Outside: The trees have all turned and it’s a joy to walk around with the scent of leaves in the air and campfires burning. Fishing has been a dud in the past few weeks—too much warm weather, I’m told. Bring on the cold! I want to stock the freezer with white bass before heavy winter. 
Inside: God’s been providing in multiple ways for our basic needs. The Food Pantry here has feed us many meals as people drop off outdated food and odd-flavored things that won’t sell. Our favorite Providence Meal was rack of lamb, mashed potatoes, cheesy bread, and salad. We used some gift cards we were sent to buy new socks and underwear! And both of our dear churches are keeping a roof over our heads while we are in missionary training. Each meal reminds us of God’s daily provision.
At Church: We’re getting to know the church here a little better. Don’t worry ABEFC and WCC, you can never be replaced! 😉 We had a “First Century” meal, which was kind of like what Jesus, and later, the early church in Acts might have eaten. The main course was Judean Chicken Stew, and we ate all sorts of fruits, nuts, oil, honey, olives, and bread with our fingers. For the feast, I made 5 loaves…and I cannot tell you how much I really wanted to bring two fish! 
Around the World: We heard testimony of God doing some incredible things in the depths of restricted countries in Asia during a mini conference last week. We still have no idea where God might lead us geographically, but we’re sure excited to find out in the months to come!
In Class: We also got to be a part of teaching through the Bible foundationally (and chronologically). Our class of 46 didn’t have time to teach all of the usual 70 sections, so it was condensed into 27 lessons instead. Payton and I taught for 30 minutes and covered the Divided Kingdom of Solomon all the way up to the New Testament, 922 years! Hearing it all together as well as having to break down a lesson personally over the course of 13-15 hours, made us realize what a beautiful tapestry it is, one story, woven together by many themes and smaller stories. The picture below is Payton helping out our other team members with the skit of the paralyzed man for their lesson.
We just started Teamwork, which is a HUGE part of our future. And…we’re about to start Phonetics! Glottal stops and fricatives, here we come!
Grace- you are so brave-touching fish- ugh!!!!! Sounds like your fall is off to a good start. Was reading some of your past entries, loved the one telling of your ministry with the boys who have had trouble with the law! what a precious opportunity (both for you and the boys)!