Escrow has left, we're not in it, and it's a bad thing (or is it?)

So, our house fell out of escrow Friday because of some loan problems with the buyer (something we were very thorough to prevent but evidently not thorough enough). But this was only a small problem (a two week delay) because there was somebody else right there ready to buy it again. They were going to go into escrow today but evidently interest rates went up this morning, which pushed this new buyer's monthly payments out of range. Of course we would like to be in escrow, because that, it would seem would be a good thing :-) But really only God is good and so as we do our part, we trust our good God to do His. Thank you for growing, learning and praying with us. Onward with joy and praise!!! (Job 1:21)

Bay Leaves and Soccer

Just good 'ol Fall Fun!

Sundays at Mountain Stream

The last two Sundays we've been privileged to be part of the first two Sundays of a new church-plant in the lower Pocono region called Mountain Stream Church (http://www.mountainstreamchurch.com/) They've had a great kickoff these last two weeks with great preaching from our brother Jamaican, James Richards, and music led by brother Brazilians Rod and Maicol, along with Kiersten, Lindsay, and James' wife Candice. Other team leaders are Jason, Mark and Derek. And don't forget my friends on the tech team - Gary, Tim and Cynthia:-)

Today, Connor was privileged to join their music team by playing drums (which we'll find a picture of here soon), and Geoff and Susan sang a few other songs including "Filled With Your Glory" with the Africa video we put together for it after Connor and Geoff's trip there a couple of years ago (a video you can see by clicking here), and "Love the Lord" (the fun song with all the hand motions - see pictures).

If you're reading this, please take a moment to pray this church, her leaders and the surrounding community. This is an area where many people are moving to from New York City for more affordable housing (but many still work in NYC); it's beautifully diverse in ethnicity.

This is a shot from last week. You can see Geoff's head there in the front (pre-haircut), then BayLynn, Susan and part of Connor on the far left front row.

Then here are two pictures from "Love the Lord" with all the kids and leaders. Good times!!!

Tall Bike

Geoff couldn't resist getting a picture of this bike as we were driving out of Marshall's Creek today after the service at Mountain Stream (being the avid two-wheeled-vehicle-lover that he is). Sure would like to take this one for a spin!

Fall Color!

The seasons, the diversity, the beauty, the glory of God. And we didn't have to drive anywhere :-) These pictures were all taken today except for the first one on the top left. That was taken yesterday? The whole earth is filled with His glory! Isaiah 6:3

(click on picture for larger view)

Africa - filled with His glory!

From Geoff and Connor's time in the fishing villages of Lake Victoria, Tanzania, Africa back in the summer of 2006. Oh, the glory!

Escrow is here, we're in it, and it's a good thing!

That's right, our house went into escrow this week and theoretically we are 30 days from being free from its obligations. Funny thing out here in PA, it seems that they don't use the term "escrow." Evidently they use another term out here but whatever it is, this is a good thing :-)

We are very grateful for that house and the many special and sacred moments that happened there. It's an interesting lesson and experience to relinquish something that seems to have lived and breathed with you over the years. BUT, we know that the reality is that this world is not our home and the spiritual lessons we've learned in a physical place must be packed up and kept in our souls and used to help us grow in God and ultimately reach our real and permanent home.

Thank you for your prayers for us in this regard. We look forward to giving you the "all clear" in just a few weeks. On a different note, check in soon for some pictures of some beautiful fall color!!!!