Kolashes, Break-throughs & Passports

Some things unique to us about Texas so far: ya'll, I'm fix'n to..., Blue Bell Ice Cream (Blue Bell is to Texans as Blue Bunny is to mid-westerners),driving up to the store and seeing a Ford truck with real Texas Longhorn Horns sticking out of the top of the hood and a huge orange Texas longhorn flag waving proudly next to an emblem of an American flag (oh how I wish I had my camera), a truck painted orange 7 white with the Longhorn emblem on it, going to an event where they actually say a pledge to the Texas flag, Kolaches(a Czech pastry of sorts adopted by Texans)and fried chicken restaurants on every corner:) These are just some of the new things we are continuing to adjust to in Texas.

We have made significant strides in the health area however we are needing prayer for Andrew's back again. He does heavy lifting at work and it's started to irritate his lower back making it very difficult to work. He is amazing! He complains very little about working outside in over 100 weather most days and being in a labor intensive job. I don't know if I would be able to sweat it out day after day (probably not). I think he's so motivated because God has truly given him a sense of purpose in his workplace. Just this week he was able to share Christ in the parking lot of Home Depot while on a run for supplies and then yesterday he was able to share his testimony and the full gospel with a co-worker! He is growing in truth and boldness each day! In light of Father's Day (I know it's over) I just want to honor Andrew as a dad too. He works so hard yet comes home and wrestles with the kids, reads to them, takes them swimming and gives them so much love and attention. He is sensitive to their needs and is working hard to mold their little hearts for God. He is a wonderful father!

We received our official paperwork for school. I can't believe we start at the end of summer. We also found out that our good friends here have decided to apply for Elevate and are in the final interview process. It will be such a blessing to go through school with them and share experiences together! We are still praying about who to hire for childcare and actually interviewed someone on Sunday. Praise God! I'm still waiting to hear back from one other girl but it looks hopeful.

We sent in paperwork to get the kids passports today. It was kind of exciting but scary all at the same time. We all need our passports because at about this time next year we'll be overseas somewhere for 2-3 weeks as our final outreach for Elevate. We don't find out where we go until school starts.

Thank you all for your emails, calls, love and encouragement along the way. It isn't easy being away from family and friends but we know Waco is where God has us for now. We are growing so close to God, close as a family and close with our church family. We feel blessed for friendships that have continued though far away and those that have just begun. We continue to trust God with everything and know HE WILL PROVIDE!

Philippians 4:19-And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.