This week had a few firsts for us. We also enjoyed a few days with a friend from the States. It's rainy outside and Half-Term Break is next week. Here's a little more about what's going on...
Shepherd Had His First Birthday Party
Shepherd became friends with his buddy Milo on the first day of Nursery. Their family lives a few streets away from us in QP. One of our favourite things about our neighbourhood is that most of the children from school all live very close to us!
Milo's party was a blast... think homemade pizza, chocolate birthday cake, a party entertainer (very popular in London), dancing, and list goes on. It was such a treat to celebrate Milo turning 4 with our new friends. Connecting with great families like Milo's is such a blessing to us and is really helping Queen's Park feel more like home.
Perry Went On Her First Field Trip
An amazing benefit of living in London is that our children will get to go on some incredible field trips. Perry went on her first field trip this past week and Elizabeth was able to go along as a chaperone. Perry's class of 30 students along with several parent chaperones traveled on the tube to the Tate Modern for the Olafur Eliasson exhibit.
The Olafur Eliasson's exhibit was very engaging and interactive, one of the most unique things was the fog tunnel that everyone walked through. It was definitely an adventure! Perry really enjoyed the day and Elizabeth loved getting to know the other parents who were on the trip.
Joseph Came To Town
We had a really great time over the last few days with Joseph. We've known Joseph for the last seven years. Thomas first met him when he was in high school and Thomas was just starting as the college pastor at Providence. We also had the fun connection of living in the house that he grew up in! Thomas mentored Joseph for the last few years back in Raleigh. Joseph is mature beyond his years and a real joy to be with.
He came to London to hangout, see the place he's heard so much, and encourage us. Perry and Shepherd (especially Shepherd) LOVED their time with Joseph. He's been in our lives longer than the kiddos and he's been there for so many important family memories. Our friendship with Joseph is good evidence of what God likes to do - take strangers, make them family, and use them to bring about a whole lot of good in each others lives. We loved our time with Joseph.
What Else?
Thomas attended the Reimagining Evangelism conference at All Soul's where Randy Newman shared a really helpful perspective. He taught that the Church has had seasons of declaring the Gospel and others of defending the gospel but is now in need of a new season of dialoguing the Gospel. We think he's right. Declaring and defending have their appropriate times and places - but it really seems like we need to enter a period of working out what the Gospel is through lots of conversations with our friends and neighbours.
Elizabeth was away for an overnight last weekend with Co-Mission Network. In the course of an overnight retreat the church planting wives got together Wives Focus. The ladies enjoyed Bible teaching, prayer, and fellowship.
Thomas continues trainings with the London Church Planting Academy and their meetings are going well. In the week ahead he will attend a special training with City to City - which we are incredibly indebted to already. Our local network of support continues to grow and we pray that a few more meetings this week will further strengthen the good things God is bringing together.
Thank you for praying for us and keeping up with us.
We are glad to be on this journey with you.
Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.