September 1

We began praying about the idea of moving to Idaho and joining

Youth Dynamics Adventures 8 months ago. The idea of serving others, challenging students and seeing God move in the lives of others was a thrilling thought and one that the Lord has finally brought to reality.

For many different reasons we have finally set a move date for September 1st. After many months of waiting and preparing, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are excited for the new adventure yet nervous to take such a leap of faith. (Moving across country seems to be getting more intimidating the closer it gets.)

As we prepare for this new journey, we would appreciate your prayers in a few areas.

1) We are currently at 54% of our full support. Please pray that we would continue to have opportunities to share with others about YD Adventures and that we would raise the full 100% quickly.

2) We will be loading a POD the weekend before we move. We pray that all of our belongings will fit and no other preparations will need to be made.

3) We both will be looking for jobs when we move to the area (until we reach 100% support Mike will be working a part time job as well as serving with YD Adventures). We pray that we would be able to find jobs quickly and be obedient as the Lord leads.

4) We will also be looking for housing as YD Adventures does not offer housing for staff. We have temporary arrangements, but will need to find permanent housing as soon as possible.

5) We pray for safety as we travel; we pray for opportunities to trust the Lord; we pray our marriage will be protected during a time of transition; and we pray that we will serve the Lord however He asks us to.

Thank you so much for all your prayers and support. We truly couldn't set out on this journey without you!

Omaha

We took a trip to Omaha to do some support raising and thanks to our dear friend Donna, we were able to bring our fun loving dog, Bear! We love traveling with him; he always makes a car ride that much more exciting, plus he gives us an excuse to stop more often and enjoy the beauty along the way.

I can't believe I am old enough to be watching my friends have babies! I have known Jennifer since high school, we roomed together in college, and now I celebrate as she brings a little one into the world! Congrats Jennifer!

I don't get to see my brother very often, so when I do it is a treat! I hope someday I can talk him into moving to the Boise area.

In a nutshell, we had a quick but good time in Omaha. Mike was able to meet with quite a few friends and we look forward to seeing how God will work.

Encouragement

While June was a difficult month for us emotionally, God is good and provides encouragement just as it is needed! Yesterday Mike had the opportunity to speak to his home church about Youth Dynamics Adventures. We got to talk to many people about the ministry; wow, fellowship with other believers is always so encouraging!

We also had a surprise fun day on Saturday. We went out with Mike's parents for the day and we stumbled across a professional road bike race. I am sure most of you are thinking, "what is the big deal about that?!". Well, in the last month Mike has really taken up road biking as a hobby. While road biking isn't necessarily something I am interested in, it was so fun to see Mike enjoy watching great athletes compete at a sport that he is just starting to learn more about.

In the midst of the hard days, God is faithful to provide just the encouragement we need! Thank you Lord for lifting our spirits!

Vulnerable

I believe that it is important for us as Christians to be vulnerable with others as we struggle through life; to not sugar-coat our happenings, to not mask the hurt. Through being honest with our lives, the Lord is lifted high; He receives the credit as we grow and move through life's deserts.

Here is my recent journal entry; a chance to be raw.

I got the call as I was driving home from Dekalb. I was quite strong for the call itself, the ladies gentle voice telling me that I was a strong candidate....just not the one they chose. Disappointment filled my eyes and overflowed into a fountain of tears. "Now what?" was my first thought... I was so sure! I really thought that this was the job the Lord had prepared me for -excitement had even begun to fill my soul.

Slowly my disappointment turned to anger- why Lord would you even take me through this process? Why would you give me hope...to then take it away? Did you not hear my cries? Did you not hear my prayers? I thought you were the God who answered...who gave us the desires of our hearts?

Still today I don't have answers...to be honest, I don't even really feel his whispers, but I know to push forward [such is the Christian life]. I know better than to doubt God's goodness or even His existence; He has carried me through before. I know He is preparing, carving, remolding me for something I have yet to know.

What I do know is that God is faithful to encourage. I stumbled onto Psalms 91; an encouragement to me as I sit in this valley.

~The Lord is my refuge.
~He is my shield.
~I will not fear.
~His angels will guard me.
~I am not forgotten!

Painting

In recent days we have been quite blessed by Mike's painting skills. Mike has been able to fill in on a paint crew for a few days here and there and he has also been able to complete his own jobs! While Mike doesn't necessarily enjoy painting, he does love the financial blessing of his work.

Mike said the other day that he kind of feels like the disciple, Paul. God blessed Paul with a skill that could be used in any city along his journey. I am sure there were days that Paul wished he wasn't a tent maker, but his skills came in handy financially as well as relationally.

Painting is a skill that the Lord has given Mike during this time of transition and Mike has been obedient to use it as we raise support.