Here’s a copy of the E-mail we finally sent out:
In an effort to not clog up your inbox, it seems like I’ve neglected to keep everyone updated on our lives! So for the speed-readers, here’s the condensed version:
Since our last update:
- We arrived at school and got settled in
- Stephen had a great semester of classes and is learning a lot
- Rachel was able to take a class and enjoyed it
- Rachel has gotten more hours and responsibilities with World Mission Outreach, which she is able to do from home.
- Asa is crawling, standing, dancing, cruising furniture, signing, and even saying a few words
- Asa is going to have a little SISTER! Rachel is due in mid-March.
- We were home in Colorado for 10 days and got to see Stephen’s Family, our church family, and our friends
We are getting ready for classes to start tomorrow.- Stephen got a job working at the school
And now for those of you who need more details!
When we arrived at school, we had no idea how all of our stuff was going to fit in such a small apartment (490ish sq feet) while still having room to live. Of course, though, after a month or so, we felt like things were organized enough to make it work, and really felt like this was home.
Classes went really well, and I learned a ton. Among the classes I took were Bibliology, Pentateuch, Old Testament History (Joshua through 2 Chronicles), Ruth/Ecclesiastes/Song of Solomon, Proverbs, and Hermeneutics (how to study the Bible). Even though this is my second shot at Bible school, I am learning a lot and God is challenging me in new and exciting ways. My classes for this semester (which starts tomorrow) include Hermeneutics 2, Anthropology/Hamartiology, Theology, Christology, Prophets, Psalms, Ezra/Nehemiah/Esther, Life of Christ (Gospels), Acts and 1st Corinthians.
Rachel was able to take “Understanding Suffering,” where she studied what the Bible has to say about causes and results of suffering. It was nice for her to be able to get back in the classroom where she would be challenged, and grow a little closer to the other students with whom she has less contact.
Rachel’s job with World Mission Outreach, in charge of their online database, has expanded to include some small graphic design jobs, and has increased slightly in hours. It’s still a blessing for her to have the opportunity to work from home on her own schedule to pull in some extra income for the family.
Asa is fast now. He crawls with a purpose and wastes no time getting from point A to B, back to A, over to C, then straight through to F. He’s been pulling himself up and walking along while holding on to furniture. He also loves to walk while holding our hands. He’s gotten good at communicating with sign language, and has learned a few words too (like duck [“DU-“] and Cheese [“Chsssss” which, incidentally, is pronounced just like ‘shoes’ and ‘fish’]).
Rachel’s pregnancy has made getting around a little more challenging, but has mostly been good and easier than the last one. Our little GIRL is expected to be here in mid-March, and we’re very excited to meet her. We’re not excited about finding room for all her stuff, but Lord-willing, we will be in a larger apartment after the summer.
I was officially hired yesterday by the school to work in the maintenance department. I will be working here at the school for about 20 hours per week. This will obviously make taking care of Asa and his sister a bit more challenging for Rachel, but is an ideal situation for earning some extra money to help us in our goal of going straight through the 4 total years of training with NTM.
Thank you all for your prayer and support. We wouldn’t be able to do what we’re doing without you backing us up. You are very important to us.
-Stephen, for Rachel, Asa, and the baby girl