Adios Rita!

Arnold is still in North Dakota and missed the visit from Rita. The kids and I decided to bunker down and ride the storm out on our own at the mission house. Well, it was a rough night. We got lots of wind and rain....and in this tiny wood house, it sounded just horrible. (We spent Katrina at my inlaws house... doublepaned windows, brick and didn't hear much of anything) The kids and I all slept in the living room on mattresses. We lost power around 2am. I stayed up until around 3:30 or 4:00 when things kinda calmed down. We had a bit of flash flooding but it just made a great lake for the kids to play in after everything was past. They even made boats to see how far they would float. We got our electricity back on around 9:30 or 10.
I have been in contact with my family in Shreveport and they are being hit pretty hard as well. My brother had 2 trees down. Please pray for their safety.
Love you all. Thanks for your prayers and concern. Adios Rita!
Susie

Memories, Like the corners of my mind

Feeling a little weepy tonight. It all started at "The View" youth church, seeing Alisha interact with all her friends, knowing that she only has a few more times with them. Praying that she is soaking in every moment. Then, she brought home a dvd that her 8th grade Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Jaime made from thier sleep-over. I knew I was in trouble when the music to the video was "Friends are friends forever". I haven't had dry eyes since.
Ok, I know this is going to be hard. But I thought it would be just hard saying goodbye to my friends. Now I see, that just watching my children say goodbyes will be even tougher. Please pray for them, pray for their hearts. Pray for the old friends left behind and the new ones that God will provide.
Today, Patrick saw a moving truck and said "mom, I think I am ready to leave" Wow, do I have amazing kids or what? Willing, able and Ready to leave all they know behind and follow where the Lord is sending.
Please send tissues. Lots of them!
Love, sniff
Susie

Out with the old

Ok, so last night Arnold decided that we would have our 2nd garage sale today. No advertisement, no preparation, no problem. It actually went pretty well. Everything is gone! No more garage sales EVER!!!! We were able to donate at least 7 HUGE boxes of clothing and shoes to a refugee shelter and then all the rest of the items that were left over, we donated to a church around the corner that would take care of getting the items where they were needed the most. So we are done with all of that....out with the old and ready to begin anew! Also, we met several evacuees and were able to help them find some things they were looking for. God is truly the great provider.
I got an email from one of my new missionary friends. She told me to look on the BP press website at bpnews.net under the article under More Stories (after the main articles) "IMB Trustees focus on West Africa". Check it out. You may see a familiar face or 2.
Love ya'll
Susie

Resignation

I turned in my resignation today. I am waiting for word from my boss to tell my coworkers about my wonderful story. Any minute now, he will let them know and my phone will start ringing off the hook.

The End of the Beginning

We made it! Last night Arnold and I were appointed as IMB Missionaries! ARGGHHH! Neither of us had ever been to an appointment ceremony but we had heard stories. The stories were true. It was an unbelievable celebration. Not to celebrate the missionaries, but to celebrate the fact that the word of God is being spread into more unreached nations, tribes and tongues...until all the peoples of the world know Him.
The kids left this morning and we will return home tomorrow (Thursday) and begin to prepare for our great adventure. Thanks for your prayers and all of your encouragement. This whole process has taken alot out of us, but we have gained so much from it.
As we take a deep breath today we realize it is only just the end of the beginning. May we faithfully walk this path that the Lord has laid before us.

We love each of you!
Arnold and Susie Austin
International Mission Board Missionaries
South America
Arequipa, Peru

Everyone needs a Symphony

Yesterday, I was almost panic striken when I was in route to my Board of Trustees meeting where I had to speak and be asked any questions. This was the final yea or nay. I was almost in tears and I really felt like I was going to faint. I told Arnold I needed something. He asked if I needed to walk, I said I am not sure what I need. As I walked out the door into the hall. God gave me exactly what I needed.... a Symphony. My Symphony. That sounds stupid I know but as I walked out of the room, I heard my friend Cynthia say, "there she is" (she is nicknamed Symphony). I have not seen her in over 3 years and she came just for that moment! God knew I needed a symphony. What a blessing!
Susie

Wish you were here!

We made it to Florida and it has been a wonderful few days. The first day, Arnold and I were able to spend some time together enjoying the beach, the sun and each other. Our time here soon became very busy so the time together was very precious.
Today we went to East Brent Baptist Church and spoke with two Sunday School Classes. We met some amazing people and had a wonderful time just fellowshipping with all of them. We went to Steak & Ale with 3 of the couples and boy were we full and ready for a nap!!!! We went to Hank and Judy's (our chauffeurs) house for a while before we had to go to our next meeting.
We were dropped off at Hillcrest Baptist Church. When we arrived, Ms. Elaine, a lovely lady from Sunday School brought us a box full of Avon goodies to take with us to Peru. It was so much fun to go through. What a precious lady!
At the church, we had rehearsal all afternoon for the ceremony. It should be a very special service. The church provided a delicious dinner for us (roast beef, mashed potatoes .... CHEESECAKE!). The church also gave us a beautiful sculpture from Jerusalem! WOW!
It has been a long day. Tomorrow will prove to be even longer, BUT the kids should be here sometime in the morning. I can't wait to see them!
We love you all! Wish you were here on the beach with us!
Susie

Up, Up and Awayyyyy!

Hello Friends and Family,

I can't believe I am finally saying that we are about to be appointed missionaries to Peru!
Arnold and I are packed and ready to fly out tomorrow morning for Pensacola, FL. Arnold will get home probably about 7am, so he'll be tired but he sleeps very well on a plane. We will get to Florida around 4:00 pm and we do not have any meetings until Saturday at 4:00....So that means a whole day with my husband on the beach! Whooo-HOO!
The week will consist of conferences, testimonies, practicing, an interview or two and the Appointment Ceremony on Tuesday night at Hillcrest Baptist Church at 7:00. Arnold and I will also have to talk at one of the churches in the area on Sunday about our "calling to go".
If all goes well, fuel continues to be available, and if my paw-in-law can find a road or two to Pensacola, they will bring the kids to be a part of this (because they are a Huge part of this and it just wouldn't be right for them not to be there). So pray for traveling grace and patience on all of thier parts.
We will do our best to update during the week. I love you all and appreciate all of your encouragment, support and especially your prayers.
To God be all the glory!
Love You All!
Susie

Shhh Daddy's sleeping!

Excuse me if I whisper, but Arnold is working the night shift and he is on a different schedule than us. It is so hard for the kids to remember that he is here in the house sleeping during the day. Luckily, once his head hits the pillow, he is dead to the world. Continue to pray for him, he is so tired and definately not used to this. (By the time he is, he will be done)
I am busily preparing for our appointment week next week. I have such mixed emotions about it at the moment. I am excited, but it looks like the kids and my in-laws probably will not be able to attend (not to mention all of our friends and family who had planned on attending). You see, after looking at maps, keeping a watch on the road closures and the high cost of gas....Arnold and I have decided that we will have to fly to Pensacola. This means that the rest of them get left behind. Now, I guess I could be noble and say that I haven't had a HUGE pity party about the whole thing, but then I would be a BIG FAT LIAR. And knowing this about me I would hope that you won't think I am just a horrible human being because I know that I am so fortunate. I look around and see so many people without homes, without jobs, some without their families and I just have to feel so blessed.
Anyway, that is my confession for the day. I guess it is good for the soul (but truly I hope no one reads this).
Continue to pray for the masses of people who have been affected by this storm. May God be glorified through the works of our hands to so many in need.
I love each of you! God Bless!
Susie

Saturday Morning Prayer

Hey Everyone,
I have a prayer request this morning. Arnold just got word that he has to head down to New Orleans to help get a refinery back up and into production. He will have to work the night shift and after getting a really good nights sleep last night, it will be difficult for him to take a nap later on in the day. (If you know Arnold at all, you know it is hard to get him to sit still much less sleep). Please pray for his safety and that he will be alert both at work and on his way home Sunday when he is finished.
Also, one of my dear friend's husband is potentially being called down into the heart of New Orleans to help out with the relief efforts. Our hearts and prayers go with you.
And....I know you are, but pray for all the people affected by this disaster. Men, women, children......Baton Rouge and the outlying areas have grown overnight. Gas and food are definately limited. The shelters are crowded and people feel hopeless and desperate. Pray that God will be glorified in this situation and that we as a church can help by sharing the hope of His salvation and His love to these people who have none and need it so bad.
God Bless!
Susie

Talk of Resignation

I work for a large company. I've seen engineers give their notice and be immediately ushered out the door. I've also seen them given the full notice period to leave. I wasn't sure which would be the case for me.

This week my workload was at a point to where I needed to tell my boss of my plans (6 weeks early) so that he could better utilize my skills during that period. I drove to Houston and spoke with him yesterday. He has graciously given me all the time I need to finish up some my workload. He has also let me wait till after the appointment week to give my official resignation. What a great boss I have. I am certainly going to miss this company. They have been so good to me these last 7 years.