Spring is Here and Change is in the Air
The early Spring sun has finally started to peek out from behind the clouds, and we are feeling brighter because of it. It has been a long winter and I feel like we have all been plodding through life. These last few months have had us fulfilling commitments, and trying to plan for what's ahead while also being committed to our everyday tasks.
While Jeff has been serving with Men's Bible Study, Mandy has been serving with Women's Bible Study. This year has been an opportunity to grow in so many ways. For me, Mandy, it has been an opportunity to be faithful to lead women, to be teachable when learning to speak God's word, and to be patient with myself in the process. I have been so thankful for the women who have come alongside me to encourage me as I grow. We have been studying the books of 1 & 2 Samuel - The Life of David. Here is the link for the lectures if you are interested:
https://goodshepherdcc.org/women/wbs-messages/
As we look forward to the end of another year, the boys have had the opportunity to try some new things and grow in the experience. We signed all three boys up for swim lessons from October to the end of January. Twice a week they received instruction on swim techniques and they each grew in their abilities. We are proud of their accomplishments in the water. Sorry no pictures. Most days I was in the water with them and I didn't get to take any photos to document the time.
This spring, we have been stepping out and trying new things. We have participated in two school field trips and both have been wildly successful. The boys were able to participate in STEM study of aerodynamics and try a little indoor skydiving,..which was a blast. Benjamin tried out some of his swim techniques in the wind tunnel, but they didn't quite work like they did in the pool. All three boys left with huge smiles and asking to go again. It was a great experience.
The other trip we were able to be part of was one to the Oregon Aquarium in Newport, OR. The boys and I got to sleep with the Sharks in one of the fish tunnels inside the exhibit. As we laid down to sleep, I heard them say that it was one of the coolest thing they have ever done. What a wonderful experience. It was a blessing to be able to do it as a part of their schooling.
While Jeff has been serving with Men's Bible Study, Mandy has been serving with Women's Bible Study. This year has been an opportunity to grow in so many ways. For me, Mandy, it has been an opportunity to be faithful to lead women, to be teachable when learning to speak God's word, and to be patient with myself in the process. I have been so thankful for the women who have come alongside me to encourage me as I grow. We have been studying the books of 1 & 2 Samuel - The Life of David. Here is the link for the lectures if you are interested:
https://goodshepherdcc.org/women/wbs-messages/
As we look forward to the end of another year, the boys have had the opportunity to try some new things and grow in the experience. We signed all three boys up for swim lessons from October to the end of January. Twice a week they received instruction on swim techniques and they each grew in their abilities. We are proud of their accomplishments in the water. Sorry no pictures. Most days I was in the water with them and I didn't get to take any photos to document the time.
This spring, we have been stepping out and trying new things. We have participated in two school field trips and both have been wildly successful. The boys were able to participate in STEM study of aerodynamics and try a little indoor skydiving,..which was a blast. Benjamin tried out some of his swim techniques in the wind tunnel, but they didn't quite work like they did in the pool. All three boys left with huge smiles and asking to go again. It was a great experience.
The other trip we were able to be part of was one to the Oregon Aquarium in Newport, OR. The boys and I got to sleep with the Sharks in one of the fish tunnels inside the exhibit. As we laid down to sleep, I heard them say that it was one of the coolest thing they have ever done. What a wonderful experience. It was a blessing to be able to do it as a part of their schooling.
While at the Aquarium, Ben lost a tooth. He thought it was funny and kept showing everyone the new hole in his smile.
Jeff finished up helping put together the Expo at the annual Sportsman's Banquet Outreach @ Good Shepherd Community Church. The boys and I took some time and visited him and some of the vendors at the event. Jed put on a Vietnam Era Marine helmet and gave me a smile.
Knowing our time with family is growing short, we sent the two older boys out with Nana and Papa with the first load of stuff to put in storage. The time is precious to all of them and we are trying to help cultivate the special time. It was a special time for us as well one on one with Benjamin. We went to the library, had special movie time and had many very interesting conversations. Sunday morning rolled around and we got in our greens and celebrated St. Patrick's Day. No one got pinched, but we did get a quick photo.
We realize more than ever, that we are walking by faith and not by site. We don't quite see the whole picture of what is ahead, so we are holding tight to God's calling and His love for us. We are trying to pursue what He has invited us to today and we are choosing to lean-in and trust Him in this process. We know that what He has is good. We keep stepping toward Kenya and to the call He has put on our hearts. As we sort and box up our things here, we look around and our walls are a little more bare, but it has been so freeing to sort through and give away things we don't truly need anymore. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue this preparatory process and start to pack our bags for overseas. We know that the Lord is using this time to grow us and to prepare us for what's ahead.
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