Packing, Painting, and Counting Down

If I could find our camera (it hasn't surfaced amidst the packing), I would love to show you the work that is taking place! Our 4th bedroom actually looks like a room, now that it has an undercoat and most of the architraves. Good progress was made this weekend, and 3 bedrooms are ready for carpeting, with most of our energies going on the new bedroom. I've finished packing most of the bedrooms, with the kitchen/bathroom/laundry to go (not including clothes). I've had 3-4 days work the past few weeks, and Nathan is still working full-time at Yatala.
On Saturday night we had a great get together with friends from my staffroom in D4, and I'm very thankful for a beautiful chocolate-brown full-length suede coat from Margaret K, who used to live in chilly Canberra. My Nana J in Toowoomba also found a snow jacket for Nathan - it's like a doona! We thank God for His provision in the big things, and the small things.
Last night was the Boys Brigade Leadership Reunion at Southpine Church, which has started the "goodbye"s, making the move seem imminent.
Our finances are looking more positive at this stage, thanks to Nathan's great tax return and the sale of our car at the end of this week. We had a bit of a mix-up with the visas - last Tuesday, Nathan received letters of introduction for a Study permit AND a Work permit! An urgent email sent to the consulate found that the wrong name had been typed, and a new letter was emailed with my name on it (the original is apparently in the mail). We are relieved to have those letters in our possession.
This week we will list the house with an agent, with the estimated wait being 2-3 weeks to find a tenant, which is about how long we have! Check out our departure countdown timer on the right-hand side of the page - not long to go, and we are getting excited.
Please pray that we can complete the renovations on our house with little drama or stress. Nathan in particular is feeling the pressure of the things that need completing. We hope that many of you can drop in to our Open House day on the 15th of August to say farewell!