As you would imagine, life for us has changed a lot in the past month, all because of 1 wee girl – Baby Grace. In fact she is 1 month old today!!! She is growing well and putting on weight as expected. Thank you all for your gifts and prayers over the past weeks; we were overwhelmed by all the clothes and gifts you sent us for Grace. We feel so loved by you all, thank you.
Dar Gail is getting stronger by the day. The C-section took a lot out of her, so it was fantastic when we heard that Her Mum could change her flights and come the week after Grace was born. She was a massive help to Dar Gail and me, not to mention wee Gracie got some good Grammy time too. Another bonus was the fact that my paternity leave ended when Mum arrived so it was great seeing how God had everything all planned out and wasn’t taken by surprise.
As for other things Dar Gail is planning a Choir trip to a mission’s conference in the Lake District on the 21st February. Originally we didn’t think we would be able to go and 2 students had volunteered to fill in directing the choir at the conference. However, since Grace came early, we are now planning to go and Dar Gail can help coordinate things along with the 2 students who have been filling in. Please pray for hearts to be challenged at the conference.
I am busy with a few projects around the Campus. During work-detail, Graham (my Co-worker on Grounds) and I are helping the guys to remove broken up bits of concrete left from RAF times and filling the holes with soil ready to sow with grass seed in the spring. Doing this will really help out with grass cutting as it is hard on the Mowers having to raise and lower the deck to avoid pieces of concrete. A lot of it was from old heating ducts left over from the original district heating system the RAF had in place.
Another project I’m presently working on is mapping the underground services of the campus as there are no maps of this left by the RAF. So I am mapping the rainwater and Sewage systems, communications and any unused pipe work. This map will be very helpful the next time we have drainage problems, or need to do renovations.
We are continuing to work with the Student Leaders and are encouraged with the growth in student lives. Campus life provides a unique opportunity for growth in community and our desire is to see each of the students drawn into a deeper walk with God as the result of their time here. (Check out the college website at: http://www.northcotescollege.co.uk/. For those of you reading this in the US, this is one of our schools there http://www.ntbi.org/)
Thank you all so much for your love and support. We greatly appreciate your prayers for wisdom as we grow in parenthood and also for ministries God has given us here at North Cotes.