February Update

Yep...we've been deliquent in keeping our blog up to date. A lot has happened in that last few weeks, thought I'd take a few moments to update you:

• 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.

Grateful

So here's our new home as of next week: 1135 Lillibridge Dr. Leland, NC 28451. We are excited about the opportunities we'll have to meet new people and to connect with families in Leland. I am so grateful that God again has provided...more than we need, just in time. He is forever, completely, and undeniably faithful. For that alone, we can' t help but be grateful.

Moving forward...

We are back from the holidays in NY where we spend time with friends and family. We are so blessed by the deep friendships we enjoy...despite the miles that separate. Since being back we have accepted that Wilmington is indeed HOME, and that we are more excited than ever about what God will do through Crosswinds Church.

We were challenged last week at Port City Community Church to pick ONE WORD for the new year (check out http://www.myoneword.org/) . One word on which we will focus our thoughts and efforts, ALL YEAR. It's been an interesting process for all of us to reflect and examine. As a family we've shared together what words we've thought about. The confession of weakness, in itself, has been valuable...and overwhelming. I'm praying that God will impress the word He wants for me....I think MY list is up to about 20 or so.

We'd appreciate your prayers as we try to sort out our housing options. We hope to lease a new place, a townhouse closer to where the church will be, but we're waiting to hear back from the owner. We think that two contracts came in on the same day. The plan was to be out of this apartment by Jan 24th, but we'll have to see how it all works out. Again, we trust that the Lord will work out the details if he wants us in that neighborhood. And if not...He knows best, and he'll provide as He always has.

Crosswinds Church has secured commerical space in Leland and will be "moving in" at the beginning of February. We are excited about the coming months; Mark will be busy as he works to prepare the building AND juggle schoolwork, family, and work. We are most excited about the people who will become part of what is happening at CW. Would you pray with us that "CROSS-eyed" people would join the CW team? That our impact would be multiplied? That our focus would be a God inspired vision?

We are humbled again...and greatly inadequate for the task ahead. Thank you for holding us in prayer and for your continued encouragement. You are precious to us!

1/9 P.S. We did get the townhouse!!!! Thanks for your prayers!

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.