As far as life goes we are continuing to get settled in here in our new home. God has been so good to us in everything He has provided. We love it here and have not had any problems with anything except a few bugs here and there (and their bigger here!). We have gotten almost every box unpacked and anything that isn't is all in the extra room, so the house is almost starting to feel like a home. Granted, some more decorations might help, but overall the reality is setting in that this is actually our new home. Going from living with all kinds of other people and in tiny 1 bedroom apartments to a 3 bedroom house with a huge yard is such a big change! And when we stop and remember that our new house payment is less then half of what we were paying for rent for so much less space we are blown away by God's gracious provision for us! :)
Since being back here we have had many opportunities to gather with many different members of April's various family members and our enjoying getting to know all of them as a family. Rylen is definitely not lacking for love with his many many sets of grandparents and great grandparents out here (but he really misses his CA grandparents and family and looks forward to when they come to visit)! As we have spent more time with family and friends back here we are getting more used to the culture everyday. There are many thing we love about being back here and some thing we don't.
One thing we love is that life is so much slower out here! No longer are we rushing here and there. No longer do we sit in traffic. There is also much less pollution and when we go outside at night we can actually see the stars. Everyone you pass on the road not only acknowledges your existence but usually smiles and waves too! And whenever you go out people actually talk to you and ask you how you are doing of there own free will. It is all pretty strange stuff for me to get used to! On the down side I am beginning to love certain southern foods (like fried food and sweet tea)--which isn't very good for me since April's pregnancies have already taken quite a toll on my weight. But for her it not so bad because she is supposed to gain weight right now...not fair! ;) Another negative is that anywhere is go we have to drive a while, which is nice except when you are tired or Rylen is getting fussy! But hey, like I said, at least we are driving instead of sitting in traffic! ;) On the note of driving we have been driving almost 1 hour for church every week going to a Reformed Baptist (SBC) Missional (ACTS 29 network) passionate church plant in Greenville! Google all that if you are curious! We are loving it there and are so excited about their passion and sobriety of worship mixed with solidly and brutally honest exegetical preaching. We are hoping to become members soon and trust that God will provide for us what we need for the drive! Check them out at: http://www.liveintegritychurch.org/#authentic-relevant-missional-f4c61 if you would like to learn more!
We are continuing to plug away in getting a home based business started and are excited to see if God wants that to happen or not. Either way, over the last year I have done a lot of research and have learned a ton about business, marketing, and the ever changing every growing commerce machine and networking resource called the internet. I suppose understanding technology and the internet is not at all a waste in today's world either way, because it is quite clear that those who do understand it will lead the way in the new economy in generations to come. April has been working less as the birth draws near and I have also been looking for other work but to no success. I have contacted prisons (for chaplaincy openings) and schools (for TA jobs) and some local government agencies for work, and either they don't get back to me or I have not been qualified enough. I will keep looking! We are very excited the see what happens and know that God has a perfect plan for it all.
We were very excited to find out at the end of June that not only would we receive our tax money before the end of the year but that it would come the first week of July (and it did)! We continue to receive notes of encouragement in the mail and various unexpected financial gifts here and there as well and are amazed at God provision and timing in each instance!
There is a lot more I could probably go on about but that is enough for now and I am sure you wont to see some pictures! We love you all very much and pray that the richest blessings in Christ would be yours in His perfect way!
The following pictures are all from the 4th of July weekend and Rylen's first time at the beach and my first time at the Atlantic Ocean!
[Sand Dunes...cool!]
[You want me to do what?]
[I want to curl up and take a nap!]
[What is Daddy doing out there?]
[Self explanatory...geek in the water!]
[He is so funny!]
[Where'd he go?]
[Awww! How sweet!]
[Sitting with Grandma!]
[Oh....this is really cool! Do it again, do it again!]
[Video]
[Enjoying watching everybody play and I am just fine sitting right here, thank you!]
[Daddy's Puffer Fish...someone tell him its dead!]
[Video]
[Erin (sister), Rylen and Mommy]
[Pregnant and Beautiful!]
...The End!
