Blanchet Newsletters

July 2008

“Just Go Tour”

February 2008

Home—Just Go Tour

FEBRUARY 2008

March 2008

April 2008

May 2008

February 5, 2008: Where’s Waldo?

You’ve heard of “Where’s Waldo.” Yesterday, we were wondering the same thing; Waldo being our destination. The day began as planned with packing the last bags, eating the last breakfast, loading the last items and saying the last good-byes. As we were waiting for our fellow YWAMers to assemble and pray us off, Cassie Hyrcha handed me a piece of mail. It was the “application received” letter from US Citizenship and Immigration, the letter that should prevent us from reaching our planned destination.

If we’d been on “The Amazing Race,” it would have been like being hit with a U-Turn, a Roadblock and a Detour all at once. Stunned, I handed the letter to Curtis. We felt that God had so clearly spoken to go to Newport that we didn’t have another plan. So, we decided to continue along the path given and see where we’d end up.

Jessie Davis, hearing my sighs and seeing my crestfallen face, chuckled, “Thinking about yesterday’s sermon, you didn’ t honestly think that you were going to leave without opposition, did you?” Yes, I did! Foolish female that I am. Now, all my brave words about following where God would lead and the peace I professed were being put to the test. Would I trust God or would I allow my flesh and the enemy win the day?

Two verses from Proverbs came rushing into my brain. The first reads, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” (Prov. 16:9) We had our plan, but was God taking us in a different direction? And if so, what one? Just the day before, the other verse had been given to us by Bev and Vince Propp.

Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding.

In ALL your ways, ACKNOWLEDGE Him and He will direct your paths. (Prov. 3:5-6)

Was I willing to totally trust God? I had a decision to make. So, we jumped in the car and flipped on the Holy God CD by Brian Doerkson. Track six made me sit up straight. As I listened again and again and again, God’s peace began to pour into my heart and I worshipped my way to the border. It was the song entitled “Trust in the Lord.”

He is here. He is present. In your hearts, in your lives, in your midst.

He is here. He is present. CALLING YOU TO TRUST IN HIM.

Casting all your cares on the One who gave you life.

Lay your burdens down at His feet.

He is Love. He is Love.

At the border, God reigned supreme. Curtis shared our purpose, showed the guard around the bus and answered all the questions asked. After about half an hour, during which we were both praying fervently, the official gave his approval and away we went. I let out a whoop of joy and praised God for His mighty favour upon us. God meant things for good. Satan tried to steal away my peace and to discourage us as the trip was beginning. When we decided to agree with God and step out in faith, He directed all our steps and brought us to the destination He had determined. Thank you for your prayers!

February 3, 2008: Last Details Done

It’s hard to believe that everything is packed, the paperwork is complete, the goodbyes have been said, and we’re heading out in the morning. God has been so faithful and we have especially seen His hand at work during the last couple weeks.

First, did you notice that you are reading this newsletter up on our website??? Yes, we finally figured out a format that I, Vickie, could design and modify at will. We still have pictures to add and we will also be putting up lots of links to various mission organizations. So, we’re still under construction, but at least the site is up! We’ll send out an email to those on our mailing list each time we update the information and then you can come here to see what’s new!

On January 23rd, Curtis was finally able to speak to an inspector from ICBC (the insurance company here in BC), who outlined the steps to have the bus registered as an RV rather than a commercial vehicle. It turned out to be very simple. After having the bus weighed, he had to present the weigh certificate and the vehicle inspection, which we had completed in December, to the local insurance agent. She visually inspected the vehicle to ensure that it was now longer usable as a bus and had the component parts to be a motor home. And voila, the registration was changed. Thank you God!

Now to get it insured! Initially, the quote we received was higher than the commercial bus insurance we were already paying. However, while in Vancouver for MissionsFest, an insurance agent recommended by Curtis’ mother discovered that we were listed for the wrong region. Our insurance rate dropped almost in half. Yeah, God!

Our time at MissionsFest was amazing. Between us, Curtis and I connected with every mission organization in the exhibit hall. We collected brochures galore, which will be placed in a binder as a resource for those to whom we speak. Also at MissionsFest, I was able to re-connect with several homeschooling friends. It was a great opportunity to hear about their families and share about our upcoming adventure. We were blessed to attend Westpointe Christian Centre, our sending church, and say farewell to Kirk & Cheryl Smith, good friends who are moving to Kelowna after a three month stint in Kansas City at the International House of Prayer. What a great God we serve. I love the way He has put us in Vancouver on several critical Sundays.

Another huge blessing involves our cell phones. We needed a communication tool while still in Kelowna and signed up with Telus because they also had a North American plan that we would be able to use in the United States. However, we realized that the cost and included benefits of US cellular plans were far superior. While staying with Curtis’ mom over Christmas, a chance conversation about our costs led to her assuming our plan. This frees us to obtain phones in the United States at a lower cost. Again, we thank God for His grace. He makes even our mistakes into something good, blessing us and Curtis’ mom.

Tomorrow morning we drive to Newport. Our plan is to stay in Washington for about a month. Curtis will be able to finish the bus inside a garage there and thus avoid frostbite J. We will also be speaking in churches and local Christian schools. Additionally, we will help my parents move into their new home. God has great timing! In the meantime, we will be waiting on God for our next destination. Thank you for your many encouraging words and your support in prayer. We can’t do this alone and are blessed to have you journeying with us.

June 2008

August 2008