David and Havah Snuggle Time

Chris is at Sears getting tires rotated and two new rear tires! I am getting caught up on my blog and making yummy recipes for our trip. Russian Tea from Susan Beaudet – enough to last 2 weeks. And White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookies, recipe compliments of Katie Callahan – enough to serve the family a little and hide for me the rest. And homemade chicken soup and cornbread muffins for lunch.

Havah, too!

Havah

From the Callahans...

On Oct 27, 2010, at 4:51 PM, Jeannie Revells wrote:

Just a little note to tell you our news. God has opened a door of opportunity for us back in the lower 48. We will be moving sometime over the next month. We are packing and preparing and saving up the funds for the rest of the moving budget.

 

It is bittersweet news. We will miss the Alaskan Callahans so very much. And we will miss the former Alaskan Callahan too! The Katie who defected to OR. J So much is happening so quickly, but we wanted to make sure that you found out the news from us.

 

I will start blogging the details as soon as I can catch my breath. Right now I am surrounded by boxes and babies…

 

Love and blessings,

 

Jeannie

 

From: Katie Callahan   
Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 8:57 PM
To: Jeannie Revells

Wow! That's certainly exciting news!! Where will you be headed???

 

I miss you all SO much! I've been meaning to write to tell you that you guys have been in my dreams lately. I miss you and have been thinking about you so much!

 

I loved the picture of John James on facebook. Too cute!

 

Love you, 

Katie 

 

From: Karen Callahan  
Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2010 6:11 AM
To: Jeannie Revells

Oh Jeannie and ALL,

 

That is SUCH good news for you! But I'm sad for us. You are such precious people and you brought such sunshine and kindness to us. Thankfully, you have a blog and we can keep in touch. Katie wrote me about what your next chapter looks like and I know that will be exciting and fufilling. We will love you forever! I know it will be a busy time, but we'd love to see you before you leave. If it works.

Who knows if we won't meet again in the years to come!

 

One breath at a time, with that smile of yours on your face. Bless you. And happy WARM weather!!

Love,

Karen

 

A Peek into My Heart...

On Wed, Oct 27, 2010 at 4:46 PM, Jeannie Revells wrote:

I have dreaded writing this email. It is such bittersweet news. I know you feel like everybody is leaving you and I can’t stand the thought of being another one. But God has opened a door of opportunity for us to move to the South. We will be leaving sometime over the next month. We are still saving the funds for the trip.

We have made such rich friendships here. Your family is so amazing! Totally pulled us in as family and loved us. All of you are so special to us!!! We talk about the LaBeans to everybody!

So anyway, we are packing and preparing. Wanted you to hear the news from us. I am a washing machine of emotion. Happy to be nearer to family (we haven’t picked out a home yet, still looking) and yet so sad to be SO far away from our Alaskan family. Well, I’m gonna go work on supper.

Love you so much,

Jeannie

 

From: Missi LaBean

Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2010 9:54 AM
To: Jeannie Revells

Oh darling.  I am sure that it was a hard choice.  A lot of moves in such a short time along with a new addition in the midst of them must be wreaking havoc on your heart and soul for sure.

We have treasured your family also.  Thank you so much for pouring all of yourself into our girls at a vital time of their lives.  They will forever remember and hopefully implement the very graceful way of a mothering that you demonstrate.  May you reap what you have sown as others reach out to your children at their life changing stages of their journeys with God.

Blessings as you pack dear.  May you have all the strength you need. 

Do you want to email my girls or would it be easier if I tell them?

We will be by to visit soon.

Missi LaBean


Jeannie,

We will be there [Sunday - to help with the children during the Harvest Carnival]! You all are so special to Chris and I also and we are very excited for your family to move so freely in God's will. If you need anything through this packing process, please don't hesitate to ask.

See you Sunday Night and I'll talk to Chris to see what we will come as!


Love Ronni

EXCITED!!!!

From: ARLETTE REVELLS

Oh, Jeannie, we're sooooo excited. Reading your "New Journey!" blog is like a dream come true!!! Blessings. Blessings. Blessings on you all as you pull the last minute things together and travel the amazing journey back to the land of your inheritance. Come on. Bring those wagons laden with gold!!! The land of your inheritance calls out...WELCOME! I can see
the whole family smiling and giving from your precious "gold supply." We all look forward to receiving the blessings of your commitment to the Lord. Come on...we're waiting for you with open arms.

With deepest love,
Arlette, GG, Mom, Love-Mom

New Journey!

We are taking a road trip! Not just any 'ol road trip - but a journey home! God has opened a door of opportunity to return back to the South. It is a bittersweet move. We have made a home here and many rich relationships, but the time has come to open the next chapter.

But before we close the Alaskan chapter of our lives, I want to take a week or so to wax eloquent on our stay in Alaska.

Right now, I am exhausted from boxes and babies so I will just get to the facts tonight. We are leaving probably early next week. Planning a two week road trip down the Alaskan Highway, thru Canada, Montana, North Dakota, etc. All this is weather permitting. We may head straight south and then east if inclement weather sets in. We will post to the blog our updates. No one will hear from us by phone/text while we are in Canada. But we will post to the blog whenever we find wi-fi.

Chris has upgraded Ol' Bertha to a 9-seater by putting a bench seat in the front. So now we can all fit in one vehicle. We have finally secured a U-haul trailer. For 3 weeks, there were no (that is zero!) trailers in all Alaska. Last night at midnight our miraculous trailer arrived! So now we have wheels and trailer. Next we have to finish the last minute details (medical records, rotating tires, one more dental appointment, compiling our emergency kit) and sell a few more items to help finance the trip.

I have already purchased the groceries for the trip. I felt like I was buying out Sam's!! We are making lodging reservations and strategizing with the granddaddy of all travel guides, The Milepost.

Kids are going crazy with no school routine and the thought of seeing everyone down South again. I am going crazy hearing them.

Okay, what other details? Ummmm...I am too tired to think. Will write more later. Love all of you. XOXO

John-James lost his first tooth!

Havah at 2 Months

Okay, I know this is 4 pictures that look similar. I just couldn’t help it! She is so sweet!

Sweet Baby Toesies

 

Happy Lulu

...in her beautiful princess coat from Aunt Laura.

India Memories

Oh...my heart is full! Tonight we talked on the phone with a dear friend in Christ, Gavin Cunningham. He and his amazing wife, Amenla, were instrumental in building our faith for the journey God had set before us. We spent a week with them in India in 2008. They have constructed a gorgeous church in Bangalore by faith against all odds. Tremendous faith stories accompany them in every endeavor. We spent hours in awe just listening to them reminiscing while we were in India!! How special to hear his voice again. Our hearts were lifted and our walk validated. Onward in faith!

This encouraging phone call was made possible by our friends Jack and Peggy Kennedy in Canada. They have followed our journey and been so supportive of us. Gavin spent 18 days in ministry here in North America. After their last conference today, we were able to connect. I just love them!! Just hearing Peggy's voice causes my faith and expectancy to rise. Such God-timing!

We look forward to video chatting with both Gavin and Amenla soon. And continuing the conversation with the Kennedy's as God's plan unfolds in our lives.

Fly-fishing with Rucci

The menfolk...

Studious at Bedtime

Caught in the act!... of being cute. We had just finished devotions and they were having a little quiet time before bed.

Dinner at the Rucci's

Mary Beth made moose nachos Monday. They were so delicious!!

Who wants an Alaskan holiday, Revells-style?!

I am feeling the need to plan ahead for the Holidays!! It makes me happy!!!
Who wants a white Turkey Day? Who would love a white Christmas?! You need to come see us!
I am already scouting my yard for potential Christmas trees. I am planning where to hang my garlands and white lights.
And we are hosting Thanksgiving dinner here. Mary Beth is helping to plan it. We are going to have a Southern/ Californian dinner. Would love to have you come!

Update on Me

I went to the Doctor yesterday. He thinks I may have a stomach ulcer. So I start a medication for that and we will see if that alleviates the pain. I go back in 3 weeks. Thank you so much for your prayers!! ;-))

Hard Workers

We had an exciting exhausting weekend. I had about 9 hours of abdominal pain Thursday. Classic gallbladder attack symptoms. Friday went for an abdominal ultrasound. Everything looked good so we will see my doctor next week and pursue an answer.

I also came down with a nasty case of mastitis on Friday and spent the weekend in bed (sort of). So today I am at home in a quiet home- family is at church. The flu-like pain is finally gone, my fever is gone and I am just plain ol' tired. Please pray for strength.

Gulp...the snow is here to stay.

Boys chopping and conquering a pile of wood!

Going to church for the first time this season in the snow!

Sisters...

Hungry Critter

I guess the chili turned out alright...

Our first itty-bitty snow..

Newsflash!!!!!

It’s snowing! Whee!!! J

Fly-Fishing

Chris and Rob drove 4 1/2 hours toward Anchorage to go to this most awesome fishing spot. Don't ask how many trout they brought home. ;-)

Our friends, the Coxes

Last Friday evening, the Coxes came over for dinner. Denise brought yummy enchiladas and we made salads. The fellowship was so sweet. Havah loves them, too!! Denise and Steve have really been there for us; so supportive and encouraging. They are definitely kindred spirits.