November 2003
Giving Thanks
As Thanksgiving
approaches we want to take some time to share with you some of the things for
which we are thankful.
1. Andrew’s
arthritis—From what the rheumatologists say, it is probably in remission.
Our appointments were extended from every 3 months to every 6 months. We will
still see the eye doctor every 3 months until about May and then we will get
moved to every 6 months for the next 8 years.
2. Healthy
pregnancy—a healthy baby is always a blessing and so far everything is
looking good. Shelly has not been very sick and we are looking forward to seeing
our second daughter.
3. Our
friends—God has provided us with many friends, which has been such a
blessing with our families in a different state. This year has seen some of
those friendships really grow. It has been great to talk to people in the same
stage of life as us and hear that the things we experience as parents are
normal!
4. Our
house—In such an expensive housing market we are so grateful that God
provided a way for us to own a house. Nate has done so much around the house
this year, from painting to yard work to installing new lights in 2 bedrooms. He
has learned a lot and helped to make our home a nicer place to live.
5. Lauren—She
has brought so much energy into our lives. She has such a happy demeanor and
dances and spins around and makes us laugh.
6. The
relationship between Andrew and Lauren— Sure, they have their fights, but
for the most part they are playing together whenever they are awake. We have
seen them so many times walking holding hands or playing or reading with their
arms around each other.
7. A
great church—where we can develop friendships, sit under good Bible
teaching, and be involved in ministry outside a campus context. Andrew has loved
Cubbies in Awana, and has been learning a lot. Shelly has also enjoyed helping
out in his class as well as being involved in the Ladies Bible Study. Nate has
had fun teaching an elective class on Bible study methods on Sunday nights.
8.
Effective Ministry—Nate has had
great leaders to work with this year. These guys have really stepped out in
faith, trusting God to work in great ways, and God has honored their faith. Nate
has more men involved on his area of campus than ever before, 4 men have come to
know Christ in one of his dorms so far this year (see below), and he has the
sharpest group of freshmen that he’s seen since we came
Forth New Believer in Markley Hall
From an email update from Kurt,
one of my leaders, about the experience of one of the newest believers on campus
(bringing the total for the year so far to 20):
A friend (Chris) of a guy from my study (Dave) came to Christ
after Team MI night on Friday [our outreach weekly meeting with varsity
athletes]—and talking to him was one of the most amazing things ever—God had him
so ready! He and his family have never been to
church. He said "I checked the 'Yes, I received Christ for the first time
understanding what it meant' box, even though I didn't do it at the meeting,
because I knew I was going to do it when
I got home that night." He said he spent a while Friday night thinking about
all God had done in his life in the past 6 months to bring him to Himself, and
then he prayed and accepted Christ as his Savior! Praise Jesus, for He is at
work in the lives of soooo many!
Kids' Corner
Fall Retreat was so much fun! I liked staying in a cabin with
some of the other married staff. And I got to share a room with Lauren again! We
stayed up late both nights and got to play in the dark with new flashlights.
Daddy packed our bikes and it was so fun to ride down the big hill. But I didn’t
like riding up the hill as much—it was hard work! We played in the wet sand and
wrote our names in it with sticks. We got to play with the Frisbees, too. I
cried when we had to come home—I didn’t want to leave our cabin. But Daddy and
Mommy said we could go back again next year.
Mommy has been letting us listen to the baby’s heartbeat with
the headphones she has. It is so much fun! Sometimes the baby will even kick me
when I press on Mommy’s belly.
-Andrew
Boy, were there a lot of students at the fall retreat! It was
all I could do to introduce myself to them and show off for them. I really came
alive during the meal when there were all boys at our table! I got lots of
attention from the students. It was so much fun to have Drew back sleeping with
me. Mommy had to tell me she had the paddle with her before I stopped squealing
and jumping up and down on the bed because I was so excited! There were lots of
acorns around the trees. Mommy showed us how the lids fit on them. It was fun
trying to put them together—almost like a puzzle.
I like to wear our stethoscope around my neck and listen to
everyone’s belly. I say “boom, boom, boom” because that’s the drum sound I hear
when we listen to the baby’s heartbeat.
-Lauren
Lauren enjoys her brother’s
tiger costume.
 
Andrew and Lauren love leaf
fights.
Andrew “watching” the news with Daddy on one of his first
days to go without a nap. |
