We have been in Memphis now for a little over two weeks. We put our things in storage and have moved in with my sister and her family. (They have been very gracious to let us stay here while David looks for a job and until we find a place of our own). It's been great. We feel welcome here and it has been really fun to be around them. It is a bit of culture shock for Samuel, who is constantly being loved on and held by Emma and Niki and often by Taylor and Ron. I have been able to leave to run errands (while Niki stays home with him) and David and I have gone out a couple of times at night. Niki and I take turns cooking (though she cooks more often and better than me)...all the benefits people have of living with extended families.
The big news is that my husband has a job. In fact, he started yesterday! Though we both feel extremely thankful for it, I don't think we really "get" how gracious God has been to us as it all still feels unreal (much like our move here). He is working with Third Millineum Ministries. There is a link to the right, but basically what they do is create theological material (both lectures on video and printed text) in English, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, and Arabic (the five languages most spoken in the world). Richard Pratt's (the founder) conviction is that (as the Christian church is growing rapidly in many countries outside the U.S.) over two million pastors do not have any theological training, which is crucial to the church's health and endurance. It is a very needed ministry and one that David and I are both excited about. David's job is to network with churches/individuals, letting them know about the ministry and get them on board to partner with them. Essentially he is a fund-raiser, which is important since the education is free to those who use it, but costs a great deal to produce and get into their hands. I am certain I am doing a poor job at explaining this ministry...just check out the website.
Thank all of you who prayed for David to find a job. I remember, as I was praying one day many weeks ago, thinking of the verse that talks about how God is able to do more than we are able to think or imagine...I found myself hoping that he might let this verse be descriptive of David's job hunt. Being very pessimistic, I told myself not to hope for such a thing..."any job will do at this point" is how I remember feeling. I see now that I was wrong and untrusting as God has in fact given David a job that is perfect for him and our situation right now. Truly far more than either of us could have hoped. Please be encouraged by God's provision for us, as you also come across difficult situations.
