Changes...

For the last five years, Dan has successfully managed to balance family life, vocational ministry, and graduate studies that include bi-monthly trips to Charlotte for class. God has used this time to stretch and refine us in so many ways....and His faithfulness has held us up through it all. We have been absolutely amazed at his provisions for rest, encouragement, and for everything we have needed to persevere in this journey. The Lord has patiently and lovingly revealed his plan every step of the way.

This is officially Dan's "last year" of seminary at Gordon Conwell. He will graduate (Lord willing!) May, 2010.

Last month, on our monthly pilgrimage, Dan and I started to explore the possibility of reversing our current situation: 3-4 weeks in Bonita Springs/ 1 week in Charlotte, to the opposite, so that Dan could be present, and on campus for his demanding 15-credit-hour schedule this semester. He will return to Bonita Springs for one week, two Sundays a month to fulfill his role and responsibilities at church. (Along with lots of technology to communicate the rest of the month!)

We are grateful that the church leadership has been so supportive of this plan, and have enthusiastically expressed their support and encouragement for Dan to pursue this calling.

All that said, pending session approval on March 19th, we'll be moving to Charlotte on April 1st!

We look forward to Dan having the opportunity to fully immerse himself in his education this last year...he'll have access to the seminary library and all of the other wonderful resources that will only be a short drive from our new front door.

Here's a photo of our new abode...complete with a yard and sidewalks (a huge blessing for a five year old boy and two year old girl with more energy than this little condo can handle!) The back yard has a little hill that meets up with the neighbors back yard, and Graham already has big plans for that hill--thinkin' I'd better figure out where the nearest hospital is located! I'm thankful, excited, and quickly realizing that between moving and traveling back-and-forth regularly, this year is going to be a busy one!