We just wanted to let you know what the summer and our time in the states has looked like and what we will be up to. (If you care…lol)

We hit the ground running here in the states, back in mid April. The first few weeks were filled with going from place to place looking for warmer clothes and closed toe shoes (what are those?!) that fit everyone. That was a task. And just trying to get used to things here. Then we headed to Disney World with Briana’s family! That was magical! We had never been on a vacation with her family since having kids, so it was a really special time.

We then headed on our way trying to connect with as many of our churches and supporters as we could on some longer trips. We even got to meet new churches and people, which was really fun too. We had been praying that the Lord would provide some new support for us since we were a little low, and He was faithful to encourage us. Many have asked, we don’t currently have the 100% support we are recommended, but we are excited to see what the Lord will do. He has never let us down yet. He has been more than faithful to provide for us through the years and we are touched by so many of you who give to us and help us out in many ways. We have seen it again this furlough…just the outpouring of love and support for us is sometimes overwhelming. So, if you are one of those people that has blessed us this furlough, THANK YOU!

We then spent the rest of what was left of our summer with J’s parents in Pittsburgh. That was a jam packed, fun-filled time too. Of course, we tried to keep school going as much as possible too, but we went and we went until we couldn’t go anymore. So many fun memories made.

Eden got to go to her first camp, overnight camp for a week with our church’s camp. She LOVED it! All the kids were able to attend VBS this year, which was a gift. And we (J and Bri) were able to attend a ministry retreat in Colorado that was just what we needed. Another gift.

Since we church hopped all summer due to our schedules, we are really enjoying our time here in eastern PA with our home church for a few months and just getting plugged in and my kids making friends and remembering names and faces. We moved back with Briana’s parents a few weeks ago, and are getting settled and finishing up some of our goals for furlough over the next 2 months. We just decided due to a series of information, that we will be staying through the holidays! We will be headed back to our home in the tribe, in January. We are all pretty excited to be staying for the holidays with family. It has been 6 years since we shared a Thanksgiving or Christmas with family and our kids have been begging to see snow.

If you would like to get together, let us know soon as we are trying to schedule it all out and time goes fast. We would love to get together with all of our supporters, but it can be tricky.

We have also been heavy hearted for our friends in Dem. There have been a couple deaths and sickness is always an issue. Don’t forget to pray for our Dem friends’ health and our coworkers as they selflessly care for them the best they can. It can be burdensome.

And lastly, we will be sending out a project you can consider being a part of soon! Living off grid means solar electric, and solar electric means solar panels and batteries. Our batteries are at the end of their little lives and we will be needing new. J will be writing an update with all those details.

For now, we thank the Lord for you and are looking forward to the rest of our time here.

Psalm 51:10-15 – Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.