The Pioneers Are Settling!

The effect of freezing fog

Three Sisters Mountains


Noel -- our new dog

Joshua and Sensei Brian

Wow! We're almost all looking at the camera!

Joshua's 1st day at Karate

Chris was laid off from his last position in early March 2009. Ten months later, we are finally about to settle into our new home in a new town in a new state on a new coast. And, we are very excited! At the end of this month, Chris will be flying back to PA to pack up a truck load (one of two...the second will come later) of our belongings and drive across the country. We will be moving from this furnished rental, which has been such a blessing, to our more permanent home on February 1st. The kids are so excited to have their things here, ride their bikes, sleep in their bunkbeds, and I must admit that I am totally excited to sleep on my pillow-top mattress again :)

Chris has thoroughly been enjoying his new job here with Habitat for Humanity. It really is a perfect match with his giftings, skills, personality, etc. We can see God's hands in it all. As we begin to get settled here, we are seeking how God wants us to serve in the community. Right now, we are planning to lead a bible/topical study at our house for those in the Habitat community -- employees, volunteers, homeowners. Please pray for us as we start this in March that God would guide us and that this could be a vehicle for people to know and experience His love at new and deeper levels. Habitat does not broadcast it's Christian foundation, but it was founded as a Christian organization. At each house dedication ceremony, a Bible is given to the family and a prayer is given. So, we are thankful that, while there are a fair share of non-believers who are associated with Habitat, we are able to freely express our faith and demonstrate how God works in our lives without feeling like we will receive criticism from Habitat.

We had a great Christmas, although we have missed being surrounded by all of our family during the holidays. Chris's parents came from Christmas Eve to New Years Eve and we soaked up each wonderful moment with them. We tried to show them around but there was a freezing fog almost the entire time due to a temperature inversion (which creates very cold temps, dense fog/clouds, and beautiful white to form around everything it touches). So, while those beautiful mountains didn't show their faces too much, we still enjoyed driving around and seeing what OR looks like in the fog. :)

We have been attending Bend Church of the Nazarene and are enjoying the chances we get to know our new church family. The kids love being there and there is always lots going on for them. Joshua just started Karate lessons and will be doing that three days per week. And, we signed the three older kids up for swimming lessons, which will begin mid-February. Joshua and I are also in full-swing with homeschooling and he will be reading his first book this week as part of his phonics program. Wow! He's growing up so fast! We also added a new member to our family.....Noel, a 22 month old English Setter. She is very loved and has been a great fit!

Gotta go for now and get those sweet kiddos into bed. :) Love to you all....