Three weeks from today at just about this time we leave for Christmas in Bongolo with Joanna, Keir, Luke and Sarah. And we will be there for New Year's also. Dave and I are both very excited to be with the Thelanders of Gabon at Christmas. The last time we were together for Christmas was just before they left for language school in Albertville, France. Seems like yesterday in some ways but it has been 6 years!!

The UPS, FedEx and USPS have each made almost daily deliveries to our home recently. Dave knows the delivery men by name now :) Lots of sorting and packing to do in the next 20 days. All the goods have to be unpacked from their bubbles and peanuts before being put in our suitcases. We've got chains, medical batteries, toys, clothing, games, books, shoes, cables and things I can even remember right now to be packed. We do have time. Now to muster the energy!

The update on the fire truck is that is will probably ship next week. No, really. We have even talked with the transporter. What a blessing to have been involved in the Bongolo Fire Truck Project. But we both admit that we are ready to wrap up this project. Dave will surely miss his weekly "drive it around the block" outings.

More later.