We are Here, We are Here, We are Here!

Here we are, having been in Dubuque for just about 3 weeks things are looking like this:

• Nic is midway through his 2nd week of classes - they're going well! He is taking Old Testament Survey, Survey of Doctrine, Christian Life and Bible Study, and Johanine Literature (The book of John and 1, 2nd and 3rd John, the epistles). Studying is quickly becoming most of what he does in the afternoon and evenings...of course!
• I am still looking for a job - praying and applying all over town
• Since I am not working yet, most of my days are filled with applying for jobs, reading, working on my cross stitch, helping with homeschool, and on it goes! It's hard to enjoy this time since I feel pressure to get a job. But I am asking that the Lord will allow me to make the most of this time where I am being kept pretty stationary
• Nic is helping lead Epicenter a college ministry with one of the local churches
• I am playing on the Emmaus softball team in a city league with some students - the team is really fun...and for the most part we stay pretty competitive with the other teams
• Nic got a job at Emmaus in the maintenance department - He will be starting tomorrow
• We are still looking to find the right church - we don't want to be hopping from here to there all year - We are simply going to a few churches these first weeks to see which we resonate best with and has ministry opportunities that fit our gifting (This is a matter of prayer, as well)
• I am settling in nicely with old friends. I am really happy here and am enjoying time with Jeanette and the kids, Lauren, Cheryl, and I'll be meeting with Libby every week...at least this first semester - I am praying about who I can connect with and ask to mentor me this year.
• We are living with the Riley's and things are going well. Since the basement isn't quite finished we're living the family life - sleeping in Maddie's room, while she's been relocated to the boy's room, eating meals together, etc. I have been able to help out a little with the kids' homeschool, which has been pretty fun...
• We went to a Labor Day picnic at the school on Monday and Nic ended up playing a pick up game of ultimate frisbee and I tye dyed a shirt, which turned out amazing! The secret is soaking the shirt first in soda ash water and then applying the dye. Who would have thought something so simple could make such a huge difference!? The colors are brilliant! :)

Anyway, that's some of what we're up to...give me a minute to figure out how to get the pictures off our new camera and I'll see about posting some on here...Maybe tomorrow :)