It is not always easy to write an update. Now that we have settled in our lives feel pretty simple – It seems as though there isn’t much to share. Each week, Nathan works hard on his assignments and goes to work at the seminary. Keely and I are at home, working on schoolwork. When we have time as a family we like to go for walks and our absolute favourite is spending time at the beach, which we try to do once or twice a month. Keely spends so much time in the water, I am pretty sure she is growing gills… Nathan and I love the beach in Carpinteria, Keely’s favourite so far is in Malibu due to the big waves that we encountered, but she is eager to check out new beaches all the time. Nathan was thrilled to survey the fishing scene at Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara. Now that he has made careful observations and organized his gear, he is ready to give it a stellar effort. I am very confident he will catch something next time we go. If anyone can catch a fish its Nathan! As an aside, I was gifted some English Toffee from the candy shop on Stearns Wharf…it was delicious. I highly recommend this treat if you like chocolatey, nutty toffee… Yum!
Recently we “piano sat” for neighbours. For 4 glorious days we had a beautiful piano in our living room. Nathan can play a few songs by ear so he enjoyed ‘tickling the ivories’ and Keely also enjoyed trying it out a few times. I was inspired to learn to play. The wall where it sat looks very empty now.
Nathan’s Greek course has moved into translation now, which he is very excited about. It’s fair to say, though, that he is loving all of his classes. I had the opportunity to join him for a Hermeneutics class – It was so interesting, I couldn’t help but take notes! I also recently began a biblical counselling course through the church. I am hoping to be able to get my certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counsellors. Now all three of us have homework to work on!
So here we are, now, more than two months into seminary life. It feels ‘normal’ here now. We don’t feel like we are on a holiday. We are growing more accustomed to the nuances and cultural differences between Vancouver Island and Southern California. Our lives have a simpler quality with more time to focus on our Saviour. We pray we do not squander this opportunity, and that we grow in our walk with Christ.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Colossians 3:23-24
Faithful 