Still here

Hello everyone.

Yes, we're still around, haven't fallen off the planet or anything. It's been in the 100's here in southern CA and without air conditioning in our apartment, we were forced to find another residence for a while. Ryan's parents graciously took us in and we've been holing up in their home trying to stay cool. We're very thankful for them and this home.

Here's a quick recap of the last couple of weeks:

We made it safely home on Friday, August 24th. Ryan drove my dad's truck loaded with all kinds of goodies accumulated over the summer and my mom and I took turns driving our van. The boys and Steve our cat did excellently, and we only stopped once for lunch, at In N Out, of course! Incidentally, the In N Out at Kettleman City is the exact halfway point between our doorway and my parent's home, within a half-mile. We all thought that was pretty cool considering how much we all love the burger joint. (Unfortunately for us, there is no In N Out in Emporia, KS, whatever shall we do?!)

My mom and dad left the next day on Saturday with some sadness and tears all around, but (at the risk of sounding cheesy) our hearts were filled with many happy memories from a great summer. It was difficult to see them go, but as Bruce Blakey's (a pastor at Grace Church) son put it, "What is a little separation in light of eternity?" Comforting words considering our possible move to Kansas and leaving our entire family in California.

Then on Tuesday Ryan began his last semester at The Master's Seminary. He has some great classes and is looking forward very much to this semester. I know he's a little sad at the prospect of leaving the school and Grace Church, but we are eagerly anticipating moving full time into ministry, wherever that may be. Ryan is going to school 4 days a week, which is the most ever I think, but 2 of those days he only has 1 class, and the other 2 days, 2 classes. It's a great schedule and he is able to be home for dinner every night, which I love!

So that's really about it. We have been massively reorganizing and purging our apartment of unnecessary items in anticipation of moving in a few short months, and the boys and I are getting used to our routine at home. This hot week has thrown a kink into things, but that's the way it goes. The Lord continues to sustain and bless our family immensely and we are grateful everyday to Him for His provisions.

Within the next couple of days I will try to post some recent pictures (Warren still isn't walking, he's taking his sweet time!) and write some more updates.

Talk to you soon!
Jen for the 4 of us