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