News Flash! Please Read!

The past few months have been a blur.  Life has been full of major changes and decisions.
We are excited to announce that Haley is engaged!  She and her fiancé, Zach Jones, will be getting married May 17 near Crown College.  This is exciting news, but definitely not a surprise.  Zach is a great guy, and we are good friends with his folks.  Congratulations Zach and Haley!

As we headed to Chiangmai Thailand for ELIC's annual conference, we both knew we had some big decisions to make.
The first big decision was home assignment.
This January marks the end of year four in Sichuan.  ELIC requires we take a home assignment at the end of year four or five.  Since Haley and Zach marry May 17, we decided to begin our home assignment the last week in April and return to China January 2015.

Second big decision was if we will return to Chengdu or return to Changchun.
Christmas of this year, both Todd and I heard the Father saying it was time to leave Chengdu.  Why?  Well,  it would probably be best to explain in person due to the sensitive nature, but just know this wasn't a decision we took lightly.
Vicki Chui, Todd's partner, will continue to lead Crown Counseling working with three very capable Chinese counselors.  We will return to Changchun where Todd will continue use his gifting to support mental health needs in the community, groups, and for shepherds .  We are very excited!

Home assignment will definitely be a busy time!  In addition to speaking at supporting groups, I, Lisa, will pursue an online certificate in TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language).  My degree is in elementary education, but I've been more and more convinced of my need to improve my skills in teaching Chinese kids and adults English.  Todd also plans to use the eight months in the US to write needed materials for our next step in China.

Immediate Needs!
 Vehicle:  We are in the market to purchase a used vehicle that is good on gas mileage and can be driven long distances.  We have been looking on Craig's list but would rather purchase it from a trusted individual.  The most we could pay would be $4000.00.
Vehicle two:  Haley is in the market for a used vehicle that gets good mileage and is able to be driven to and from work.  The vehicle would be driven on a a few long trips, but the main use would be driving to work in MN.  The most Haley could afford is $ 3000.00.
Housing:  Todd and I need to rent a small, inexpensive house or apartment in Cheyenne from the end of April until mid January.  There is a possibility Hillary will be working in Cheyenne this summer (depending on internship), but most of the time it will just be the two of us.
Our Dog Chloe:  Right now we are trying to find a good place for our Cockapoo, Chloe, to stay for eight months in China.  Right now, many of our American friends will also be on home assignment or traveling during that time.  We have a few leads and are considering having friends in Changchun watch her.  Still, we are in a bit of a quandary.  There is a slight possibility (50%chance) we will need to bring her to the US with us.  We are concerned that it will be difficult finding housing that allows a dog.  Chloe is a four year old Toy Cockapoo, doesn't shed, is house trained, and crate trained.  If anyone knows of housing that would allow a dog like Chloe, that would be helpful.  Again, we are asking the Father to help us find a place in China for her during those eight months.
Thanks for lifting these transitions and needs.  thank you also for responding to any of these immediate needs.