Sometimes not knowing is better

Andrew thought it would be a good idea for me to take summer school Greek with him at Trinity. I thought it would be a good idea too, since I have wanted to learn Biblical Greek to be able to read the New Testament in it's original language. English translations are excellent, no question. But my husband has rubbed off on me and made me appreciate being able to look at the original text. So I go and sign up to take summer school Greek. Did anyone else know that some people refer to this class as suicide Greek? Did I stop at any point to think that I am going to do about a year worth of learning in 5 weeks? Oh no. I just sauntered right into it. Well, I am through the first week, and all I can say is that for the past 5 days I have done nothing but study, study, study, and study. Maybe eat and sleep too, but mostly study. So, for anyone wondering about what it is like to take a summer Greek class, I can say for a fact that it is intense. Really. But the rewards in the end will be SO sweet. To see the richness in the language God revealed Himself in! And He used Koine Greek, the common, widespread language of the first century. I often thought of Greek as this elite, lofty language to know to be able to understand the New Testament. But it turns out, Koine Greek was used to write grocery lists, and letters to friends, and on scraps of pottery as notes. It was common, to be understood by common people. It was approachable. God's word wasn't for the very wise or very cultured, but for the people. And His word speaks in a living and active way to them.

The story of our new/old car

Getting our to Illinois was such blessing. Andrew and I drove a moving truck the whole way. We sold one car in Phoenix, and left the other one to be sold there as well. So, arriving in Glenview, we started looking for a car ASAP. The day before our Greek class started (Sunday), we found a 99 Subaru Forester that looked great. Being that it was Sunday, we had to wait for Monday to get the money for the car. Come Monday, we bought the car! On Tuesday morning at 7:30 AM we discovered that the keys were locked in the car overnight, which also happened to be parked on the street which must be clear from 8am to 10am. We left the car, praying we would not receive a ticket since Greek started at 8:30am. Diane, whose basement we occupy, discovered that the keys were locked in the car, and notified the police why the car was not moved off the street. Once class was over and we got home, we called AAA to get them to come unlock the car. Unfortunately, there weren't plates on it yet, and, logically, AAA will not unlock a car with no way to identify that it is in fact, your car. Diane once again saved the day, and called the police to have them unlock the car. So we did NOT have to pay for a locksmith. Car now open, turns out the keys were in the "on" position in the ignition, and the battery was dead. Great, now we get to buy a battery. But praise God, after getting the car jumped, the battery has enough charge to start the car! Throughout the whole day I was seriously considering the fact that I do not have a job yet and did pay to be in a summer Greek course. But the Lord really confirmed that He will provide for us, and He desires not only for Andrew to be in school, but myself as well for the time.

Hit the ground running

Praise the Lord! We made it out to Illinois safe and sound.

Our trip was so full of blessings. All our stuff got packed by other people, which made the packing so quick! We then got to stay with a family from our church, the McCoys, who were such gracious hosts, even though we asked if we could stay there only a few hours before we arrived at the door. They truly were an example of hospitality.

We drove to Albuquerque on the 6th, had a barbecue with my family and some friends, and my parents put us up for the night.

The next day we drove 14 hours to Paola Kansas, and were warmly welcomed by Sherri and Matt Jones. Sherri made us dinner, told us about what the Lord is doing in her family, and gave us a place to sleep. She got up early to make us breakfast too!

We made it to Glenview Ill the third day. Our landlords (?) the Holms had dinner ready, and had our fridge filled with food! Will helped Andrew moved some of the big stuff into the basement that night.

The next day my parents arrived early in the morning to help us unpack, arrange, assemble, and adjust. We got all the big stuff in palce by the end of Thursday.

All this to say, Praise God! He made our trip so smooth and blessed us with hospitality from the church the whole way through. How sweet to feel the Father's care and provision through His people!

My parents took us to a Cubs game on Friday! Go Cubbies! Unfortunately, we lost.

So, we are now looking for a car and getting around on our bikes in the beautiful summer weather. We will start summer school Monday, and I will start my job search then as well (Lord willing). There are still many things for us to trust the Lord with, and to allow Him to lead and provide. Thanks to everyone who prayed for us, and please continue to do so. Also feel free to email or skype us if you would like to!

Boxes

A brigade of guys showed up at our apartment this morning. And in a manner of a few hours all that we own is now in a big yellow truck. Just like that. It went so fast, and towards the end I felt like saying, "Slow down! Once we're done, that's it. We'll really be going. We'll have no choice." But the Lord was being so good to me in this. Because all these men who lugged shelves and a huge bed and so many boxes down to the truck are our friends. And even in our leaving they are caring for us in as many ways as they can think of. They made the packing so fast, that now it's done. Like giving us a good push to get us rolling. Because I sure need a good push every now and then. It's pretty astounding that your life can totally up and relocate with a few boxes.