December in Wilmington

John, hangin' with the surfin reindeer

Lizzie, getting to know shopaholic reindeer

It's been a time of adjustment to experience such mild weather in the middle of winter. Last week, Wilmington's temperature reached in to the 70s!!! I almost had to turn on the AC, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. We "suffered" with the apartment temp at 79 degrees.

Today for our anniversary, Mark treated me to a special dinner at a restaurant on the beach. It is a beautiful day... the making of a memory :) We are thankful for the 12 years we've shared together and for the adventures that lie ahead of us. God has indeed been good to us.

Thankful that HE knows

Hey friends,

Just a quick update on what's happening here. We ended up putting the purchase offer in on the foreclosed home and found out within hours that two other offers had come in. We had until Monday to submit our 'highest and best' offer. After a few phone calls to get perspective and advice, we humbly submitted the offer and prayed that if they Lord wanted us to be there, in that neighborhood, in that house, then he would work out the details. Our realtor's advice "Don't get too attached..." So here we are...Thursday...and have learned that the bank accepted a different offer. The initial disappointment has been replaced by peace that God knows best. He knows what the bigger picture looks like. He knows our needs as a family. He knows what neighborhood would be a good fit for us. He knows what will happen with the economic situation. He knows the timing. He knows our deep down desires ...mine, Mark's, John's and Lizzie's. I am so thankful that I can trust in the LORD, that He knows all these things (and so much more) and that I do not have to rely upon my own knowledge or power or resources. I can rest in Him....that HE knows best.

Opportunities

We enjoyed a restful Thanksgiving in Conway, SC where Mike and Suz put on quite a spread and shared their warm hospitality. The day was beautiful...60+ degrees! It just didn't seem right to celebrate in the warm weather (but we were still thankful for it :)). John loved it and played football in the backyard. The next day we drove to Jacksonville/Amelia Island FL where we shared time with the Kamienskis...a relaxing and fun time. Lizzie and I (Mark and John, too) enjoyed getting to know the "trips," helped with feeding and dressing the babies...and just loved on them. Their lives are a miracle, but their routine, and "system" was amazing to me. I thought 3 babies would be chaos, but everyone was sweet and stayed ON SCHEDULE! On Saturday we eased into the day, played football on the beach, and enjoyed the fellowship. These are moment that memories are made of....

This week we have returned to our routine here in Wilmington. We have been house hunting, as our lease is up on Feb 1. We saw several homes last week and have put a purchase offer in today on a foreclosed home. Knowing the market is not getting better, we bid really, really, low. We are hopeful, but are not afraid to walk away if it's not a great deal. We're praying that God would make it clear....it's definitely in His Hands. Honestly, we feel at peace waiting on God's timing and the opportunities He presents to us. Please pray that we see God's plan clearly and that we surrender our own "wants" in order to be in the center of His will. Here's a photo of the potential-new-home. Does it remind you of our home on Benjamin Road? Yeah...us too. Just lacking the 14 acres...this lot is .3 acres!

Crosswinds Church has been progressing. This week we served a meal at a local elementary school as a way to thank them for their service to the community. It was well received and we look forward to connecting with others in the community of Leland. We will be meeting a potential worship leader this Sunday. Our facility plan is coming together and we are close to signing the lease for commercial space in Leland. We're still planning on a February 22nd launch. It's an exciting time and are so glad that you are a part of the journey with us. (psst...Crosswinds has a Christmas wishlist...if you'd like to contribute a tangible gift that will help get our church "off the ground" please let us know and we'd be glad to email it to you. Everything from diapers, to cleaning supplies, to coffeemakers, and children's puzzles.... )

We hope to catch up with many of you when we're 'home' at the end of the month. We'd love the opportunity to sit together over a cup of coffee and catch up on what is happening in your lives. And as always, you are welcome to visit in the warm south :) We love you and are blessed to have such great friends...keep emailing or calling! We love to hear from you!

Gratitude

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Have you taken the time to count your blessings? The Pratts are a blessed family. Every night for our family prayer time, we thank God for his faithful provision and protection. He continues to give us more than we need. He has given us our health. He blesses us with friendships. He gives us each other. He shares Himself through his Word and Holy Spirit. He offers us opportunity to invest in others. He chooses to NOT leave us where we are. He travels with us on our faith stretching journeys. He loves us....always.

This year we will be spending Thanksgiving day with cousins Sue and Mike Brown who live near Myrtle Beach. We are looking forward to sharing the holiday with them. Friday we will travel to Amelia Island, FL where we will get to see the Kamienski family who we haven't seen since my grandfather's funeral two years ago. We are looking forward to meeting the newest members of the family: triplets Ansley, Jack, and Noah, who we've been praying for every night since they've been born. John and Lizzie both are excited to meet their new miracle cousins!

SO much has happened since last Thanksgiving....so many things that God has uniquely planned for our family. The journey has not be "straight" or easy, but it has been ordered by God, the one and only Creator of the universe....so if He can create the universe, certainly he can order our steps. As we begin looking forward to the next steps (buying a home, continuing job search, launching the church...) it is so easy to let the fears and unknowns take over. But I've got to look back and remember...and see all the steps in which God has faithfully carried us. He is not afar off, or unaware, or surprised. He knows us, he sifts us, he gives us the opportunity to put our faith into action.

We hope that this week holds a time of reflection for each of you too. I hope the memories of the blessings (and struggles) from this past year flood your thoughts and you can't help but express your gratitude to our Almighty, faithful, and trustworthy God.

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."

Whatever He's Doing Inside of Me...

I love how God uses a variety of things to get my attention. At times, it's His creation (particularly the ocean, sunsets, and the amazing detail of his created), at other times it's His people who share their experience. I am amazed as He speaks to ME through Scripture (written years and years ago, but still living/applicable to me!!!!) and then He ordains and inspires music....played at the MOST APPROPRIATE moments. I love the music. It speaks to me like nothing else. It moves me. It makes me think. It often gives me a different--eternal-- perspective. It reminds me of His everlasting love. It encourages me in my faith journey..to not give up. It teaches me to look beyond the present circumstances and to look beyond myself. It proves to me that He's still in control.

This song by Sanctus Real is one of those songs that God is using to get my attention:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06AgY5Xoavw

Just a few lines that HIT me every time I hear it:
"Whatever you're doing inside of me, it feels like chaos, but somehow there's peace. It's hard to surrender to what I can't see, but I'm giving into Something Heavenly."

"Time to begin again, reevaluate who I really am. Am I doing everything to follow your will? Or just climbing aimlessly over these hills? SO show what it is that you want from me, I give everything, I surrender...to whatever you're doing...."

"Time to face up, clean this old house....time to release all my held back tears. Whatever your doing inside of me, it feels like chaos, but I believe: You're up to something bigger than me, larger than life, Something Heavenly."

I hope it's an encouragement to you today :)

Seasons

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Certainly, the difficult part is contentment/gratitude during each season in which God has placed us. And the truth is, as the 'seasons' change, God does not. He is the same, He is stable, He is true, He is the Rock. I am finding that focusing on these truths, even in the turmoil of all that is happening around me, that is what calms my heart and encourages my efforts.

Our family is currently experiencing many seasons....some are building our unity, at the same time 'tearing down' selfishness, ourselves as individuals. We think back to our seasons of rootedness and stability...but now...still...we're also experiencing the "uprooting" and transplanting necessary for new growth. Furthermore, I am still in a season of searching, as even yesterday I interviewed AGAIN, for a full time teaching position...but today I am required to "GIVE UP"...give up my control, my desires, my expectations, and submit to God's Sovereignity once again while I wait the decision. Yep, seasons are inevitable and even painful at times.

Mark has been working in Myrtle Beach for the last few weeks on a construction project. He has a few more weeks left, so we're trying to keep a routine here on the homefront, missing him...awaiting the time when we can return to life as a family. He is working hard on his studies in the "extra" moments he has. We have to keep reminding ourselves that this time is just "a season" and that God continues to be faithful to us as individuals and as a family while we are apart.

In the meantime, we've had the pleasure of having my parents in town this week. They arrived on Halloween to surprise John and Lizzie...both couldn't stop talking for the first few hours after their arrival. We enjoyed a fun and beautiful weekend...attending a festival, a soccer game, church, and even spending a warm NC November afternoon on the beach! Who would have thought??? We've also visited the Fort Fisher Aquarium and the Cape Fear Museum this week as the kids had Monday and Tuesday off from school. We've returned to routine today...and Mom and Dad will head north this weekend to return home.

We still covet your prayers. Our transition continues...I often find myself missing "home", our church, school, and you, our treasured friends. God is growing us through this season. He is teaching us to rely upon Him, particularly in the face of all this uncertainty. Still...we miss the relationships, the heart talks, and the sharing of life that we experienced with so many of you.

We hope that you will drop us an email to update us on the 'seasons' you are in...or give us a call...we'd love to hear your voice! BETTER yet, we hope you'll come to visit! Come experience the seasons here in North Carolina!

A New Normal

It's mid-October here in Wilmington, yet it feels like a summer day in New York. We've been enjoying temperatures in the 80s, cooler nights, and clear skies. We've been told repeatedly that this is the best time of year here in North Carolina, and we agree...at least so far. We do miss, however, the colorful foliage. It just doesn't "feel" like fall.

As we're agreeing with the weather, we are also agreeing with our "new normal." John and Lizzie are settled into school, having 8, 9 and 10 days (scale of 1-10) rather than the 2 and 3 days they had reported for a stretch a few weeks back. Lizzie climbed in the van at the beginning of the month excited to share her "10" day. She had been elected class president for October and was quite proud of the new "title". We asked if we should call her Queen Lizzie, she said no...just President Elizabeth :) John is enjoying his classes and often reports something interesting or fun he learned that day. He tried sushi last week as he was studying Japan in one of his classes.

My new normal consists of working at the kids school (Rachel Freeman) every morning. My technical title is "Reading Interventionist"...big words for Reading Helper. I meet with 4 small groups each day in an attempt to build their reading skills. I have 2 Kindergarten groups, 1 first, and 1 second...the hardest part so far has been learning their names: Silque (pronounced Silk), Kevanni, Kaziah, Amareyon, Amiracle, Khymek...we have entered a new culture. All in all, it's been a positive experience. My school day ends at 12:00 noon, so I have time to work on projects for Crosswinds and get all those errands done before our family time after school.

Mark continues to enjoy his part time work at the machine shop. We all leave at the same time every day and return home after school together. This allows time for homework, Mark's online classwork, and flexibility in family time activities. We realize that this concentrated family time is a short lived season and we are enjoying the flex time while we have it. Mark has finished his first 2 classes...both with A's, and will begin two more next week. In the near future, he will also help out cousin Mike Brown on some construction projects...just on a short term basis. Mike and Suz live just outside Myrtle Beach, just an hour south of us.

God's plans for Crosswinds Church are being revealed and taking form...they are anything BUT normal! We are excited about where God has led us this far, and are confident that HE is doing something BIG. Leland is the area of Wilmington we are "targeting"...it is growing, growing, growing and there really is no church in the immediate vicinity. We are praying fervently about location. Space is costly, but so critical for the long term vision....where does risk meet faith? In the meantime, our first community "encounter" will be November 1st. We'll be participating in one of the home associations' "fall festival". Please pray will us for creativity in outreach, confidence in building relationships, and faith to do what God is asking of us. Thanks to each of you who uphold our family and this church in your prayers.

Part of this journey is teaching us that we cannot and should not be striving for "normal". Yes, there is safety, predictability, and even comfort in "normal", but God is BIG. He wants to do BIG things...not just normal things. I think I've been struggling up til now trying to hold on to what used to be normal for us...our 'New York normal'. Quite honestly, I loved our 'New York normal'...our friends, our school, our jobs, our church, our family, our schedule, our home... we all loved our normal. Six months ago, God put our 'normal' in a blender and served us an adventure that would challenge us beyond our comfort, and would strip us of all that was predictable. Our challenge now? Living in faith every day, trusting in the Sovereignity of our Almighty God who knows us better than we know ourselves. Do we believe that HE IS WHO HE SAYS HE IS...and that He will do what He has promised?

Psalm 40

I waited patiently for the LORD:

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust,

who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done.

The things you planned for us no one can recount to you;

were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare...

Then I said, "Here I am , I have come--

it is written about me in the scroll.

I desire to do your will, O my God;

Your law is within my heart....

A job offer

His ways ARE higher than my ways...

So three weeks ago we met with the administration at Lizzie's school to discuss the options for challenging her in her schoolwork. Several days prior I had spent a day at their school with the "reading coach", Ms. Carlson, as I would be interviewing for the same position in another school here in the county. The reading coach interview did not go well (in my humble opinion), but was called back for a second interview. I just did not feel comfortable with the environment, job description, and expectations. Long story... I did not get the job.

At Lizzie's meeting I was asked about that interview and was able to honestly share my feelings with Ms Miars, the principal and Ms. Carlson, the reading coach. "Ironically", a position had come available at the kids school in the meantime, a Reading Interventionist position. It was part time, with 1/2 salary of a teacher, no benefits. Still I had an offer in the next county as an ESL teacher, full time with benefits, 30-40 minute drive each way. Dilemma: which job to accept?

Mark was clearly in favor of the part time position at the kids school. This 8am-12pm position would not disrupt our family routine at all, and the working conditions would comfortably transition me into the "system" here. So last week I did interview for the reading interventionist position and Wednesday, I received a call offering the position to me. I will begin next week.

Thank you for your prayers. These past fews months having been a humbling time of surrender for me as I realized how insignificant my "efforts" and how limited my "control". In many ways, I expected that the difficult part was behind us (choosing to move, leaving "home", giving up the comfortable/known), but I am learning that our struggles had only just begun.

God has been faithful...silent at times, but still faithful. Our needs have been met, our reliance upon Him has been strengthened, our plans have been sifted and refined....for our good. Our ideas/dreams/expectations fall pitifully short of God's perfect plan and often only focus on the outcome, not the process. Getting this job was the outcome, but who knew that I would be challenged SO completely in the process? My Jesus did. He knew it was what I needed. Yep, He knows me better than I know myself.

From the inside out...

This song really speaks to me:

"A thousand times I've failed...
still I'm caught in your grace.

Your will above else, my purpose remains:
the art of losing myself in bringing You praise"

My heart and my soul, I give you control,
Consume me from the inside out, Lord..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f34F7e3d0_Y

"Search my heart, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Ps. 139:23-24

Reflection

I came across these questions in a recent blog I read and was challenged to consider each one at the end of my every day. The honest answers at times are, well, can I say embarrassing...perhaps regretful is a better answer. The journey that I am on is so much more than moving, mothering, being a good wife, and finding a job. It has gone into a deeper sense of personal reflection...and confession.

TWENTY-TWO SELF EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am
better than I really am?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?
4. Can I be trusted?
5. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
6. Am I am slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?
7. Did the Bible live in me today?
8. Do I give it time to speak to me every day?
9. Am I enjoying prayer?
10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?
11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
13. Do I disobey God in anything?
14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Am I proud?
19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the
Pharisees who despised the publican?
20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize hold a
resentment toward or despise?
21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?
22. Is Christ real to me?
(These are the 22 questions the members of the Holy Club, to which JOHN
WESLEY belonged, asked themselves each day as a part of their daily
devotions.)

As I reflect for myself...what I see in NOT pretty, but the real question is what am I going to do about it? Friends, pray with me and take the 22 Questions Challenge for yourself.

Crosswinds Update

Hi friends--

We want to take this blog and fill you in on what is happening with Crosswinds Church. Our team which currently consists of five families, is in research and planning mode. We have mapped out our "to do" list for the coming months...

• we are in prayer for clarity and direction
• we have scheduled "Meet and Greet" times at a home association called Magnolia Greens, Leland, NC
• we are looking into resonably priced commercial space in the Leland area
• we are working on a website/promotional materials
• we are brainstorming children's ministry models/plans
• we are surveying people in the community to discover needs
• we are exploring unique marketing ideas to get the WORD out
• we are teaming up with a local ministry to help with the homeless
• we are seeking a balance between faith and financial risk
• we are building relationships
• we are meeting every Sunday after attending a local church to pray, discuss, and fellowship
• we are brainstorming "Community Bridge Events" where we can get out into the community and serve the needs
• we are seeking more partners who can team with us through giving and praying

We are so grateful for each of your prayers on our behalf. This is such a HUGE endeavor, one that we (in human strength and resources) cannot do. But we do know that with God all things are possible and that ETERNITY lies in the balance for people we have not even met yet. Our five families can give our time, energy, and resources, but I believe our limited resources can be multiplied through your giving and prayers.

Please pray with us:

• for opportunity in building relationships
• for clarity of what God wants us to accomplish
• for team unity and vision
• for maximized impact in focus areas
• for divinely suited location (visibility, space for growth, reasonably priced)
• for courage, perserverance, and creativity
• for effective "marketing" strategies to reach families new to the area

Thank you in advance for partnering with us and with Crosswinds Church to reach families in Leland, NC for Christ. If you'd like to know how you can help us financially or with a specific short term project, just email us at mcjepratt@ec.rr.com. We'd be thrilled to partner with you!

Not in 'Kansas' anymore!

As I've had some time, I've been working out on the treadmill with my shuffle ipod. I've intentionally filled it with worship songs to help me focus and reflect... and to listen. It seems that I have to be so intentional about listening. God has spoken to me repeatedly in the "sweaty" moments, he has confirmed to me that "He does all things well". ALL THINGS. That includes all that is happening in our lives here, He is giving us His very best. It's just that our thoughts of "best" are often the opposite of what we might see as His best for us. It's been a deeper realization that "God works all things for good."

We experienced our first "hurricane" this weekend and were reminded of God's amazing power, His endless creativity, and His unexplainable sovereignity. The storm turned out to be much weaker than expected...we were out of power for just a few hours during the night. All is all, it was another moment when we looked at each other and said "we're not in Kansas (New York) anymore!"

Beside the hurricane, we are still adjusting to "time in the South" and how that affects everyday life. Even though school started two weeks ago, I have had 3 interviews in the last week and have applied for a handful of other positions in education. Doesn't it seem that these positions should have been filled BEFORE school started? Actually in NC, the state reevaluates staffing after the 10th day of school and may hire more staff at that point. So right now we're going through open doors until they are shut. I had a great interview for an ESL (English as a Second Language) position last Thursday and today I interviewed for a 4th grade teacher position at another magnet school here in Wilmington, just 5 minutes from our apartment. I am taking a licensure exam on Saturday in order to add the ESL to my existing license. I guess in the next week or so we'll be making some decisions about my employment.

John and Lizzie are both doing well at school...jumping up and down for a "free" day off from school on Friday due to the impending hurricane. John has been placed in an advanced/gifted math class. He is excited and proud. Soccer is coming along, we've been battling weather, thus his first game was cancelled over the weekend. Lizzie will start dance class tomorrow...both ballet and tap/jazz. She is thrilled! Both kids are swimming independently and working on their tennis game....on the court and on the Wii :)

Mark is studying for midterms this week...he is back to balancing work, studies, and family--- and doing it well. At one point last week, he said he missed mowing lawn....and perhaps his tractor? Apartment living is a bit confining at times for both men in the family... and requires little in the line of power tools or "good hard work."

Crosswinds Church is taking shape. We're planning our first event for October... hosting a "meet and greet" time at a local, growing housing development in Leland. We hoping to gauge interest and make contacts. I'll be telling you more about Crosswinds in my next post.

Until then, thanks for checking up on us and for praying for our family. We appreciate your concerns about the hurricane and your ongoing emails that encourage us--more than you realize! You, our friends and family, are precious to us!

God is in the details...

Dear Friends--

Greetings from the "Port City"! We are excited to update you on another week of our adventure here in Wilmington. We are so thankful that many of you have emailed us and offered your encouragement, as well as your prayers. They are certainly being felt as the details of our lives are slowly being revealed.

Since our last post, our lives have begun to settle into a predictable routine, as John and Lizzie began school on Tuesday. We have included some "first day" photos, yes, a dress code is in effect...a blessing for the Pratt household as it makes our morning decisions easier for mom and kids :) John is in the same class as his best friend Caleb, so having a friend to count on has made the transition easier. He got a great score (and a prize) on his math test this week which is growing his confidence...he was so proud and excited to share his good news.

Lizzie, too is feeling more confident. She has made friends quickly and looks forward to going to school each day. Her teacher, Ms. Barnes called us last week to get permission to test her, as she feels that Lizzie will become bored considering her reading abilities. We're not sure what options we'll have, but we'll be meeting at the school this week at some point. Lizzie is concerned...the word "TEST" in itself scares her and since she is settling in so well with her classmates, any change that might disrupt "the known" is causing her concern. We're praying for peace in her spirit and clarity in what we should do.


I had an interview on Friday for a teaching assistant position in Rocky Point (20 minutes north). It went well, but there is a requirement that I just can't see myself doing...one small detail...maybe not so small....It's driving a BUS! Can you believe that? In several counties here, the TA's must be able to step in to serve as a bus driver substitute. Mark got a good laugh out at that...can you picture me driving a bus? Lol :) Thankfully, I have another interview on Thursday for an ESL teacher position, that's teaching English to Speakers of other Languages. I have to test into the certification which I have scheduled for September 13th and so I will be studying for the next few weeks as I'd much rather do that than drive a BUS!

Mark is doing well trying to keep the rest of us rallied and focused on the right things. He will start the 3rd week of online classes and is doing great. He will also start a part time job this week (helping another core team member from Crosswinds) in a machine shop-type situation. In many ways, this opportunity is a blessing. God is in the details....

Speaking of details, Crosswinds has narrowed it's location! We are planning to launch our church in February in Leland, a growing community across the river from Wilmington. Statistics say that 27 people move into Leland everyday! We've taken some time to learn more about Leland; we are excited and expectant about the coming months as we begin to dig into building bridges and planning events. A major prayer concern is finding a suitable rental for our facility... it looks like it will cost much more than we had anticipated. God is still good and He know those details too...

I am thankful that I do not have to rely upon my will and my plans to make the details come together. Through this whole process I have been reminded by God: "'My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are above the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.' " (Isaiah 55:8-9) I am continually challenged to surrender my plans/expectations and to REST in God's soverignity and His perfect timing. I'm glad He hasn't given up on me!

Hugs to all--have a great week!

Waiting rather than walking...

Hey friends--

It's been another rollercoaster week for the Pratts. I received a call last Friday for an interview for a Middle School Spanish position in Shallotte about 45 minutes away. On Monday we drove down to check things out and Tuesday was the interview. I walked out confident that I had the job...so much so that they had me filling out employment paperwork, confirming reference phone numbers, and actually stating to me that I was their first choice. I was sure I would hear something the following day...but nothing, just more waiting :) Yesterday (still waiting) I called and they indicated they were making the reference calls and would let me know by the end of the day. Still nothing...oh, and by the way school starts Monday! So after all the waiting and mental planning, talking about "what if"s, I finally received a call today (Friday). The principal apologized and stated that he is required to hire to someone who applied at the last minute who was already in the district. He felt bad, perhaps frustrated, and gave me another name of a school who may be hiring an elementary Spanish teachr. All that to say it was clearly a closed door...which is what we have been praying for...clarity. (For those of you who know me well, you know I am NOT a morning person, and this job would have required a 5:30 start to my day...not a good fit!)

So, here we are, still waiting. Ironically, last week in my quiet time I was reading a devotional that said to ME: "Waiting is much more difficult than walking...we enjoy knowing that God builds hedges around His people, when we look at the hedge from the aspect of protection. But when we see it growing higher and higher until we can no longer see over it, we wonder if we will ever get out of our little sphere of influence where we feel trapped....God has a purpose is all His delays..."the steps (and stops) of a good man are ordered by the Lord" (Ps. 37:23)" It goes on to say "It requires much more courage to stand and wait and still not lose heart or lose hope, to submit to the will of God, to give up opportunities and to leave honors to others, and to be quiet, confident, and rejoicing while the busy multitude goes happily along their way." Streams in the Desert

So this is what I've been learning, difficult as it is...I am confident and hopeful in the Goodness, Trustworthiness, and Omniscience of my Lord, Almighty. Thank you for your prayers, encouraging emails and phone calls that help us in this journey.

On the home front, we attended the open house for Rachel Freeman School last night and met John and Lizzie's teachers. We feel very comfortable and are excited for the year ahead. I think they are both ready to get into routine...Lizzie asked me the other day "Mommy, when will this feel normal?" So I think we're all wanting normalcy, whatever that will look like.

Mark began his Liberty online coursework last week...taking a Philosophy and a Theology class. Probably not the most interesting of classes, but required classes nonetheless. These 2 classes last for 8 weeks and then he'll take 2 more...hopefully ones that would be more interesting? He is really missing the people interaction.

On the church front, we have someone from the church planting part of the denomination coming this week to help our team sort through demographics and to narrow our target group so that we can choose a location for the church. We want to be specific and focused so that we are not spread too thin throughout the whole city, but rather focused on one part that is growing with young families like us who would be attracted to a church like Crosswinds. As much as this is a faith endeavor, there is actually a "science" or method to it. We need to make smart choices while at the same time being in tune to God's direction.

Finally, we want to recommend a book that we just finished reading. "The Shack" by William Young is an amazing, faith-reforming, tool. In it God has revealed to us SO MUCH about who He is and who He is not. I am amazed at the variety of ways God chooses to teach us (uniquely) more about Himself. He is not confined by our ways or expectations...for that I am thankful because His ways and purposes are SO MUCH HIGHER than my ways.

Thank you again for your ongoing prayers on our behalf. Jot us a line when you get a minute to keep us in touch! Know that our home is always open and that we love to have guests. Wilmington is a great vacation spot! Here are some recent photos take on an afternoon outing to Greenfield Lake where we got to feed an alligator!

Ups and Downs

Hi Friends--

Yesterday marked the one month mark...yup, we've been here a full month. Boy, has it been a rollercoaster! There have been lots of new "firsts", emotional ups and downs, God moments, and uncertainties. We have begun to meet as a core team; the ladies are meeting for a group study("After the Boxes are Unpacked"), the guys are meeting for breakfast each week and we gather after church on Sundays to focus, plan, and pray.

John and Lizzie are doing great. Lizzie began dance camp this morning and will be a "fantasy princess" this week. She is looking forward to meeting some girls...she is definitely our social one. John has enjoyed the tennis, basketball, and swimming here at the apartments. We attended a professional soccer game on Saturday night which was a lot of fun. He is LOVING the Olympics!

We have made some decisions regarding their schooling. Last Monday we met with the principal at Rachel Freeman and asked some hard queestions. We went away with a better understanding of the school, the academic program, the discipline issues, and the heart of the school's mission. We were SO impressed with the administration and look forward to getting involved and helping where we can. We were even able to meet with some parents on Thursday, and again received some honest answers. The kids will start school on August 26th at Rachel Freeman School of Engineering :)

Mark is registered for online classes at Liberty University. He will start on August 18th with 12 credit hours for the fall. Depending on how it goes, he may choose to increase the hours for the spring. There is a business facility here at the apartment complex, so Mark will be able to "get away" and work on his course work. Please pray that the technology component does not become a frustration and that the online program is a good fit for Mark.

As far as my plans, I am still applying for jobs. I have several applications in at local schools, the community college, and some other businesses for admin jobs. I will be honest and say that it has been extremely frustrating for me to WAIT! I know that the Lord is above all and that His plans are greater than mine. He continues to challenge me to trust...completely. It is in this place of uncertainty, closed doors, and a re-assignment of roles that I need your prayers. As you know, I am a planner and a doer. Unfortunatley, I can't plan at all, and I can't do enough. It's a tough place to be. Thanks in advance for lifting our family up in prayer.

Again, we thank you for the part you play in our lives... for your enouragement, your influence, your prayers. Please jot us an email: mcjepratt@ec.rr.com and let us know how YOU are and how we can pray for you! We count YOU, our friends and family among our biggest blessings!

Our most recent trip to the beach: Wrightsville Beach, riding the waves, enjoying the sand!

Prayer Requests

Dear Friends and Prayer Warriors--

We come to you this week seeking prayer on behalf of some pending decisions we need to make. To make a long story short, we are in the midst of deciding about school placement for John and Lizzie. When we visited in December we were told by the management here at the apartment complex that we would be assigned to Forest Hills Elementary. A fine school as far as we knew...not at the top of the county's schools, but certainly not at the bottom. Last week, I went to register the kids and was redirected to Freeman School, a school near the bottom of the list, in a questionable area. It is magnet school for engineering, so the concept, educationally, is interesting and has lots of potential, but the environment is causing concern.

On Thursday, after we got back from NY, we received a letter stating that we can request transfer to two other schools (due to the school's failing test scores for the past two years). The letter goes on to state that low scoring children and low income children will receive first priority. Ashley and I visited one of the schools and then the board of education office to get some answers. Needless to say, we learned a lot about "the system", but that our kids, being middle class and achieving students, probably would not be transferred. A long story to say that we need prayer for wisdom, discernment, and a clear leading from the Lord about what we should do. Has the Lord placed us in Freeman school...like Daniel and the Hebrew boys in Babylon? To get involved and serve in that school? Where does our responsibility as parent/protectors meet our faith in God's Protection?

Additionally, there is a middle school spanish job and two elementary jobs that I will be applying for on Monday. I hope to visit each school and hand deliver my application...please pray that God would open or close the doors as is necessary for our family. We're praying for a job that fits our financial needs, family schedule, and my giftings. We serve a HUGE, sovereign, all knowing God, so we are confident He will answer our prayers, but will you continue to pray with us?

Please pray for:
John and Lizzie's school situation
My future job and this week as I make contacts
Mark's classes online with Liberty start August 18
John begins soccer mid-month
Our Crosswinds Team as we meet tomorrow (Sunday) and begin planning
Opportunities to begin building relationships
God given WISDOM and DISCERNMENT
STRENGTH and PERSERVERANCE for what lies ahead

God never promised this adventure to be an easy one. It seems that in the next few weeks, some pretty important decisions are going to be made. Thanks for your prayers, we are again humbled that you choose to bring us before the throne of Almighty God!

Eternally grateful,
Chris for Mark, John, and Lizzie

Getting to Know Wilmington...

Tomorrow marks the two week point of our arrival in Wilmington. In many ways it seems like we have been here much longer. The kids are adjusting well... today we went to Surf City Beach north of Wilmington for the afternoon. Lizzie got sand in her swimsuit and didn't quite know what to do, John watched some military boys on skin boards and thought he'd try it (with his friend Caleb) using the boogie boards that cousins Suz and Mike brought last week when they visited. The boys enjoyed their time at the beach, but were "good and tired" after a few hours of jumping waves. Lizzie loved the water, "but not the salt," nor the sand :)

On Sunday we visited Port City Community Church, a church plant that started just 8 years ago. They just moved into their own building...Sunday was their first service. It was amazing and encouraging to hear their story and to KNOW that God is doing amazing things in Wilmington. In three services, there were 5,500 people who attended Port City Community! We learned that people are hungry for an authentic church where they can come as they are, where they can learn about Jesus. Part of me wondered why God had sent us HERE, where there is already a great, growing church that is proclaiming Jesus. But then God reminded me that I don't need to understand, I just need to listen, obey, and have faith. He'll take care of the rest.

Ironically, in God's sovereignity, over the past week we have learned a new worship song. Ashley shared it with the core team in an email early last week, and then we heard it at the Wesleyan District Conference we attended last Wednesday and Thursday, AND then again we heard it at Port City on Sunday. You can hear it on God Tube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk It's a real confirmation to us that God is not done here in Wilmington and that "there are greater things yet to come and greater things are still be done in the city." We hope you'll take the time to watch/listen to the song. Please pray with us that we are able to fill a need in Wilmington and that we are sensitive to those around us. God, indeed, called us here for a reason.

The next few days will be filled with traveling. We're heading back north on Thursday so that I can participate in a crop on Friday. Mark (and I) will attend his 20th high school reunion on Saturday, and we'll all attend a family reunion in Montrose, PA on Sunday. On Monday, the "Schooley Men" will head to NYC to attend a Yankees Game. We anticipate heading back to Wilmington on Tuesday. We hope to see many of you while we're home...

Again, we are humbled by your prayers and by your encouraging emails. How blessed we are to have such wonderful support. THANK YOU!

Our New Home

So here we are, thought we'd send you a few photos of where we live so you can get a better picture of what life is like for us here in Wilmington. Our apartment complex is large, but we have found it to be quiet. Maybe that will change as the college students move in at the end of August? Either way, it is not "apartment living" as we anticipated...it's been much better!

We're living on the third floor of this apartment house. We are on the back side which faces a wooded area. We did discover that there is also a train that goes through...at no particular schedule. The first night it was at 4am, and then we heard it again last night at 5am. It shakes the apartment, which is an odd sensation in the middle of the night. Just another aspect of the adventure.... :)

Though our living space is much smaller than we are used to, we are finding that it is working well. John still loves to play outside, and will often grab his friend Caleb (who lives just on the first floor) and they'll throw the football or baseball out back behind the apartments. We can see them from our balcony, so please so PANIC and think that we're letting them run wild! :) We did indulge in a new TV and a Wii system which has been fun to play as a family. We had a "Cow Chasing" tournament last night with the Vernons. Just a little taste of home for Mark.

There are a few other adjustments...Grammie, our mailbox has changed. We have a community box now as you see by the 3731 building. We need a key to access our mail, but always enjoy receiving news from family and friends. John and Mark have tried out the basketball and tennis courts...mostly in the mornings when it's cooler. The afternoons are pretty hot...that's the time for the pool :) Here's a few more pictures of the boys enjoying time together on the tennis courts...

We are excited to get into a routine; so far we are still feeling like this is a vacation. Please pray that God would provide open doors for job opportunities and for building relationships. We are heading to High Point tomorrow night to take part in the Wesleyan District Conference where they will "introduce" Crosswinds Church as part of the district. Mark and Pastor Chris will stay for the conference on Thursday, Ashley and I will take the kids and hang out for the day.

Thanks for checking out our blog and especially for your prayers on our behalf. We are thankful for God's constant protection, his gracious provision and his amazing goodness. We are humbled to be used as tools in the Kingdom and look forward to the coming weeks where our lives here will begin to take shape. We love you all!

Blessings,

Mark, Chris, John and Lizzie

We're HERE :)

Hi Friends--
We have arrived in Wilmington...FINALLY! It seems as if we have been planning this move for months, well, I guess we have. Today, reality strikes! We left New York yesterday after closing on the house and travelled as far as Fredericksburg, VA where we stayed last night. We left there at 9:00am and arrived in Wilmington around 2:30 this afternoon.

We were greeted by the Vernon family with signs that said "Welcome to your new home" and "Welcome to Wilmington"... It was nice to actually unpack the van and start to get settled. Our moving van has not arrived yet, hopefully by Friday everything will be here. Mark is working on a plan to get our furniture up the 3 flights of stairs, he called around today to see if a rental company might bring in a "lift". He's already building "bridges" :)

Tonight we had dinner at the Vernons with the core team, the 5 families that have moved here to help start CROSSWINDS CHURCH. We again shared our stories and got to know each other better. God is so GOOD, and has uniquely moved in each family's situation. It is amazing to hear and even more exciting to think about what God has ahead of us, individually and collectively. It is clearly a diverse group with amazing talent and passion. We are already praying for people that we have come in contact with: Matt and his wife (live here at the apartments, just moved into Wilmington too), Ann and Jeff (moving here from Corning, NY with Corning, Inc.), Hayden and Heather (friends from Windfall where Mark grew up). Please pray with us for these friends.

Also, please pray for us as we transition into southern living and specifically for John and Lizzie, that they would take on this adventure in God's story as their own. We are still praying about a job for me (Chris). We know that God is moving, that we need to wait on his timing, but we are also seeking open doors. Please pray that we follow His leading and wait for the job that fits our family well. We're still hoping that a job at the university comes through.

We are excited about what God is doing here in Wilmington.

We love each of you and miss you already.

The Big Move

Hi Friends--

Thanks for checking out our blog...a newest attempt to stay current with technology. With all the change happening in our lives, what's just one more thing to learn?

So, here we are at the end of June, packing, packing, packing...wondering what the next few months will look like. We will be closing on our home on July8th and plan to be in Wilmington the next day to start the long process of settling in. We don't have jobs yet, just a small detail in God's eyes, but were sure that our job situation will be taken care of in His timing. I (Chris) have my application in at a few different school districts and I have applied for a great job at the university (coordinator of student teaching). I think it would be a great fit, so we're praying that the doors would open if it's meant to be. In the meantime, we'll keep our eyes and hearts open to what God might want to show us.

One of the most difficult things we're dealing with right now is saying goodbye to you all. We have been SO blessed by great friends like you. Each of you are special to us and we will miss you greatly. Please know that our home is always open, so contact us if you're planning to be in the area, we'd love to see you!

Our new contact information is:
3720 Nymue Point #304
Wilmington, NC 28403
mcjpratt@juno.com
Mark cell 607-760-7753
Chris cell 607-760-5321

We'll not say good-bye, but rather see you later :)

Much love,
Chris for the Pratts