New Chapter

A new chapter in our lives has started- at least it feels that way. We have moved into our new apartment! And even though it was only physically a few steps across a parking lot- it sure feels like a big change. I loved our little place, but this new apartment has already been so worth the move. We have a dining room with a big new dining room table... More room for guests! And though it's still a one-bedroom place, the extra space in the living room gives us more room for guitars and maybe a future small group bible study? We also have enough shelf room both in the living room and in the kitchen! Such a blessing, since my husband says, "most of what we own is dishes and books." :) 

And the other change... we had our last Sunday at Chinese church at the end of June. So the first week of July found us at our new neighborhood church! Not only was it refreshing spiritually because of an expositional bible sermon, but we were also warmly welcomed with open arms by 8 familiar faces- we had already met everyone present during a last visit. Fellowship can definitely be sweet even in small numbers. Funny story too- the preacher that week found out that we were planning on coming that Sunday- and the Monday before we came, he asked us if we could help lead music worship since there was no one other than him available to do it that Sunday. So we gladly helped out. 

Then, this last Friday we went to the International Fellowship group that the church has started when they realized there were Chinese immigrants in our area that were hungry to know about Jesus and make American friends. It was interesting to interact with those who came- from all over China and with varying levels of English and knowledge about God. Definitely got much more pressure to learn Mandarin from this group than from our old church. (Eeks)

Work is still challenging for me, in dealing with co-workers and negative attitudes, but the actual work duties and opportunities that I get to help patients has been good. I'm so thankful for that. 

What else was I wanting to tell you? I have told you the two major exciting waves... the other things I have to say are probably little fun little shells that I'm picking up here and there, but my hands are so full of shells that the little joyful, colorful ones seem to slip through my fingers!