Punch list:

Project managers often have a punch list.  As the end of a project looms it takes on increasing

importance.  Kathy and I are working on a punch list--or more accurately, a couple of them.

• We recently purchased our airline tickets.  
• We have made arrangements for an apartment and a car in Palau.  
• I have a Skype appointment to meet with some administrators at PIU.  
• We saw a lawyer and our financial adviser to get some affairs in order, etc. etc.  
• We are updating our mailing lists.  
• We need to make sure that we have luggage suitable for our trips.  

Somewhere there is  a balance between being burdened with the cares of this world and being a good steward of what God has entrusted to us.  Pray that we can find that balance.

Gauging where we are as far as financial support is a bit frustrating.  While online giving is instantaneous for the donor, it takes a while for the report of a gift to work its way through the various cyber-hoops.  We get reports from the mission around the first of every month, so we don't hear about gifts given close to the first of the month for about thirty days.  Then we can't always tell whether a gift represents a monthly commitment or if it is a one time donation.  (We rejoice in either.)  All that being said, at last count, it looks like we are at about 40% of achieving our 2016 budget.  Thank you, and Thank You, Lord.

I fly on January 3, Kathy on the tenth.  She is remaining so she can play for a wedding, and it will allow me to get some things set up.  From the time we leave the house here in Covington, until we get to our place in Palau will be well more than two days.  Fortunately 21 hours will be a layover in Guam.  Joyce and Dave Owen have opened their home to us so we can get a night's sleep--or as much of one as jet-lag will allow.  We have an apartment in Palau--an extended stay hotel suite.  Thanks to the help of a friend we have made arrangements for a car that will fit our budget.  Other details will be worked out, hopefully by the time Kathy arrives.

I have gotten good reports of folk being interested in taking classes at PIU-Palau.  Pray that there will be follow-through.
We want to be a  blessing in Palau.  Pray that we will know how.

We have been very humbled with the encouragement, prayers, and giving of those who are partnering with us.  We'll do our best to stay in touch.  Please do the same.

Howard (for Kathy, too)