Here we are safe and sound in England. We enjoyed a beautiful transatlantic crossing on board the impressive Queen Mary 2. It was "just what the doctor ordered" to help Karen and I unwind after the stress of rearranging our home for its new residents (our daughter Amy and husband David), packing for England, and saying tearful farewells to friends and family. On July 21st we drove the 500 miles to the Brooklyn Terminal where we boarded the ship. Seven days later, we disembarked at Southampton, England and drove to our new home in a rented car.

Speaking of tearful farewells, our youngest daughter Angelie (19) arrived safely in Mbabane, Swaziland on July 15th for her 5-month discipleship training and missions trip. It was a long, grueling trip by any standard. Angie flew Toronto to London, London to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Johannesburg, Johannesburg to Manzini, and then rode in a car from Manzini to Mbabane. She arrived feeling exhausted and lonely, but things began to look up as she rested and got to know her new teammates. You can read about her adventures here.

Middle daughter Alisa's wedding went off beautifully. Both she and her new husband gave great glory to God for His work of grace in their lives. We are both very happy for her and our new son-in-law Adam Gagne. He serves as youth pastor in the church they attend.

With all this going on, God continues to work through the website ministry. Five new students enrolled in as many days, some of whom are quite keen to study the Bible lessons, or at least, ask why we believe as we do. May God open their hearts.

As we continue to settle into life here over the coming weeks, pray for the following:

1. our housing -- we will be in a 2-bedroom apartment as temporary housing for about 6 months. There has been a 'snag' with the house being rented to us by the church we are involved in here.
2. transportation -- a reliable used car for getting around.
3. adjustment -- may we quickly understand "how things work" in the UK, and be able to settle into our new lives emotionally.
4. guidance in ministry -- as always, we sense our insufficiency and need God's enabing to do anything of real value.
5. our children -- though they are 'adult', this is the first time we have been separated this far from them for an ongoing period.

Gratefully yours,

George and Karen
August 2008

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