Short Visits...Crazy Youth Events...My Life...

I wasn't sure if I would use this blog after our Mexico trip in March, but I thought I would just write an update...clear my head of some thoughts...just in case someone actually reads this still.

Jenna came home on May 8th. I drove to Seatac to pick her up and we enjoyed a few hours in Seattle (Pike Street Market, Fremont) with some of her friends from NNU. We were surprised to find Chelsi at the Market and treasured the short time we had to visit with her. I took lots of pictures of Jenna and friends on the Troll under the bridge. And then we headed home.

While Jenna was home we:
...drank coffee together every morning.
...had a great family evening at the Mariner's game (vs Padres...Mariners lost.).
...enjoyed an afternoon in Fairhaven prior to attending Daniel's final recital.
...had a fabulous Memorial Day camp trip at Fort Worden. Kristin joined us and the entire weekend was just delightful. Meandering through Port Townsend was lovely.
...discovered Labels, a great consignment store in Bellingham.
...watched the final week of American Idol...so happy that David Cook won!
...planned and had a wonderful bridal shower for Kendall (Joshua Stewardson's fiance).
...babysat twins.
...chatted with each other on Facebook while sitting next to each other.
...watched chick flicks.
...stayed up way too late.

Last Friday I took Jenna back to Seatac. She flew back to Nampa and has begun her internship at College church there. She is starting a new chapter in her life and it is in Nampa, not in Lynden. This, I keep reminding myself, is a good thing. I am thrilled to see God working out His plan in her life and I know it is best. I just miss that girl. Thank you Jesus for cell phones and Facebook chat.

Saturday I took 12 teens and 2 college students to Big Splash down at Wild Waves/Enchanted Village in Federal Way. The rides were great. Hanging out with the teens was a blast. Hearing Ruth, The Afters, Falling Up and Superchick while sitting in a grassy amphitheater under a sunny sky was amazing. Watching Garret be so excited about buying a Ruth cd, and then watching him get it signed by them and get his picture taken with them was a hoot! Spending time with teenagers and getting glimpses into their hearts...I truly love that.

That being said, this Sunday is my last Sunday as Youth Pastor at our church. We are in the process of hiring my replacement but the process is taking longer than I would like. I must daily turn it over to the Lord. I know that this is all part of His plan and can rest in that. We will celebrate Daniel and Bethany's graduation this Sunday. I am working on their senior video and, as it does every year, it brings tears as I see pictures of them growing throughout the year. Again, I am so thankful to have the privilege of investing in the lives of teenagers.

What is next? I am still going to continue taking classes at NBC...working toward ordination as a deacon in the Church of the Nazarene. I am remaining on staff at my local church. What that position will ultimately look like is still a secret...to everyone except God. I am taking a sabbatical this summer...possibly working for Headstart (rocking babies all day...what a wonderful job!)...
and loving on my family. Nicole will be working as a CNA at the Christian Healthcare Center. I am so proud of her! Roy is planning his annual golf trip. And we will go see Jenna in Nampa in August.

I am ready to go to Mexico again...just not sure when the Lord will have me doing that. Working at Headstart this summer, practicing my Spanish, will be good training.

There are things that trouble me. There are issues that are pressing and can be downright overwhelming if I allow them to. I am keeping my eyes on Jesus and trusting Him for each and every day. He is faithful.