Just two weeks ago our paper work finally became complete. It took us 2 trips to Helsinki, Finland to get everything completed with the South African embassy. It was good that we went personally since there were things that we had to talk through with them about our paperwork. I have an interesting situation since my permanent residency is in Estonia, but my passport is from the states. After a few conversations we were able to sort through everything. I admit there was a scary moment in the beginning, but I don’t know if the security director was simple joking with me or just a different choice of words. After many questions and then checking my Estonina ID card, looking at it, looking at it some more, he started his next sentence, “Unfortunately...(long pause, 5 - 10 secs. felt like an eternity)...I don’t see that this will be a problem.” and Liina and I both exhale with a deep breath.

It has been an emotional past couple of weeks as Liina and I have been slowly working through goodbyes with our church, friends, and family. I must say that we find ourselves come over with emotion at random points and times these past weeks. I know that this transition is probably harder on Liina since it is her first time away from her family for long period of time. I know these last 24 hours have been the hardest on her.

This morning, we were able to finalize all of those little details that for some reason never seem to get done. We had lunch with Liina's mom and Liina's sister Kira came over one last time to say goodbye. At the moment Liina and I are on the bus to Tallinn to fly out in a couple of hours. I know pretty amazing. We have free wireless internet on our buses. It will be different moving to a country where internet is not so accessible as we have it here in Estonia.

Please be in prayer tonight and tomorrow as we will be traveling over 24 ours straight. We will fly out of Tallinn tonight to Frankfurt. Then an overnight flight from Frankfurt to Johannesburg. Then a 4-5 hour drive to where the Hands at Work main facilities are in White Rivers. We are excited to arrive and get to work, but we have to remain patient as we have a few weeks of training first. We will update you on things as the internet allows, but please be aware that internet is a special commodity to have where we will be.

Chris & Liina