It seems time for a post:
I moved out of my apartment at the end of August and I am blessed to have been allowed to infiltrate two families for the first couple weeks of September. The Sabbann’s are allowing me to stay at their place during the week since it is pretty close to work and I am living with the Larson’s on the weekends. I went to high school with Luke Sabbann and grew up in the same church as their family, and Mike (the patriarch) is the head of the mission’s board at Woodbury Lutheran Church. I have felt so welcome in their home and their family. I haven’t told them yet, but I went over one weekend in August to discuss the potential of me living there. Shortly after, I was doing my devotions for the day and read 3 John. The devotion encouraged the reader to be hospitable and that it can be a blessing to both parties. I hope this has been the case for my hosts because it certainly has for me! I have been living on my own or with others my age for the past year and it feels really nice to be surrounded by a family of strong Christians and to be able to sense the presence of Christ there.
I have mentioned the Larson’s in a previous post and have several pictures of the boys in my pictures section on my blog. I have worked with their son, Matthew (13), for about six years on and off. He has an irresistible smile and is probably the most joyful child I’ve ever met. I had already weaseled my way into their family, and earned a nickname (KoolAid) from them before this experience. I’ll tell you, I can’t think of anything better than waking up and getting to see Matt’s smiley face in the morning. Plus, I was able to experience the state fair – Larson style – this year, which involved lots of sampling, tons of walking, and more exhaustion than most years, it was great! I should probably explain for those who don’t know, the Larson’s three boys: Matt, Nick (16), and Josh (5) which made for an exhausting fair. I will likely be less reluctant to turn Lisa down on an offer to come over since I’m starting to get a taste of what it’s like on a regular basis 🙂
Plus, I was able to see my late grandfather’s wife, Marie, this past weekend. I took a quick drive out to Hector, MN and spent the evening with her. I was great to be able to share how Christ has been working in my life and to see how He has been working in her’s as well. I feel so blessed to have so much support in my network of family and friends.
So, here’s the plan, in case you’re interested. I have about a week left of work, my last day is September 17 (my cousin Vera Jo’s birthday). My mom’s flying up from Atlanta that day and on Saturday the 18th we will be driving down to Atlanta. I will be spending time with my mom and Bruce for about two weeks before I leave. But, in the middle of that, I will be flying to Washington, DC on September 24 to go to my cousin Annie’s wedding, and I get to meet the newest member to our family: Marleigh! I can’t wait! Then back to Atlanta for a couple more days. Our team is launching from Los Angeles, and guess what? My brother lives there! So I will be heading out there right at the end of September to visit Sam, Krystle, and their new pup. On October 2, I will be at LAX with the rest of my squad and then we’ll be on our way to Guatemala to start the journey of a lifetime! Praise the Lord, I’m so excited! Plus, as of today, I only have $588.75 left to have my whole trip completely funded. God is so good!! I pray you are all experiecing the love, joy, and peace that comes from Christ!
