We have been in Utah for about a month now. It felt like home surprisingly fast... especially since we still have half of our belongings in the garage awaiting our home we are building. The house we are renting is smaller than we are used to, but is plenty for our family right now, and our neighbors have been amazing. The first week we were here almost every neighbor came to introduce themselves and have been genuinely friendly ever since. Most of our neighbors are in about the same life stage as us with small children or just beginning a family. We have spent some time with the couple next door and we are really enjoying their company. We are very "TV compatible" and watch " Community" together on Thursday nights. We are really excited to get to know them better. And the best part is... they know why we moved here and still want to be our friends!
One thing that has really helped with the transition is that we have never been here alone. Cydney moved first (the most courageous of us all) and then Gianni. Blake and Amanda moved shortly after we arrived and we have had visitors every other week. Tamara is now here with us for 3 months and it is so great to have a kindred spirit around. Loren and I haven't been alone since we got here, but I am really enjoying having people around during this time when usually I would be a mess. I guess I just haven't had time to be lonely yet and have been to busy to be homesick. I think I am on the verge of a melt down soon though... it is bound to happen :)
Church planting in Utah is a very slow process. There is so much to be done and SO MANY relationships to form. We have been very blessed by the other pastors here and their willingness to work together... across denominational lines. We are also seeing that Christians in this area (the few that there are) have really had to count the cost and are living out their faith. You don't have as many casual christians... There are a ton of really religious people and a ton of very secular people, kinda like in the New Testament, I guess. I am a bit overwhelmed at the task ahead of us, but know that God is the one who will bring the increase. We are doing our best to be faithful to Him and to the ministry that He has called us. We really love South Davis County and are doing what we can to get involved in the city here.
Right now, I think I just need to have a good laugh. You know one of those days where you can't stop giggling and you laugh so hard that you cry... that's what I need. And I also need a doughnut!
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7 comments:
sending you a "fat-free" donut,a hug, and shoulder to cry on--and my prayers for y'all with what you're doing, the witness that you are and the Lord's blessings.
What an amazing witness you will be in your faith to step out and do what God has called you to!
Chin up...watch Elf...giggle til you just can't stand it!
And eat a donut while you're at it!
So, I was just studying and thought it would bring you encouragement to remember that Jesus poured Himself into only a few VERY faithful followers and look at the believers that would follow. I think the relationships that you have started, will be like those disciples in the beginning. Once they've understood and fully bought into what Jesus taught and knew Who He truly was...they'll be like the disciples of Christ who were headlong, hardcore after our Lord and the people came in droves when the Holy Spirit moved them. Remember how it just takes a spark to start a fire. You guys are the spark. I love you!
Thank you so much Brooke! I really need to hear that. I love you!
oops, sorry Brooke... that was me, not Loren. I didn't realize he was signed in! I am, in fact, the one who loves you, however he would probably be equally as encouraged as I was!
oops, sorry Brooke... that was me, not Loren. I didn't realize he was signed in! I am, in fact, the one who loves you, however he would probably be equally as encouraged as I was!
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