Its amazing what a month can do. As I wrote my last letter (blog), I was very honest but also very sad. The Lord has provided so well for us since then. It doesn't even really seem possible. I haven't been on crying on Wednesdays anymore, but trying to embrace our new normal and the people that teach our kids at Awanas. I am also thankful there is a program to attend. It has also turned out to be the perfect night for dinner with Brian! I love that.
The Awanas director invited us to his daughter's bday party and we were actually able to go to someone else's home in Seguin- pretty much a miracle. They have a great family and it was so nice to meet good people. Then we actually saw them trick or treating in our neighborhood. What? I love running into people I know. It was great. They also introduced us to one of our neighbors who is the Awana game leader. I am thankful for these people. They are like rays of hope for me.
Another big boost has been that we have finally decided on a church and I am so excited to see what the Lord has for us there. Its a "gospel centered" church, which sounds so silly. Aren't they all? There is def something different here though. The Pastor says that he wants every message to ultimately lead back to the cross. He said something that I wish I had heard years ago, basically-
The longer we go on in our Christian life the more we should realize the depravity of our sin, thus realizing our need for a Savior and each passing year grace should become more and more amazing.
What a simple truth, but so great to hear. I feel as if that is the path I have taken. I am sure I knew I was a sinner when I first came to Christ but there is nothing like marriage, 4 kids, and homeschooling to remind JUST HOW MUCH OF A SINNER I AM and how ridiculous it is that God hasn't become fed up with me yet. Anyways, the church is focused on the gospel, community, and being on mission. They take action to reach out and I am excited to be a part of it.
We were able to join a small group of people around our age with kids that we can hopefully do life with. They invite us places and we actually see them on a regular basis. I have had park invites and I even had a successful play date myself! This has been huge! Having people text me to go to the park is so refreshing and so needed. So simple on their part, but huge for me. I have also continued to reach out myself and invite people instead of sulk if I am bored. There was a women's event at church that I was unable to attend and I actually had 2 people say they would miss me. What??? That's ridiculous and so nice to hear. Coming back to EBC after visiting Oklahoma was always one of my favorite things. Pastor Tim would ALWAYS say, "Welcome home Youngs, we missed you." Man, it feels good to be missed, or should I say, its great that people want you around enough that they notice when you aren't there. Of course, I know that there are a lot of people missing me in ND now and I don't like that but, that is different. Its WAY deeper.
I also have a group of girls I meet with on Thursdays, kind of like a book club. We talk, discuss, debate, and seek the truth. It is really refreshing and I am excited to see where those relationships lead.
Anyways, I wanted to let you all know that we are getting there. God is good and we will make it. Brian's parents were also able to visit this weekend and that is so sweet. I love that we are seeing our family WAY more often. I look forward to Thanksgiving in my parents home. It was always a holiday I loved growing up.
