July 22

A common question we are asked is "How are things going in the process of going to Nigeria?" At the moment, the process is a bit slow but there are a few things going on:

1. READING - After our weekend at SIM we were given a stack of books to read. These books are to be read by September so we are both trying to buckle down and get them done.

2. EQUIPPING - We are part of a team from our church of people who are preparing to go overseas. This team consists of our missions pastor, Joanne, and two ladies, Beverly and Christina. Beverly hopes to go to Indonesia and Christina plans to serve in the Sudan. The purposes of the team are to learn and grow together in our process of going, as well as to build stronger relations with our church and the missionary care team. We are also working on preparing ourselves as individuals and as a couple for the journey that lies ahead.

3. FELLOWSHIPPING - On Friday night we joined a group of SIM missionaries and supporters who meet monthly to pray for God's work through SIM around the world. This Friday a couple who have served in Liberia joined us and shared how God is ministering to people in that war-torn country. It was very encouraging to hear about the amazing things God is doing. It was also helpful for us to talk with other couples who are in the process of joining SIM in ministry. Plus, it was fun to meet a few people who know Kyle and Anne and their work in Nigeria.

4. WAITING - we are currently waiting for our "official job description" for Nigeria. Once this is formed we can "get running" on building our team of supporters.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• for patience to wait on God's timing.
• that our job description will be done.
• that we get the reading done.
• Kyle, Anne and the kids as they journey back to Nigeria next week.

July 14th Update

We were able to spend a few days in Milwaukee this month. It was so wonderful seeing family and friends! Plus the weather was wonderful - cool and clear most of the time - a great respite from all the rain we have been enjoying in TX. During our time we had the opportunity to meet with many friends, visit the state capital in Madison, visit with Toby's grandma, take in the fireworks from abord a boat on Lake Michigan, and enjoy many delicious meals! Here is a picture of the Abts family (minus the Nigerian representatives):

After returning from Milwaukee, Alycia's parents and her friend Sonja came for a visit. Ron and Kathy really enjoyed spending time with Xena, Sonja's 14 month old - they were getting great practice for Caden. Toby nick-names Alycia and Sonja "weeble 1" and "weeble 2" because they both waddle so much (due to being 7 months pregnant!)

Baby Update:

Everything continues to go well with the pregnancy. Caden has become a little wiggle worm as Alycia feels him moving on and off all day now. We are now in the countdown phase - 9 weeks to go (but we are hoping for only 7 or 8 and definatley not 10 or more!) We are so excited about meeting our little one and introducing him to all of you.

View more pics and stories on our individual websites: click on TOBY or ALYCIA to be taken to their sites.

Thanks for stopping by, please leave a comment and let us know how you are.