Dear Supporting Friends,

This update finds us in the midst of transition.  We are writing to you from Jakarta Indonesia’s capitol city.  We are working through the final paperwork for Dina’s traveling papers.  We got her passport last week and are now awaiting her visa to come out of the American Embassy so we can continue out journey to the States.  We had a pretty challenging month interior which ended in all of us sick with colds and flu.   The highlight was getting to connect with the people in the village.  We shared with them that we would be going home to our “village” for a few “moons”.  Although they seemed to understand our need to follow through with the adoption and see our families they wished we would just stay there in the village and not leave.  Many have told us that we should build our own house and plant rubber trees out in the jungle so that we can live there forever.  They are always full of questions about how long it takes to get to the States, how the time change works, and what it’s like to fly in an airplane.  We’re praying that the Lord would work in the hearts of the Jelai people while we’re gone in preparation for hearing the gospel truth.  Thanks for also praying that way with us!

May 9^th we fly out of Jakarta and arrive in Anchorage on the 9^th (we gain a day coming back to the States).  In Anchorage we will go through the Immigration office with all our critical documents.  We would really appreciate you praying with us that everything would be accepted.  From there we will head to Jacksonville and I’m sure will be relieved to be done with all our travels for awhile.  This will be our first long flying trip with both girls.  We’re just hoping they sleep ok in the plane!  We’re very excited about seeing our family when we get in.  They are preparing all the baby items, beds, and car seats needed when we return.  Our plan is to be in Jax for almost a month and then head up north to Andrea’s parents’ home.  A friend in Jacksonville has offered to help us get a car, which is a huge blessing and answer to prayer.  We’re looking forward to spending time with friends and supporters in each of these places and can’t wait to catch up with so many that we dearly care for.   

If there would be an opportunity to get together with you or share a meal together we would really enjoy that!  You could call Tim’s sisters house in Jacksonville at (904) 268-7586 (after the 10th)  or email us at tim_ullum@ntm.org to set something up.  We’re looking forward to introducing our girls to friends and family they’ve never met, to everything being in English, to spending time with your growing families, and to some good home cooked American food and BBQ’s.  We’re asking the Lord to refresh our spirits and to keep us open and sensitive to what He would wants to teach us on this home assignment.  We’ve had many wonderful highlights this last 3 years mixed with some discouraging and unclear things as well.   We’re so thankful for God’s Spirit that lives within us, empowering us to bear fruit and please Him through all the ups and downs of life. 

Praise the Lord with us:

       ~ That the Lord made a way for us to get Dina’s passport and work through some processing quirks.

       ~  That we’re all feeling pretty healthy and rested for our long travels.    

       ~  For the promises and stability of God’s unchanging character to carry us through all the transitions to come.

Ways you can pray:

       ~ That Dina’s visa and paperwork would be in order and accepted once we get to the port authorities in Anchorage, Alaska.

       ~  That we would all remain healthy and free of this deadly virus going around China/Asia right now (we fly with China Air)

       ~  For good adjustments as we hit American soil and all the changes to come.

Thanks so much for standing with us!

For His Glory,

Tim, Andrea, Dina, & Abby