Settling In

It seems like life is one episode of "settling in" after another.  We settle into our families, into schools and new schools, into careers, marriage, children, and moving to Africa.  Okay, that last one may be unique -- but it's nice to think about it as just another "settling in". 

Right now we're "settling in" to life with 2 kids.  It has been so cool to re-live those awesome moments with all the cuddling, cooing, and rocking that go along with life in a house with a newborn.  Of course, Sarah is at the helm of taking on the "night shift" when it's not so cute.  As the light sleeper in this marriage, I have the unenviable task of sometimes having to nudge Sarah at 3:00 am to "answer the call" coming from the next room.  The payback will come when Beth starts sleeping through the night and for the next 5 years I get to be the one up with the girls as I am the early riser of the two of us.  None of this is complaining - just so you know - it's just the stuff of "settling in."

On another note, we've had almost 250 resumes filter into the church from potential candidates looking to possibly take my position there.  That fact, combined with the miraculous 1/2 of our set up costs already raised and almost 1/3 of our month to month support raised (not to mention the boxes piling up in our dear friend Maria Gordon's basement) - are all making this impending transition very, very real to us.  We're starting to do a lot of "this is the last time" talk around  here too.  "This is our last 'normal' Thanksgiving.";  "This is the last view of the incredible New England foliage for a while."  (and the downside of that) "This is the last time to dig ourselves out from all these crazy leaves."

Please pray for us that we would know what God wants us to do with our house.  If we're to sell it - that we might get a good  price for it in this awful economy.  If we're to rent it - that we would find responsible, reliable renters.  And if there's another option - that God would make it clear.  Yet another opportunity to trust Him. 

The blessing to be had here is trusting Him BEFORE he shows Himself - not in just thanking Him AFTER He answers.  We're all for being thankful.  Especially during this season of the year.  Trusting God before He answers doesn't diminish your thankfulness when He answers.  I think it just keeps you focused on the fact that from seasons of abundance to seasons of need and every season in between, our God is Emmanuel - God with us.  There will always be new realities to "settle in" to - what a comfort to know He's the same. 



Sarah & Grace feeding their babies!



Beth- 3 weeks old



Grace dressed up as Princess Belle