Brief Update - December 29, 2005

Hello everyone,
 
Thank you for all your cards, emails and messages over the Christmas period. We really appreciated hearing from you and especially to know you were praying for us.

Just to update you, the flight over went very, very well. It was amazing to see Luke just so excited to be at the airport, at seeing new people and experiencing new things. He was a different boy. We had bulk head seats on the plane with a little bassinet for Luke. He actually slept pretty much the whole way. It was wonderful! Erik and I were able to rest a little, eat meals in peace and even watch a movie. Thank you so much to all who prayed for this. It was indeed a miracle that our little boy was so easy and a delight to travel with.
 
We have been having a good but busy time in England. We've spent time visiting with family mostly, but also spent a good weekend in Bristol with my (Jo's) church, had a good meeting with an organization in Birmingham, and have seen some friends which has been great. Erik has also managed to get out and do a bit of photography while here. (UK images)
 
Our plan was to leave this coming weekend for Kosovo and Albania. However, we are learning once again that even the best laid plans can go awry. Yesterday Erik had a collision with a concrete bollard when driving dark and early on his way for a photo shoot. Erik was unhurt, but the front corner of our car was damaged enough that it can't be legally driven and it certainly isn't up for a 2,000 mile drive across Europe. We have spent the last 24 hours communicating with the insurance company and car repair garages and the bad news is that the earliest we can get it in for repair is 16 January! Even then, we are not sure how long it will take to complete the work as new parts will have to be ordered. (http://thestenslands.com/car/)
 
We are not sure at the moment what to do and how to plan for this change so would very much appreciate your prayers.
 
Anyway, we just wanted to update you on this latest development. We'll keep you in touch as things happen.
 
Happy New Year!
 
Jo, Erik & Luke