for us! THANK YOU, Seeds of Greatness!

Also pictured here are our dear friends, Dale, Flo and Caleb, who moved to Burkina Faso, West Africa Thursday. Flo just found out she is expecting another precious baby boy, and we're so excited for them! Be praying for them with us as they get settled in the land God has called them to!

down time, family time, friend time!

We all spent a wonderful day on Monday on the beach in Delaware, and even got to see several dozen dolphin! Tuesday evening we were able to meet up with some great friends who leave Thursday morning for Burkino Faso, Africa. It was so wonderful to catch up with them...but saying good-bye was so hard. Maybe we can convince them to vacation in Haiti??? We spent Wednesday in Lebanon, PA with our good friend, Maria. We were married in Lebanon just a little over 2 years ago!

Blessed by Cornerstone Church!

We had a WONDERFUL weekend at Cornerstone UMC and with Matt's family! Matt's parents played in the praise and worship band, and Matt's brother Casey and wife Laura even came! Matt preached from Joshua 1, followed by a short presentation we gave on Haiti and what we'll be doing. We spoke at one service on Saturday night and four services Sunday morning. It was truly an encouragement to be back at Cornerstone, and we were blessed by so many people!We were also able to get together with a large part of Matt's family for dinner! Pictured here is Matt, his grandparents, parents, brother and sister-in-law, and aunt and uncle. We are so grateful to have such a supportive family!

good day to be an Ayars!

We are getting to spend good time with all the Ayars, including Peety, Matt's mom's puppy, and Mollie, Matt's grandma. She has been in the beauty business, doing hair in New Jersey, since she was 24! Tonight we speak at Cornerstone, UMC, followed by four services tomorrow morning. Matt is preaching on Joshua, and on how the Lord provides for the callings He has in all of our lives.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

the hope of the world...

...and our hope, too. In this rather scary day and age, we are thankful to have such a solid foundation for our hope, and such a faithful God going before us.

This is a "work week" for us, as we start in on lesson plans for the Seminary and finalize details such as dentist appointments, shipment details and renewing drivers licenses.

on the road...

...again :) We had a great visit with Stacey's grandparents and aunt, and then got back on the road for Delaware. We made it safely to Matt's house, and are spending the week with family, preparing for 5 services this weekend at Cornerstone UMC, and preparing for the classes we'll be teaching in Haiti NEXT MONTH!

Thank you, New Bedford Presbyterian!

We made it safely to New Bedford, Pennsylvania Saturday night and had a wonderful time with new friends and sharing with the congregation this morning. What a lovely church in the woods of PA! Thank you so much, Lori, for making all of this possible, and Judy, for your hospitality. Lori even had laminated "Pray for Matt and Stacey" cards for everyone! It was such an encouragement for us, and we are blessed by their prayers and support!

We are now in Somerset, PA, spending the evening with Stacey's grandparents before heading for Delaware Monday afternoon.