Jesus Pepper

Today we are in Charleston, SC visiting Mike and Amber. I think Booker is going to be happy here at his new home, I sure will miss the little guy! There is a chance Mike may be going to Africa and Amber will be deployed January - May, so........ let me know if any of you are wanting a very cute and well behaved little guy named Booker for a few months :-).

So far our road trip has been awesome. Omaha was great hanging out with friends, Cedar Rapids was fun meeting AA's family, and Charleston has been very relaxing.

This morning at 9:53 AA announced (while I was mid-conversation on cell phone with Katharyne) that he'd found a church for us to go to and it started at 10. So we dressed and were out the door by 10, and pulled into Calvary Baptist Church at 10:06. Me in my khaki capris and black sleeveless shirt, AA in his shorts and white Tommy Bahama shirt. We stood out! Late, under dressed, and the only white people in the church; however it was one of the warmest welcomes I've ever received. After standing in front of the church and announcing our name and where we're from (we were the only visitors), they had us sit, and then the entire congregation stood and clapped for us, welcoming us to their family. Next, every person in church came over to us individually and gave us a hug. It was great! Lots of singing, clapping, and praising Jesus going on this morning. Minister Bunkem preached a relavent and passionate sermon about giving our resources, forgiveness, mercy, and invitation to salvation. My favorite quote: "I have a pep in my step that comes from Jesus. I like to call it my Jesus pepper. Others want a Jesus pepper too!"

I really enjoyed seeing a new style of worship today. This is just the first taste of many different styles we will encounter over the next year, and I look forward to broadening my palate. Today I learned to confess with your mouth what you believe in your heart.

What if this can somehow be the acknowledgement of my life's duty? Finding out there is a need for young, passionate, and faithful leadership in our church. The desire to fill up on God and His word and share the discovery - the transformation. I am beginning to feel the conviction as it becomes more real throughout time. Looking back realizing it's been so obvious. He wants me.

I believe I will pursue the treasure in the chest. It is Him singing to me in the beats of my heart. Guiding me to where I will serve and learn more. I will slow down and hear the encouragement, mission and guidance relayed to me in the most unexpected ways. The faith I have been shown over the last two years is an experience I want to share with you as my wonderful wife and I pursue the triangle.

We started day one on a block of the bible - a foundation we believe is sound. We shared the desire to keep building as we trusted God and kept seeking Him first. Inspiring each other to read in the mornings - short chapters 1-2 a morning just a few mornings a week. Sharing any discoveries or verses relating to our relationship and experiences. One thing led to another of trying to the best of our ability to be the best examples we could to each other and for God. Not too many months later we found ourselves in a pre-engagement class.

During this class we learned of a great symbol for partners and Jesus. The triangle. God at the top with us below at each side. The more we pursue Him the closer we will become (brings Hebrews 11:1 to mind).

We are firm believers in our trek so far with the Lord and have chosen to pursue His spirit all the way. Wherever it may lead. I love my wife with more than I ever knew I had. She is my lover, my friend, a teacher, and a wonderful woman ready to lead. I am proud of her, her intelligence, beauty, talents, and passion to learn more about our Lord. She is an inspiration in so many ways.

This is Jen, trying out the blog for my first time. Well, the time is quickly approaching for our departure from Denver. It does feel a bit weird that at this point I have been replaced at work, I have sold my car, and I have strangers living in my house for the next year. All our stuff is crammed into a storage unit and the tickets to get to Argentina have been purchased. It's all coming together. Two more days of work (nanny) for me, Aaron's last day of work was today. What will we do with ourselves for an entire year of freedom? So much!
I'll keep this one short in case it's not working. Will update later with AA regarding our trip's mission statement.