Two Front Teeth

Isabel has two bottom teeth. She has been fussy the past two days- ultra sensitive. This week we had an amazing answer to prayer. Our car was turning off while you were driving it and so we took it to a mechanic that was suggested to us. Well, come to find out the ignition was bad and being recalled so we took it to a Honda dealership and got it fixed for free. We were so thankful! So that was the start of our week. The kids still have a bit of a cold leftover from last week. Lots of kleenex being used at our house. Josh is in the midst of preparing for mid-terms so pray for us if you think about it. We visited a new church last Sunday. It is one we keep hearing about as far as a focus on college ministry because the church is located by the University of Louisville. We didn't want to church search any longer, but felt we should try this last one. Anyway, we are still praying for guidance as to the right place for us to serve. We are going back tomorrow; it was refreshing to be there, because everyone was quick to introduce themselves and interested to get to know us. Also it is small (about 80 people) which was nice to feel like you could get to know most everyone.
The kids are changing by the moment it seems. Jack has become interested in colors. He likes to point at things and find out what color it is. Funny though he always guesses green. I guess he likes that color. Even after you tell him blue or whatever he will sometimes guess green again! Josh started this game with him at the dinner table the other night- the UMMM game. Basically you point to things, then say "UM...Book" or whatever the object is you are pointing to. Isabel seems to be more communicative than Jack ever was. She loves to laugh at her brother for whatever crazy thing he is doing. She loves frozen fruit to chomp on and Jack's legos are a big hit too. Her feet finally hit the floor in her walker so maybe she will learn how to walk before she crawls!
We have had lots of thunderstorms here lately. I am enjoying looking out the back window and seeing the waterfall from the rocks with all the rain. It has been a great place for me to think and pray as I am still rather emotional these days. I am close to finishing The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer. It is so amazing. Today I read the chapter on Creative Recreation- the idea of getting away and into nature. She says, "find a place where one is open to influence only from" nature so as "to give one the possibility for some original thinking, for getting a few fresh ideas, for feeling inspiried to some form of creativity." I remember experiencing that in the Swiss Alps and returning to our honeymoon spot before Jack was born. Mountains and trees- they inspire me. It was refreshing to think about doing this as a family sometime soon. I have many more thoughts but it is bedtime for me.

One Day at a Time

It was a surprisingly rough week emotionally yet God is so gracious. I know I say that alot, but God continues to show me grace. Our friends- Brent and Sharla Jones- had their second child last Sunday- Noah Clark Jones weighed in at 10 pounds 2 ounces and the mom did it all naturally! God is amazing to give Sharla that strenth. He is a handsome big "little" man- look at his picture above with Cavin (sister) and Mom. I never would've expected that I would feel so homesick for Boston when I found out he was born but I did and do. I am sad we couldn't be there to help and sad to not be there to see him and all the "family" moments we will miss out on. I felt I was experiencing a small bit of what grandparents (our parents) must feel. Josh and I have had lots of long conversations and tears. Part of me says- ok lets pack it up and head back to New England because we miss everyone so much. Yet we desire to learn and grow in God's Word and study it as we never have before. So, one day at a time I seek God's face for all the days to come. Highlights of this week- visiting some senior citizens at the church we are going to, having our neighbors over for coffee and desert, taking the kids to the swimming pool on campus, learning about a prayer of thanksgiving in my class, and spending time with a new friend today.
My class Thursday night was truely amazing. I learned that one of the keys to being thankful is remember what God has done, prayers he has answered, and impossible things he has done. We discussed Joshua 4 where God tells the leaders of each tribe to go get a rock from the River Jordan (where they just miraculously crossed on dry ground) and to make a pile where they sleep so that one day when their kids see the rocks they will ask and then the miracle will be passed down and not forgotten. God knows we will forget so we must set up a system of remembering His great works. When we remember then we are more thankful. I found it interesting this is the first thing God commanded them to do. The ark of the covenant was still on dry ground in the River Jordan when he gave this command. They were to carry the rocks on their shoulders- so obviously they weren't pebbles. We need big reminders. I wonder what the rocks looked like- probably smooth and beautiful as they normally would've been covered by mud and water. Our teacher pointed out how God is so detailed in the way he takes care of us. This river was flooded because it was at harvest time and when God parted the water he gave them dry ground- not even mud! I love that. God is so faithful beyond anything we could imagine. I believe he has brought our family to Kentucky for some reason beyond what I can understand. In the mean time I am taking it one day at a time and trusting in I AM.

Better Things

I am in constant prayer for my Oasis family. The Hunts who are flying to Arkansas today- officially beginning their journey separate from Boston and Oasis. The Joneses who are waiting for Noah to be born and the many changes that are taking place for them as a family and a church; muchless the constant goodbyes they have said in the past few months. The Latimers who are in Colorado now and adjusting to their firstborn- Zadie. Stacey who will be taking on Doug's position for a season. Melissa who is wearing many hats to serve the Oasis. Clint as he has a new living situation now that Jed is getting married next month. K.C. pursuing more school and finishing her time in school in Boston. Heather possibly moving her life as well away from her home of New England. Tears come so freely as I think upon what a joy it was to live, love and serve with you all. I miss you more than words can express. As I was praying for all of us and all that God has for us in this crazy time I read this- Hebrews 6:9-10 "Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things- things that belong to salvation. For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do." So for us as "heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf [...]" (Heb. 6:17-20)
I have tasted and seen God's goodness, grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, and his heart because of the people of Oasis. You are my brothers and sisters and I hold fast to better things because I know Jesus is running ahead of us and leading us to serve Him whether it be Boston, Colorado, Kentucky (only for a season), or Mississippi. I often ask why can't we just all be in the same place again as it was such a beautiful picture of the body of Christ. But for reasons beyond my comprehension- God has us serving in many different places. As I tell new friends about our time in Boston I am amazed at all the ways God changed me and yet I know there is still so much more He wants to teach me.
Doug, Shelley, Emily, James and Pete Hunt you are all in my prayers for God to guide you and for you to feel his Hand during this hard time. I pray for unity among your family as you began anew. Brent, Sharla, Cavin, and baby Noah I pray for God's peace and wisdom. You all have loved our family in such amazing ways and I know he will give you strength to continue on in Boston with a new team in his timing. I pray that your hearts would be revived for your new journey ahead with two kids and raising support. Stacey and Melissa you are women of faith who have brought so much joy and life to us and everyone in Oasis. May you have spiritual cups running over to be filled with the Spirit and to give that love freely to all in need. Stacey God has prepared you for such a time as this- He has brought you to this place to lead this team for a season. I know he will equip you for each task ahead. Melissa you have such a huge heart and I am so glad you will be staying in Boston for now. Many will be blessed by your service and leadership in the church. K.C. you bring so much laughter so I'm glad you aren't going anywhere for now. I know you are so busy but you still always manage to help everyone and be available to serve. As you say- "It's true, It's true!" So as much as we would love for you to be closer in Nashville I know God will do great things in you as you finish strong in Boston. Clint- I'm not sure what your life looks like right now but I can imagine there is much change with a new place to live and new roomies. I am praying for God's guidance as you find what God has for you in Boston and in Oasis.
Latimers- hmmmm. We have shared many meals and many tears and much laughter together. Jack was blessed to have you around and I am so grateful for the many ways you supported and helped Josh and I in difficult times. I pray for healing in Naomi and protection over Brett and Zadie. What a blessing to have been given a baby girl! I look forward to sharing over the phone all the exciting times ahead. We love and miss you all and the cats!
Ok I am finished being mushy but it is just necessary since I can't give you all big hugs in person. We love you all Oasis!
Above is a pic from yesterday when I took the kids to the zoo.

Bike Ride

My father-in-law is riding with a group from the Christian Firefighters Association across the country. Did I mention he is on a bicycle?! He is in amazing shape to say the least. They started in San Francisco on August 1st and will end on September 11th in D.C. to ride in a parade honoring firefighters. Well he happened to be close to us in Kentucky this last weekend so we drove to Harrodsburg to see him. The team was staying the night in the local fire department so Jack got to sit in a fire truck and meet real firemen. He is young to understand the coolness of that but he didn't want to get out of the fire truck so I know he realized it was a special boy thing to see. There happens to be an amazing Fort right in the area so we did some touring as well. Fort Harrod was a protected place for those on their way West. I saw one of the most amazing trees- Orange Osage Tree. This tree happens to be the unofficial biggest osage tree in the nation (unofficial because it has a split trunk). When inside the boughs of the tree you could feel a cool air- very refreshing.
Also I found out about this fun and free thing to do with the kids. On Thursday at the Louisville art museum you can go in the basement where there is rooms of interactive games/toys etc. for the kids. It is all age specific. I loved it. Jack was overwhelmed at first but then he got really excited when he realized he was supposed to touch stuff and play with it. He is so used to me telling him not to touch! Some new friends met us at the museum. They just adopted a boy (Miles is his name) from Ethiopia. Miles smile is amazing! I look at him and get chills thinking about God's grace to give him a Christian family versus life in an orphanage. It certainly reminds me to praise God for our adoption as sons and daughters and our inheritance in God's kingdom.
One last update- I am trying to get Isabel to sleep more at night. I have let her cry for the last few nights and miraculously she hasn't woken up Jack. However, she hasn't gone back to sleep either. I'm hopeful though- I'm not giving up on the idea of getting a full nights rest sometime before her first birthday or 21st or somewhere inbetween! Hopefully sooner than later.