We said “good-bye” to New Jersey today, not knowing when we will be back…we were overwhelmed with emotions and sentiments as we walked through the house Nicole grew up in one last time. We are now back in Pittsburgh trying to tie up the endless loose ends, and we did have a breakdown (not our car). One of our computers hard drive just broke, luckily we were able to get it fixed and have it back to working order by the next day. We are thankful it broke down before we left for PNG, and that is grace…grace that it broke where we can get it fixed.
We have been waiting many weeks now for an 8 digit number for Nicole’s letter of sponsorship. Well, we are happy to say that we have it! Next up, we sent in all of our paperwork and passports (there is a weird and sickening feeling putting those documents in the mail) to the PNG embassy in Washington DC to finish the process. Yup, that is it! We are now at the mercy of the US post office. Thank you for all of you who are praying for us, this is the last step of our paperwork…then reality sets in. Please pray we get our visa and passports back quickly.
Deja Vu
We have been having a lot of last moment sub-realities like; this is the last time I will go here, or this is the last time I will have a good Oreo dunked in whole milk, you know…the important things 🙂 we are being overwhelmed with emotions. God has given such sweet times of fellowship with friends and family this past week it is amazing.
Send Off
Our send off service in New Jersey this past weekend was humbling; scripture was read, the word was preached, hearts were open, the Spirit was present, and many eyes were filled with tears. That is what occurred Sunday morning as we were sent off by our sweet dear friends and family at Calvary. The spirit of fellowship, intentionality, and love were very present during the service, after which sparked over 3 hours of conversation over lunch. We want to say thank you to everyone at Calvary in NJ, your love was felt and we will carry it with us to PNG.
How to Pray?
Please pray that our visa’s will be processed quickly so we can leave around the 27th. The earlier we get them the better we will feel and be able to finalize last minute details.
Please pray we manage our time better; we have many loose ends (shots, doctor, dentist, etc.) with sentimental things, finish packing, getting rid of stuff, figuring what to do with our stuff that we leave in the states, and connecting with people as we say that “final” good-bye (see you in 5 years, Lord willing).
Please pray we can stay healthy, so we can get to the field and be ready to go.
Please pray we stay strong spiritually and emotionally, we have waves of emotions that we will have to deal with in the next 3 weeks…Gulp! Yes, there is some anxiety, but by God’s grace we are leaving in 3 weeks!!!!!!!!! (as long as we get the visa). 🙂
Do NOT Forget our commissioning service in Pittsburgh January 14th 🙂 ALL are invited.
~Your humble co-servants for Jesus Christ, Seth and Nicole Stokes.
Stoking The Fires 
You guys are awesome. I am praying for you as I read through this. I pray that God’s hand and heart be all over you during this time and I know He will give you the strength and courage to get through anything that comes at you.I also pray that you find some new fun things and comforts in the place that you’re going to. Although, they might not be in the form of an Oreo cookie dunked in milk, I’m sure God has some things up his sleave.Thank you for your posts. Thank you for the encouragement that you give my family and I. Thank you for the hope that you are giving to those in PNG by bringing Christ’s light with you.Woot woot here we go!!! Thank you.
Your friends from Rosedale Baptist Church
The Knefels
Hey Nicole and Seth, sorry we couldn’t make it to Calvary thus past Sunday. I’m not even sure what to say except, wow, God is so good. Flash backs of youth group at your home, conversations about one say going somewhere, serving the Lord, but no answers at that time to the questions, where? And with whom? I am humbled as I’ve watched your life unfold, prayers being answered and Seth entering your life. I hope, if you haven’t started already, that there will be time for you to journal your journey. I know it will inspire others and point many to the Lord’s amazing work in your life. Love you guys, you are in our prayers!
May God go with you into His field that He’s given you , praying all things will work out for His and your good.
CONGRATULATIONS SETH & NICOLE!!
You are slowly but surely completing each phase of your journey and calling. I know many lives are affected by your leaving, but so many souls are waiting in PNG for your gifts, the Word and your lives.
I will be in prayer for visa’s, health, emotions and spiritual well being!! I am proud of you both and FATHER is also proud of you!!
With His Love,
Louis
Looking forward to the 14th.If you are looking for somewhere to store whatever, I own Mini Storages in 3 places, Lower Burrell, Allegheny Twp., and Sarver. If you need any of those locations, let me know. Blessings,Barbara Goldstrom
dear Nicole and Seth thanks for the great update! you guys are AWESOME! I appreciate your sharing your human sides in a real way and the very normal emotions that go with this process… and still He is faithful! You write beautifully! your admirer, uncle Mike
my update won’t open:( maybe when i go out to town and get internet it will load. been praying for u guys! was it hard saying good bye in nj for now? nicole, r ur parents coming to take u to the airport when u guys leave the country or was that the last time u saw them?