Our New Home

Well, we have officially been living in Houston, TX a week. In many ways the week has both flown by and crawled at the same time. We've spent a lot of our time simply recouping from the craziness of the move.

For those of you who don't know, we bought a three story townhouse in downtown Houston. Alright, it's actually in a part of town called Mid-town, which if you ask true Houstonians, would tell you that it's NOT actually in downtown. For those of you who have ever been to New York City...think uptown and downtown: it's the city. We know that some of you have been worried about our safety living in such an urban area, but we assure you that we live in a very safe neighborhood. In fact, we've been getting to know our neighbors...most are involved in business. So when they ask what it is Brian does and he replies, "I'm a pastor." They simply exclaim "OH...wow...that's interesting." The subject usually changes rather quick...or they apologize for the profanity they were using.

Anyway, the house is a three story townhouse with three bedrooms and three full baths. The second level (the living, dining and kitchen) is entirely hardwood floors. We are especially thankful to have a washer and dryer so readily available. For the past couple of years, Erin's parents have been kind enough to allow us to use theirs. It will be nice to have our own so that we can wash all the baby's clothes. YEP...

Erin is pregnant and due in mid February. We are both overjoyed and humbled that God has blessed us with the opportunity to raise children to serve Him. We can't wait to see what God has in store for this child of His. As pictures arrive, we will make sure to get them up so that you can see. Also, many of you have cried out to see the house...well, for now you only get the front door. But don't worry...there are more to come (when the boxes disappear).

A Change of Seasons

Well, the day has finally arrived. It is a day that marks the end of one season and the beginning of a new one. On August 19th, 2007 Brian was officially ordained into the ministry of the Lutheran Church. It has been a long road...a good one...but a long one nevertheless. Brian's days as a student have finally ended (we think...and hope) and he has begun what God has called him to do.

Brian will be serving as an Associate Pastor for Christ the King Lutheran Church in Kingwood, Texas (a Northeast Suburb of Houston). However, Brian's role on staff is to begin a missionary movement in the city of Houston; connecting people through a network of house communities. None of it makes perfect sense yet, but we're following the leading of the Holy Spirit. As soon as the website goes live we'll let y'all know.

Thanks to all of you who have prayed for us over the past four years! Those prayers have kept us sane and healthy. It's our prayer that you would know more and more the grace of God found in Jesus.

For those of you waiting for pictures of the house, don't worry they will be up shortly. Below are a couple of pictures of Ordination. Enjoy.

It's Moving Time

Greetings y'all! The time has come. It's hard to believe really. Moving to our first call has always seemed so far down the road. But no longer: we move on Saturday to the lovely state of Texas. Now, for all our friends and family who are worried that we will catch whatever disease it is that forces all people from Texas to exclaim their state better than any other...don't worry. It's nice...but it isn't better than every other state. And for those of you who are worried that we'll turn to the Stro's? Really don't fear...they're worse than we are this year!!!

All things considered, it has been a joy to see the ways that God decides he wants to use His people. Have you thought about how God is using you where you are?

The National Youth Gathering

Well, it's been a long time coming...and it's come and gone. For the past week and a half, we have spent our time in Orlando, FL volunteering our time for the High School youth of our church.

Brian has been working since November of 2005 on the Mass Events planning team. He along with four others were responsible for the content of the Monday night Mass Event. This is when all 25,000 Youth get together and rock out the Orange County Convention Center. You can imagine the amount of time that it takes to plan 75 minutes of high energy programming for 25,000 youth. Needless to say, but the event went incredibly well. The theme for the night: "What's on YOUR card?" When someone is chosen in Christ, it changes everything about their life...including dirtly little secrets (check out the video by the All American Rejects @ itunes). The answer to what's on one's card? Nothing! Because of what Christ has done for us on the cross. At one point, the emcee's for the night asked what's on your card and 25,000 youth screemed back in reply NOTHING! It was pretty powerful. To be sure, it was long days and short nights.

Erin has been working for the Registration office for the past year. It's an incredible job! She, along with two others, are responsible for housing every person who attends the gathering...including adults and volunteers. It's a detail job: not something Brian could do!!! When in Orlando, Erin is responsible for checking in each congregation and the oversight of backpack stuffing. That's right, people must stuff 25,000 backpacks with Bibles and gathering books. Awesome right? It's a good time.

All in all, the gathering was a success. God's Spirit was certainly working and touched the lives of youth from across the world. Thanks to you who have kept us in your prayers and thoughts. Enjoy some of the photos.