Mid-summer Update: Joy in Unity
We are thankful for the endurance and encouragement that God has given our family this summer, but especially for the spirit of unity among our staff and families that has made this summer a joy as we minister together. God has moved through this staff team in amazing ways in the lives of over 200 youth who have served with us. One consistent theme this summer is the way teenagers' eyes have been opened to issues of injustice that are daily realities in our city - things like hunger, poor nutrition, homelessness, and immigrant struggles. It's awesome to see youth put faces and names with these "issues" and begin to understand God's loving heart for them.
House Update. Since withdrawing from buying a house this spring, Sarah and I have taken a refreshing break from house-hunting. We feel that God has given us this hiatus to focus on ministry, family, and continued prayer. We expect to be re-engaged in searching for a ministry house this fall.
Family Life. In the meantime, we have had a blast adjusting to life with 3 boys! There is seldom a quiet moment in our house except at night (and sometimes not even then). We have stayed busy this summer with fun stuff like bowling, beach, and having neighborhood kids over to our yard, which has become known as the "Riddle Playground." Aaron is healthy and growing, and has been appropriately dubbed "Chubby Dumpling" by women in our church. He is now 6 months old, and loves to laugh and scream at his older brothers. We are seeing more of Timothy's personality come out every day, and we love how he takes joy in everything. Joseph is starting kindergarten in just a few weeks (sniff, sniff), and is so excited and proud to go to school. He picked out a new Star Wars backpack and lunchbox this week. We are sending him to a local urban Christian school that we expect will be a great fit for him.
