Life in Dallas so far...

Have you ever been so excited for future plans to come but uneasy to leave the comfort of what's familiar? We are on the brink of our desires becoming a reality as I started seminary August 5th. Excitement, isn't even the word! The romanticism has faded a bit now that I have a taste of the work load, but I have already grown to appreciate Westminster's approach to teaching. My professor emphasizes that our minds are gifts that God has given us for the enjoyment of learning to the glory of God. This has been demonstrated by Prof. Greene going into mini-sermons while teaching a Greek lesson. It has reminded me that I'm here to grow in my love and obedience to Jesus and secondly to learn how to better minister. We have agreed that seminary will be a season of trial and error as we balance family life, ministry, and studies. However, we are praying God enables us to stand firm in what Jesus has done, remembering the righteous standing He has given us and His eternal power to do what He commands us to.


" ...for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, ..." Isa. 61:10b.
And He promises “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”2 Cor.12:9

Urban Missions...(Emily)

Early one evening we were trying to say hello to a man from across the parking lot and it seemed like he was politely ignoring us. Jack was persistent thinking he didn't hear us. As we caught up with him, we realized it wasn't that he didn't hear us but that he couldn't. James was deaf. In God's good providence my rusty sign language from college came in handy! James seemed thrilled that I could sign and we enjoyed getting to know him some.
Our town home complex stands out in a culturally diverse community as a bright and friendly place. Of the 302 units, 15 or so have been occupied and more people are coming every week. As we enjoy meeting our new neighbors, we have been reminded of the importance of “being learners” of different cultures. We've been encouraged by how God has already allowed us to connect with some, such as James, and even people like Linda, who is looking forward to the upcoming prayer/Bible study time.

Family Life...(Emily)
"Happy Birthday to you”....was a common tune in our new home last week. Jackson, turned ONE on August 1st! We had a warm welcome of family come in town to celebrate as well as family who live in town. It was a special time for us and for Jackson. He isn't walking yet but Jackson is beginning to take steps while we hold his hands and he is clearly testing his limitations to see what Mommy and Daddy will do :). Ruslan, is one of Jack's friends from Russia who came and visited over Jackson's birthday weekend. Ruslan loved being able to experience an American birthday, have his first taste of Texas Bar-b-que, and visit the “grassy knoll” as Jack's dad talked about 'the magic bullet' theory and other mysteries concerning the JFK assassination. He added joy and culture to our weekend as we were able to have conversations about the difference between Christianity and his upbringing in Islam. After church he asked what it means to worship; we were blessed to be able to share how all people worship what they believe to be the most valuable, whether that is God or something else we put in God's place.