It's official!

Luke (8 months), Josiah (5), Caleb (9), Nhaya (almost 11)

Some big changes coming for the Paden Family!

When we come back this summer we are going to stay for 6 months. Then when we go back to the Philippines- January 2014, we will be reassigned to Davao on the southern island of Mindanao.

"Davao is also the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area. The highest peak in the Philippines, Mount Apo, is located in the city." *

Yes, we are staying with PSC SEND (Philippine Sending Council). We are moving because PSC would like to expand to the whole Philippines, not just Manila. Opening an office on the second biggest island would be one way to accomplish that. Gilmer is from Mindanao (although way up north from where we will be) so he speaks the language. We have already seen a big interest from those in Davao and look forward to sending even more Filipinos as missionaries.

We are excited, as well as nervous, about the changes. There are so many things that need to be done in such a short time- it seems overwhelming! But we are trusting that since this is God's leading and direction for our family, that everything will come together in time. We have already seen answers to prayer regarding our up-coming move. Let me give you an example:

As we were discussing moving to Davao (which would mean an earlier and shorter home service in the States) we were thinking about our furniture and house things. Since selling everything and buying new when we come back is impractical and very expensive, we thought this might hinder us from going until a later date (when we have time to properly pack and ship everything down south as there is not storage options open to us here like they have in the States). I was sharing this with a missionary friend and she told me of a family that needed a house that's furnished to stay for 6 months and would be willing to work out the details of keeping our things. Allowing them time as well to buy their own furniture and taking care of our animals while we are away. We all know how important that is for our kids.

So as we prepare for this move, and transitioning once again, please be in prayer for our family. We fly back to the States on June 2nd.

Prayer Items:

-One of our biggest needs is a car/van to drive while we are back for 6 months. We are unsure if we will be able to borrow/rent one from someone or if we will have to try to buy one? Renting or even leasing one from a company is very expansive. So please be praying for this need and if you know of someone who might have something available we would love to discuss the details with them.

-Packing our house up (we will leave the furniture for the family to use) and getting it stored in the back shed- with a baby in tow and normal activities going on- is easier said than done! Pray we can finish everything that needs to get done before we travel.

-Gilmer is also busy training and sending out the teams that he is in charge of this summer (his 2 teams are going to Muslim communities in Mindanao). Please also pray for all 6 teams as they go out in May. They are going to Cambodia, Thailand, Taiwan Japan, and Muslim areas in Mindanao.

-Our kids as they are nervous to start 2 new schools this coming school year. One exciting thing is that there is a Faith Academy (the school the attend now in Manila) in Davao. We were able to take the kids there to see it and see the city and I think they really liked it.

Praises

- Everyone has passports that are valid now and we don't have to make anymore trips to the Embassy!

-Praise God for confirmation and many answers to prayer regarding our decision to move to Davao in January. As well as board approval for our earlier, short homeservice for 6 months starting in June. (we weren't scheduled for our 1 year homeservice until next year)

-That a family is willing to live in our house so we can keep our furniture, animals, and store our things until we can move down to Davao.

Looking forward to seeing many of you in the next 6 months as we visit and update our supporting churches and individuals. We are working on our schedule, as much as time allows with packing, and would be happy to add you if you want to see us while we are home. Just send us and email.

Blessings,
The Paden Gang
Gilmer, Julie, Nhaya, Caleb, Josiah, and Luke

* Copied from Wikipedia