A Season of Lessons

Wow, I feel like such a slacker...it has been almost 2 months since I have posted in my Blog; I hope I have not lost all of you. My intentions have been great, but my schedule, not so permitting. My motivation tonight is that if I finish before midnight, then I have posted in November and have not missed a month. So much has happened. Hunter is fully adjusted (and then some) to Kindergarten. He understands 90% of what is said, and is now able to knowingly be defiant; his teacher has told me on more than one occasion that Hunter has a very strong will and is very smart. He has learned many lessons along the way...for example, WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVED POTTY TRAINING!, and Hunter learned first-hand (no pun intended) why we don't touch a hot stove. In the picture above he is explaining the vital nature of listening when Mommy says, "don't touch the stove". He is now a very busy boy and we are both learning even more about being involved in a German community and their traditions. In October he celebrated the German Thanksgiving, which included taking parts in the first fruits of fall and thanking God for His provision; all the kids helped make a vegetable soup. Today began the Advent season; next Wednesday, Hunter will receive a visit from St. Nikolaus and this provides much anticipation. And we have already had many days of snow, so winter is here!

The ministry with the teenagers is going great! We have over 100 teens attending one of our programs each week. In the last couple of months we have started discipleship Bible studies that are really digging deeper, had trips to a local amusement park, a trip to an indoor water park, and there is much anticipation for our spring Service Project to Czech. Tonight, Chris is having a lock-in for the boys. We have seen some kids really move deeper in their relationship with Christ and are seeing fruits of this within our community. Our intern Cheyenne has decided to stay in Hohenfels until July; this is an answer to prayer.

Chris is progressing with finishing his degree. He has taken on a leadership role for our Summer outreach, "Beach Break". Our local Chaplains really see him as a peer and involve him in meetings, counseling and various other pastoral roles. I am still leading worship 3 times a week or more! I feel as if I am in a season of learning many lessons, so quick and some very difficult. God is really challenging me in my relationship with Him, but I am encouraged by the outcome. I am pretty sure He is developing more character in me. Hunter really challenges me to stay "prayed up". I have done more volunteering with friends and other groups. I am ready for a visit Home for Christmas. We have experienced some true answers to prayer and continue to thank you for this type of support. I feel like I am have really fallen behind in staying connected with all of you, but I hope to "catch-up" during the Christmas season. We continue to be amazed to see God meet our every need; please pray for God to extend the life of our cars, as both are older ('91 and '97) and needing extra T.L.C. Be blessed and impressed by our great God!