The First Box

Here it is. The first box to be packed.

When we moved here to San Diego in February, it was with the intention of starting many churches. We knew that it was likely that the next area God led us to plant in would require us to move, but I didn't think that would happen so soon. Mission Trails Church is doing great; Joey and I have almost worked ourselves out of a job, so the time has come. At the end of October, we will be moving to a community called Lakeside to begin StoneLake Church. It is about twenty minutes away from where we are now. I have stood back and watched in amazement as God has worked out the details of this move and new plant. We already have a beautiful meeting place at a community rec center, our previews and launch date are scheduled, and we (almost) have a house.

We will still be working with John and with Mission Trails Church, focusing on this strategy of planting many lasting churches. Joey and I are both very excited to be moving to this new area and starting a new ministry together. Thank you for all of your prayers and support over the last seven months. We have had 32 StoneWater people come out here to San Diego and help with the church since we have been here. There is ALWAYS plenty to do....so if you need an excuse to get away and go to the beach, come on out!!

White Belt No More part 2

Yesterday, Carson had his first section test in Kung Fu. Now he is also officially a First Section. Here he is after his test.

Also, here is a picture of Caden with Instructor Mario after receiving his belt Tuesday after class.

Growing Up

Corban seems to be growing up so quickly. Yesterday he "pooped on the potty" for the first time. That is a huge milestone for a little guy! Diapers are almost a thing of the past around here.

Go Chargers!

The boys were decked out in their Chargers gear from the time they woke up this morning. Even Corban knows the Chargers emblem and was asking for his shirt when he saw me wearing mine. The boys enjoyed watching the game on television tonight, especially since they won. Go Chargers!! We still love the Cowboys, but it is fun having a home team to cheer for.

White Belt No More

Today Caden had his first section test in Kung Fu. He did great and is now a First Section....no longer a white belt.

Beach Day

Friday morning the boys and I took a school break and headed to the beach!

Grand Opening

Last Sunday, Mission Trails Church had its official grand opening. We had around 175 people attend, with about 50 of those being volunteers from other churches. It was a tremendous turnout and an amazing Sunday. We saw many new faces at the service and also some familiar ones of people who are beginning to call Mission Trails Church their home.

Updating

We have been busy with church happenings the past few weeks. Labor day weekend, we had our service in the park, along with a cookout, some volleyball, and lots of other games. Here is a pic of our group.Here is a fun picture for you from the park. In the picture are two Chinese students from SDSU that have been coming to our church. They both have accepted Christ and were both baptized. The funny thing about the picture is not them, but what is going on behind them. Do you see Carson back there? After I took the picture I looked up and saw him there behind the bushes. Apparently the bathrooms were a little too far away. That night we had the second baptism for Mission Trails church. Here is a picture of the group that was baptised.

This past weekend a StoneWater family came to see us and help out with our Grand Opening church service. Here is a picture of the kids. Caden and Samee, the little girl on the far right, have the same birthday and went to Kindergarten and first grade together. She must be very special, because she is one of few girls who Caden will claim as a friend!

Nine year old humor

It's school time again. We just today completed day five of school...only 175 left!! It has been a good five days; the boys have already learned so much. I think they were truly getting bored with summer and looking forward to having something to do during the days, although I have still heard my fair share of complaints. We are teaching our boys at home again this year, with Caden in 3rd and Carson in 1st. I love being with them during the day, especially when I get to see one of those lightbulb moments when something clicks for the first time. Caden had one of those moments today.

We were having a discussion in the car about what a conjunction was. I explained to Caden, who was is the front seat, that the words 'and, but and or' were conjunctions. I could see him thinking, then he smiled really big, then he busted out laughing. He turns around and says, "Hey Carson, do you like your conjunction?" (Are you following the nine year old humor here?) I quickly told him that I was going to spank his conjunction if he didn't watch it! He then informed me that he was just practicing his homophones. Nothing gets past that child.