The 198 Hillside Pot-Luck

We hosted our first "building event" last night. It was such a HUGE answer to prayer. We actually didn't think anyone was going to come because we didn't receive any RSVPs. So we (meaning Rob :) made chile and got some soda with ice ready just in case, but I think we were both very much assuming it was going to turn into a date night instead. However, we were in for a big surprise.

The dinner was supposed to start at 7pm. At 7:15, with no RSVPs and just the two of us, we were kind of just hanging around the apartment when suddenly, there was a knock on the door. :) First, we both jumped, then we smiled at each other and hurried to the door. Standing there was our neighbor Tom from #1. He was letting us know that he and his girlfriend, Rachel, really wanted to come, but had a bunch of stuff to do. We told him that there was no expectation on how long they should stay, and that they could totally just come and get a warm dinner and head out. This was fine with us, as we just wanted to at least open our home and show them Christ's love. Tom went back down to check with Rachel. In the meantime, there was another knock on the door. This time, it was Miriam from #3. She brought her friend, also named Rachel :). They brought brownies and sat and ate with us. Tom and Rachel ended coming back up from downstairs too! Also, when answering the door for Tom the first time, we met our neighbors directly across the hall. They were busy last night, but open to doing it again another time.

It is amazing how stepping out in faith and following God can truly lead to answers to prayer. We have been praying for some doors to open in our building, and last night, God opened three. We will continue to be in prayer for these relationships and we need you all to join us. Big things are set to happen in this city, and we are excited to be a part of the unfolding of God's amazing plan.

God's hand at work...

These pictures are from our lovely camping trip to VT this past weekend. It was beautiful. The leaves were all sorts of vibrant reds and yellows and oranges. God really blessed us in allowing us to take up a group of 20 students! We were able to have some amazing campfire conversations, trail hiking conversations and just plain out tent bonding. I'm not sure how much talking the guys do before going to sleep, but if you've ever stayed the night in a tent with a bunch of girls, you know how it goes. :) We were blessed with gorgeous weather, although it got quite chilly at night. Please continue to pray for relationships started on this trip to continue to flourish back here in the city.

This Sunday morning is our quarterly breakfast. Rob and I are hosting the event at our house this time. The purpose of the breakfast is to evaluate our progress as a community. We are hoping for some real honest thoughts and for good conversation towards progress. Pray for this time. Pray that the leaders in our community would have the right words to say and that our members would be confident in making suggestions.

Our apartment building has been very interesting lately. This place is extremely diverse. However, God has opened some doors and allowed us to make some new friends. We are very excited for what God has in store for this place. We are in the beginning stages of planning a possible potluck dinner to make some more connections.

Please continue to pray for our community as we seek to grow. Please pray for our building. Pray that God will continue to open doors for interactions. Pray that people will be receptive to talking with us. Pray for us as we have also been seeking to reach out to other couples.

Life is busy. School is in the thick of an intense semester, we both have amazing responsibilities at work, and the ministry is growing. Pray for us as and our marriage. Pray that God remains the center. We know that he is good and will continue to bless us.

Thank you so much. We love you all! :)