- We are officially residents of Leland, NC as we moved on January 24th and are mostly settled...at least all of our boxes are in one place, many still unpacked in our garage. We are loving our new home. It is more than we need or deserve.
- School is going well for everyone. We are praying about our options for the fall, asking God to open and close doors for us. We are confident that HE will put each of us where HE wants us to be. Right now, we are exploring options and praying for direction.
- Mark started another set of classes...philosophy and intro to counseling. Though the journey may feel long, he's making progress day by day. He is also working at the machine parts shop part time, enjoying the "hands on" nature of that job. He is doing an amazing job of balancing everything.
- Elizabeth and I returned to NY on the weekend of Feb 6th to participate in a Creative Memories crop (aka Girl's Weekend Away). Lizzie scrapbooked with the "big girls" for the first time...and flew in an airplane for the first time. It was part of her birthday celebration, as she turned 7 on February 1st. We had a wonderful time with my CM friends, most of whom I had not seen since July. I came away feeling more blessed than ever of God's amazing plan and the way HE weaves our lives together with others (to accomplish His purposes). I do miss my CM business and friends, but was thankful for the opportunity to reconnect with so many.
- John is growing into a young man. He is enjoying sports more and more, following football and baseball stats religiously. He has been very patient and understanding with all the changes, and is doing an especially good job of "taking care" of his sister. He is a caring and responsible older brother....most of the time :) We are so proud of him.
- Lizzie hit another milestone last week...she is now riding a bike, independently. Since we can get out and enjoy the milder temps here, in the evening we often go out for walks and the kids take their scooters. Mark and Lizzie have been working hard at the bike riding. Last Thursday, she took off on her own. This was a big one for her. Her "oneword" for the year is "independence".
- Crosswinds Church is taking off. We began meeting in a temporary space last weekand started with 41 in attendance. The space is a former dance studio with 2 areas...one for the adult worship time and the other for the kids. We are encouraged by new families that are coming and continue to pray for influence and relationships in our new area. We hope to be in our permanent space on March 29th, when Crosswinds Church will officially "launch". It's just a few short weeks away...
We are constantly surrending our own expectations: for school, work, church, and future. In many ways this journey is much more difficult than we ever anticipated, but we also know that God called us for a purpose, part of which is stretching and changing us as individuals. We are still humbled, grateful, and expectant at what God is doing. Thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf.
