So much has happened over the last week: Perry turned six, we hosted our first team, we visited with a few other friends from the States, and we're making some friends in the neighborhood. We're sorry for being out of touch (we want to do a better job!) but quite simply: we've been busy. Here's a little more about all that's going on...
Perry Turned Six
Last week was a huge week for our family. On Tuesday, Perry turned six. It also turned out to be our toughest day in London yet. Perry had Sports Day (think: Field Day) at school and it was a lot to adjust to. Between taking a bus with her class, to all the chants and carrying on, to sports and athletic events - it was a lot to take in! Her teacher was so kind and encouraged our Perry through the morning. After a tough start to the day Perry began to find her groove and turned out to have a good time. It was probably harder for us (her parents!) than it was for her. Watching our precious Perry adjust was not easy and we are glad she found her way and had a good rest of the day.
For Perry's birthday we got a flight on the London Eye. Perry has been looking forward to this treat for months now. It was a lot of fun. We were able to see a lot of London and the kids did great. After the London Eye we met our friends from Lakeview Baptist Church for dinner. Lakeview was a lot of fun to be with. The girls bought Perry flowers and a card and it was the perfect rebound from a hectic start to the day. We are thankful for Kevin and the team...
We Hosted Our First Team
Speaking of Lakeview...we had a great time hosting our first team in London. Being supported by a number of churches and families, we will have groups of people (teams) come to visit us and help us plant this new church. Last week we worked with a group of friends from Lakeview Church in Auburn, Alabama. We hosted a series of trainings, prayed together, and spent some time figuring out the neighborhood. They spent a full day in training and lots of time doing evangelism. Additionally, we synced up with a group from Summit Church for two days as well. They joined us for a few tours, training, and some work in the neighborhood.
We personally benefited from time with the group. First of all, the group of college students was really good for our own hearts in reminding us just how much we love college ministry! We love the interactions, the temperaments, the questions, and the critical-life-stage they are in. Second, we love the value that energetic university students add to teams. From the way they think through strategy to the way they solve problems - they have such a helpful perspective. Finally, we really appreciate two date nights that they graciously afforded to us! We love the way they love on our kiddos while we were out. It was a great week. We were refreshed through it all.
Pray With Us
Would you pray with us in the week ahead? Perry finishes Summer Term today and we're on to six weeks of being together as a family. We still have plenty of hosting ahead of us but we believe it will be life-giving. Will you pray specifically for our settling here in London? While we're off to a good start in the community we're feeling the stress as a family. Patience is wearing thin and attitudes are revving up. Quite simply, there's stress in having moved, getting settled, trying to be outward facing, while still taking it all in. Pray for us to get some rest and relate to one another well.
Thank you for being on this journey with us. We will be faithful in sharing what's going on via a weekly basis so we can stay connected for encouragement and prayer. We are grateful for you!
"Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God."
Proverbs 30:8-9