December

via Flora Douville

It is already December and I thought today about the stupid amount of things have happened to us since last Christmas season. We weren’t even engaged yet this time last year. Things are happening to us quickly in life and in Tampa, especially at work. We will hopefully have some certain updates by the end of the week which will be exciting to share.

Note: Said updates DO NOT include pregnancy.

We are content here, although we are learning that Tampa is not as appealing as we had originally hoped. I think there might be three local coffee shops? We also did drive past a used bookstore the other day, which we will hopefully get a chance to explore soon. Otherwise, I think we overestimated the cultural character of the city. We do love our townhouse, and if things ever get the heck out of these boxes we will post some pictures. Caleb (Kyle’s brother) is coming to visit this weekend and we are determined to have the house in order by the time he comes. Fingers crossed.

We have finally found a church! What a relief from the frustrations of searching for a community we were beginning to think may not exist.  Covenant Life Church is relevant, young and welcoming. In a solely romantic way, it reminds me of the early days of Ashley Young Life: the days before we had a guitar player or anyone could drive. The sincere and gritty passion of building a haven for the gospel in a dark and mislead place. Ironically, the two pastors relocated to Tampa from North Carolina. Oh, Carolina. http://covenantlifetampa.org/

                                                                                        

Stuart and Sarah and their family are moving to Austin at the end of the month, which will make our worlds a little emptier. They have so suddenly and mightily become a part of our life and it will feel strange without them here. Already I have nostalgia for nights of meat on the grill, beer in the fridge and lengthy late conversations on the back deck in the dark. In all candidness, we hope and expect to follow them to Texas before the end of a year. I try not to dwell on this to avoid the exhaustion of my sheer excitement. Austin.

The Lord is giving us peace and grace. I am so thankful for this life and for the beauty of the Truth. There is so much to learn and so much to do, and I am happy for the endlessness of His provision and the Goodness of His plan.