Church

I love our church. People always ask if we've found a good church in Austin, and they are surprised to know that we didn't church hop when we first moved here. We knew that we needed a place with solid teaching, and people who would love us. Crosspointe offered both on our first Sunday; so we stayed. It was really tempting to look for a church with a hopping young adult program where we could meet a lot of people our age, but we decided to keep our focus on how we could serve the church rather than how the church could serve us.

It has turned out to be a great decision. We don't have a lot of friends our age there, but we have people who would drop anything to help us if we needed it. And most importantly, we are part of the living, breathing, serving, worshiping Church. Every Sunday is so encouraging and refreshing. The leaders of our church are committed to loving God and loving his people.

I learned this song from our phenomenal worship team (I'm sure it's old, but I just learned it) and I love it. The words are simple, the tune is bluesy, and the truth is powerful.

I have a hope, I have a future

I have a destiny that is yet awaiting me

My life’s not over, a new beginning’s just begun

I have a hope, I have this hope

 

God has a plan, it’s not to harm me

But it’s to prosper me and to hear me when I call

He intercedes for me, working all things for my good

Though trials may come I have this hope

 

Chorus

I will yet praise Him, my great Redeemer

I will yet stand up and give Him glory with my life

He takes my darkness and He turns it into light

I will yet praise Him, my Lord my God

 

My God is for me, He’s not against me

So tell me whom then, tell me whom then shall I fear

He has prepared for me

Great works He’ll help me to complete

I have a hope, I have this hope

 

Goodness and mercy, they’re gonna follow me

And I’ll forever dwell in the house of my great King

No eye has ever seen all He’s preparing there for me

Though trials may come, I have this hope

 

Bridge

There’s still hope for me today

‘Cause the God heaven loves me 

-Tommy Walker

Summer Vacation

We just got back from nearly 3 weeks of vacation. We worked hard for the first half of the summer and played hard for the last part.

My dad came with us for the first week. He flew to Austin and then we drove from Austin to Gulf Shores, and stopped in New Orleans for a couple of days. We had been there before, but only for a few hours. It was really fun to be able to spend time and enjoy more than one restaurant, since there are so many delicious ones. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from NOLA.

Nothing says French Quarter like wrought iron and lots of plants!

Jackson Square

Carriage ride at dusk

Then we headed to Gulf Shores where our goal was to spend time with Andy's family and friends, enjoy the beach and eat lots of seafood. All three goals were accomplished.

White sand and turquoise water- what more can you ask for?

Kissy faces on the beach.

On the way home we stopped to visit friends we met in Malawi- the Evans and their new baby, Jack, the Jones family in the Mississippi delta, and the Kilpatricks in Ruston, LA. It was so good to be with people who knew us in Malawi. What a special connection the mission field creates between people. Here is a picture of me with 7 week old Jack Nolan Evans. 

Sweet sleepy baby

School starts on Monday and classes start the following week. I am so glad we had a break before we go back to the grind!