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!