As we quickly approach the 5 month mark of life in Colorado Springs, it is so nice to feel we are putting down some roots, even though we know our stay here is temporary. It feels like a huge blessing to be able to walk into church, ice skating lessons, or a library event and call some people by name and recognize others. Eric knows quite a few coworkers by name at the bus barn already and has been able to have great conversations with trainers and other drivers during these training weeks. The family of the precious child I keep each day is a great match for our family, as friends. We have also been blessed with friends to hang out with, share meals with, swap childcare for date nights with, and pray for/with. Everyone has a story and it is great to get to hear those and share our own, bringing Jesus’ grace and mercy in quickly, as that is what has changed our story forever! God is continually bringing people into our path, but has really ordained specific people for specific purposes…some to encourage and exhort, some for us to love on and evangelize, some for us to learn lots from. So nice to know we have lifelong friends in other states, bonds that will never be broken, and that God is still blessing us with new friends along life’s way! Pray specifically for the lost and hurting God is bringing our way…may we never miss or waste an opportunity to minister and be salt and light! The harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few. May we always make much of Jesus and daily make His name famous! Simple, yet true that “For God so loved the world, He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but will have eternal life!” He did it all for love…pray we will look like Him to the world.

Only God could orchestrate the happenings around here! Not only did He provide jobs for both of us, He had such a God sized plan behind it all! The family whose daughter I am keeping found me when I wasn’t even looking for a job actively. I had talked to several families about child care needs, but most had 3 children and/or needed evening and weekend help. These didn’t seem like match for our family routine, homeschool demands, or church planting residency requirements. This family came into the picture and we sat down to talk with them about specific needs and it was all such a great match for both of us. Shortly after we agreed that care would begin in January, Eric was hired by a local school district as a bus driver. He had applied for the same position in multiple districts. It turned out God, in His infinite wisdom, had orchestrated this. The mom of the child staying here in the daytime teaches in the same district Eric will drive for, making all of our off days the same! This will allow for trips to Lowry and ministry as a family, here and there, and only God can make that happen!! Not fate nor coincidence!
In addition, no sweeter or smarter 2 year old exists than the one we are blessed to be enjoying our days with. She is such a perfect addition to our days!! She also naps each afternoon, allowing perfect time for teaching new skills in school. All three kids play very well together and seem to love each other already! Eric passed two written tests yesterday and got his Colorado CDL, with school bus and air brake endorsements! Praise God for these jobs that help provide for our needs and still leave us personal growth, family growth, and community ministry time! “He has done great things, bless His Holy name!”