In Virginia...

Being planted in a single place has been very hard to do over the past 6 months. The process of actually finding a place to root for a while couldn't have been possible without the help of several, beautiful, people. Especially the Ewings, the McNeals and the Enfingers. There's nothing trite about saying that we wouldn't have been able to make it to where we are without the help of those around us. It is by the grace of God through you that we are able to continue here in Virginia and I am finally coming to peace with how, even as I've tried to see it otherwise, we are without control over what happens next.

So what's happened? We're currently living with my mother and step-father in Virginia. While we've been happily adjusting to the community lifestyle that they've graciously extended to us, I'm in awe over how little they expect. The offer that they made was as simple as could be expected, but the implications that society provides us for accepting are even more perplexing. We're in need, but we are given a second chance to establish ourselves in America, and we will pursue this opportunity in as much as God will allow us to remain.

Kristen has been blessed with a job as a private nanny for a very kind family near home, I have resumed my studies at a local community college for pre-nursing. Her relationships are growing and my grades are remarkable. What's more is that we've become involved with a great Nazarene Church that's given us a wide-armed reception into the community. We're deeply involved with some of the ministries, including an outreach to the homeless known as Helping Hands. I'm so excited about the chance to become involved with missions as well! The pastor says that he will support our call into ministry, I pray that if our situation is related to coming closer to God, then that it will make itself more pressing. Today I'm happy with where we're at, which is not something I felt in December. I can already tell that it's going to be difficult removing ourselves from the area when the time comes, but hopefully no time soon.

I'll be better at keeping in touch than I ever have been.

I love you, thank you for believing in us. Thank you for not compromising yourselves.