September 2007

I love the fall. Next to spring, it’s my favorite season. It will be hard to sweat through another “Florida fall,” knowing that back home the leaves are turning colors, the wind has a chill in it, and the smell of smoke is billowing out of someone’s chimney in the neighborhood. Don’t get me wrong, Florida isn’t too shabby! I’m really excited for when we can leave our windows and porch door open all the time. Last year we opened everything up in mid-October and didn’t shut anything until the end of March. Pretty amazing.

The Short Version:
1. Hana loves her new school
2. Classes are under way at RTS.3. Things at UPC are going well!
4. We flew to MN to surprise my mom for her birthday and she almost had a heart attack!
5. We’re on facebookAnd the Long...

1. I helped Hana move some of her things in to her classroom a few weeks ago. It was really hot, but the A/C was cranked inside her new school. Her room is great and she has put up all sorts of encouraging posters and pictures. So far, she is very excited about three things. Her commute is great. Last year she had to drive 30 minutes each way and pay $3 dollars in tolls. This year she has to drive less than 3 miles and takes her about 3 minutes to do it. No tolls! She can sleep later, and she’s home earlier. Plus, her students are great! They all seem to come from good homes and they are polite and hard working. It makes it easier on Hana when they behave. And finally, her schedule is set up to where she only has two classes in the afternoon, and she really likes that. So, all in all, we are very thankful to the Lord for His gracious provision.

2. I’m taking six classes this semester. The heavy hitters are Systematic Theology and Missions. I’m also taking: Hebrew Exegesis, Theology of the Westminster Standards, an elective called Classics of Personal Devotion, and a Preaching Lab. Our pastor (Rev. Mike Osborne) is the professor of my preaching lab; and it has been really cool to have him as a teacher. As usual, juggling school and work will be a challenge, but if the Lord continues to dump buckets of grace all over me, as He did last year, I’ve got nothing to worry about. And, as usual, I am thoroughly amazed and the content of my studies and my instructors are impeccable.

3. Things at UPC are going great! The kids are showing a high level of commitment. I’m excited for Sunday school to start up again in a couple of weeks. I love my preaching role on Wednesday nights, but I love equally my teaching role on Sunday mornings. What a privilege it is to teach young minds about the glory of our great God and King. I am so thankful to God for this opportunity. It’s amazing to watch Him work in the hearts of the students. Please pray for them, and for Hana and I as we continue to lead them.

4. Last weekend we flew up to MN to surprise my Mom for her birthday. She didn’t know we were coming, and she also didn’t know my sister Molly was coming as well. When she saw us she gasped and instantly began to cry, then when Molly came from around the corner, she gasped again, and even more tears streamed down her face. It was priceless. We are very grateful to my Dad for flying us up there to be a part of the celebration.

5. Finally, Hana and I are both on Facebook. Look us up!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)

MjR