Catching Up

Our last update was what I had written up before our second son was born! He’s now twelve weeks old (he was about six weeks old when we posted last), so it’s obviously time for another update.

Our oldest loves being a big brother! He helps pick out clothes, change diapers, sings to the baby… and if we’re not careful, will try to smother him in hugs and kisses. Baby J 2 fits seamlessly into our family and we are all thrilled to be able to get to know him and love him. (P.S. If you want more details and pictures, check out our password-protected posts!)

Brad is continuing to work on the bathroom remodel project, which is going well. That was/is phase two of a larger remodel of the whole store building. Thankfully, there were several work crews and volunteers out to help with some of that project! His crew is also remodeling a double wide that will be a cabin for some of our summer staff this summer. We had several missions teams and volunteers out in January who helped start that project.

Speaking of summer, it’s coming up quick! Make sure to sign up soon if you haven’t already. Brad and I both made lifechanging decisions at camp; we are passionate about the impact that a week of camp can have on a young person.

But before summer is here, we have to finish the end of the school year. I am back to the classroom after a ten week maternity leave. At the beginning of the year, our chaplain said that this would be a year of structured flexibility. He was absolutely right! And in ways none of us could have expected. We have had new teachers and I had a baby, both of which were expected. But we also had a teacher leave unexpectedly, causing a schedule change at the beginning of December, and another unexpected schedule change while I was gone. We’ve dealt with a lot of sickness. God has also seen fit to expose heart issues of many of our students this year; it has been one of the hardest years from a disciplinary standpoint that I have ever had. Our team has been stretched in many different directions. I’m thankful for the way they’ve responded. These last ten weeks will definitely be interesting!

Brad has rotated off of being a deacon at church (deacons can serve for three years at a time). We are raising money to expand our building as we are in need of more space. Someone actually brought their trailer to use as a classroom this past Sunday! I love that Life Point’s desire behind the building project is to expand and deepen our ministry.

Speaking of church, our oldest has been enjoying going to church and loves to tell us what he learned, singing songs, and playing with his friends. All the elements of church – the teaching of God’s Word, singing praise to the Lord, and fellowship! Plus the breaking of bread (or Goldfish). In all seriousness, he seems to have a tenderness to the Word. We pray he and his brother would come to know Jesus at an early age!

Finally, we are grateful for you. God has always provided abundantly for us and continues to do so! Thank you all for reading this update, praying for us, and partnering with us as we serve churches here in the West. Your role is crucial to our success in ministry.