We're in Philly. It was a morning of goodbyes; some of the hardest yet. We're doing great, now, though. We're really doing this, we're really going. It's been somewhat surreal so far. It feels like we're going on vacation, not moving overseas. God is so good. Thank you all for your prayers: we are so blessed!

We'll be here for orientation until Wed, Sep. 30th. Then, we fly out of JFK to Frankfurt, Germany. We have a short layover, then we're off to Baku, capital of Azerbaijan. We stay for four days in a hotel near Baku, then we go to our host home. This will be our home for two-three mos. Then, providing we learn the language and pass the tests, we are sworn in as volunteers.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Lord willing, in two years we will come back changed; changed in a way that only God can. We are so anxious to meet and build relationships with these people. I (Alicia) am looking forward to meeting my students. I've missed being out of the classroom these past few months. Derek is excited to meet the kids. We are overwhelmed, but blessed. Thank you for your prayers, we feel them!