We welcomed the new year by going out for a casual dinner and then trying to stay awake to watch the ball drop in Times Square (on TV). Sydney had the most energy of the three of us, so she made sure we stayed awake to say "Happy New Year!" and hug and kiss each other. Thus began what will be a year of adventure for our family!
As I write this inaugural post on our new "Team Iannelli" blog, we have begun the two-week countdown until our departure to Cape Town, South Africa. Our visa applications are at the South African Consular-General's office in New York, our seminary apartment is starting to look a bit disheveled, and U-Haul has messed up our box order (boxes were due to arrive yesterday, but somehow only the tape and bubble wrap made it). There are still so many details to which we must attend, and it can be more than a little overwhelming if we stop to think about it for very long. I am so thankful that Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27) We will approach each day as it comes, one at a time, and trust in the Lord to lead us!
We would especially appreciate your prayers during these next weeks. Here are a few key requests:
- Pray that our South African visas will be approved quickly and that we will have them in hand well before our scheduled departure on January 15.
- Pray that we can discern what we really need to take with us to South Africa and that we will have the capacity to pack it.
- Pray that we will be able to see everyone we need to see and have the opportunity to properly say "see you later!" to the important New England friends in our lives.
- Pray that the weather will be good on the days we need to move out of our seminary apartment (January 12-13). We are currently expecting almost a foot of snow in the next couple of days, so we are praying that this will not be the norm!
- Pray that God is preparing our way in Cape Town and directing the arrangements for our accommodations, transportation, communication and other needs so that we have a smooth transition once we arrive on January 16.
- Pray for good health for all of us.
- Pray that God will remind us of anything essential that we might forget during this busy time!
We know this is a long list of requests, and we thank you in advance for your prayers!
Please check back often for updates to our blog. If you would like to receive an email whenever we update the Team Iannelli blog, please consider subscribing by typing your email address in the box to the left of this post. It's that easy! You will receive a confirmation email, and once you click the link in the confirmation email, you're in. Hope you will join us on our 2010 adventure in South Africa!
One more thing - We are very, very thankful for the many blessings God continues to shower upon us. He provides for all of our needs, He has given us good health, He has blessed us with trips to spend special time with both sides of our family, and, most especially, He has provided us with special, dear friends and family. Thank you, Lord, for these blessings!
Happy New Year to you, and may God bless you in 2010!
