Dear Friends and Family,

We have so much to share with you, the likelihood of a "novel" is very real. We haven't written since January, so please hang in there and read as much as possible. Our reason (excuse?) is that we were waiting for a departure date to report to you, instead of recounting all the delays; so now that we have one, we can write!! We'll be leaving on May 12 from Minneapolis, so the next time we write, it will be from Czech. Finally, all the preparation comes to an end, and a new beginning in ministry can start.

A GROWING FAMILY

It would be impossible to recount everything that has happened in the last several months, but we'll try to give you some highlights. The first is that in early February, we became Grandpa Michael and Granny Mary!! Taylor Dean Larson was born to Elizabeth & Scott in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He is most possibly the cutest grandson in the world, of course!! We are thankful for the technology of pictures by email, so we can keep up-to-date on his growth, as all good grandparents should.

COMMISSIONING

We are so privileged to have the Indianola Community Church as part of our sending team. They hosted our families and us for a very special commissioning service on February 6th. It was a terrific union of church body, International Messengers leadership, and family to pray us up and send us off. We truly thank all of you who were involved in any way!!

DELAY #1

During February, we learned that instead of receiving our long-term residence VISAs, we needed to redo almost all of the documents we submitted, due to a change in Czech law. They are becoming much more strict about who they are allowing in, not as a discrimination against missionaries, but as a limitation of anyone in general. This news was discouraging, but we attempted to meet their requirements as best we could. A special thanks to Bronek, in Czech, who was instrumental in getting our papers translated correctly and pushed through the proper channels.

DELAY #2

One of the new requirements to apply for the VISA was to have health insurance for our family. We have trouble getting insurance because of Michael's surgeries and arthritis, but after being denied with two companies, we found a third who would cover us (with riders, of course).

DELAY #3

In March, our 6-year old daughter, Hannah, fell off her bicycle and broke her arm. She wasn't riding crazy, it was just one of those unusual accidents. She has been very brave through the whole ordeal. The arm was in a cast for four weeks (bright pink--she loved that part), and at the time of this writing the cast has been off for two weeks. It is not completely back to normal yet, but is healing properly according to the doctor.

DELAY #4

The long-term VISA was approved in late-March, and by early-April we knew Hannah's arm was going to be okay, but we still couldn't get decently-priced flights until mid-May. So we wait just a bit longer, which is probably a good thing, because it allows us to make that last round of visits to more people. All in all, these were only delays by our plans and standards. God's plans and timing are just right!!

IN THE MEANTIME

While we waited for everything to come together, God provided lots of opportunities to minister and meet many new friends, some of whom have joined our sending team. We were also able to fellowship with long-time friends one more time in Chariton, Ankeny, Blairsburg, and Council Bluffs. As a result of waiting, our monthly support is at a strong 100%. As a result of waiting, Caleb & Hannah are able to participate in year-end activities in AWANAs and our homeschool group. God is faithful, so very faithful.

MICHAEL TO CZECH AND BACK

Although all four of us were hoping to attend, we decided it would be good if Michael could represent our family at the I.M. staff conference held recently in Czech. While he was there, he was able to get the house ready for our arrival, so it was a productive trip. He was also able to renew friendships with the I.M. career missionaries we know, and meet many of the others who are ministering in a variety of places in Eastern Europe.

MAIL BUSINESS

We are counting on hearing from you while we are overseas. We are told that one of the main areas of discouragement among missionaries is the feeling of isolation. By keeping in touch, you will not only be lifting our spirits, you will be having a direct impact on the ministry we are involved in by helping us to keep our focus where it belongs (and away from ourselves). If you do write, here are some things you need to know:

• We think we'll be able to keep the same email address. If not, we'll let you know. If you have email, and if you haven't heard from us recently, we probably don't have your current address and need to hear from you.

• Letters and packages can be sent to us at our field address. There are no limitations as to writing about God/Jesus/Christianity. This is exactly how it should be addressed:

  Michael and Mary Ginn
  Bystrice n/01.1099
  PSC 739 95
  CZECH REPUBLIC
  EUROPE
  

• We will also be able to receive mail via our Kamrar address and International Messengers' address, but it might take longer to get to us.

• Donations should be sent directly to I.M. and made payable to them.

Thanks for actually reading to the bottom of our letter. You are to be commended for your perseverance!! Watch for our web site address soon. It should be up and running soon.

And as always, thanks for your interest in our lives and ministry. We look forward to sharing what God is doing in upcoming newsletters. We love you!!