Kara, Will, and I have just returned from our trip to the deep north and are beginning to regroup to our sothern lifestyle.  The trip home was wonderful.  We truly loved seeing our family and friends. Being far from home is really beginning to wear on us (returning to Louisiana was especially difficult for us this time).  We look forward to the time when the Lord will provide a way for us to be closer to home.

Fortunately, we have much to keep us busy.  Kara and Will are currently battling illnesses and Kara will soon be trying to find another student to tutor (insinuated prayer request).  As for me, I have a paper to write by Monday, a website to finish by next week, and a class to revise before the start of school on the 23rd.  In addition, I just been told that I will be teaching a brand new course as well - one which I have never taught before.  Although I have no idea how all this will work itself out (the temptation is to be suffocated), I know that it will.  God has always been faithful in such situations.  I am certain that by next month, I will be recalling how He enabled me to meet all of these deadlines beyond what I thought was possible.  In the meantime I will continue to hang on for dear life.  

As many of you know, I have spent the last six months on search team for our church seeking a small groups pastor.  I am happy to report that this process is almost complete (at least from my perspective).  We will be flying the final two candidates in this weekend and will be meeting with them until next Wednesday.  Both are high-quality individuals capable of filling the role withint the church.  Our prayer is that the Lord would make His choice for the position clear to us so that the other candidate might find the position marked out for him as soon as possible.   

About three years ago, I was called to leave my position as a project architect and continue my education so that I might teach others about the profession I had come to love.  Having done this, I now find myself working at a university many miles from my family.  The distance has been tough to bear.  This pain has been intensified in recent weeks as my younger brother has left his home for China.  I imagine this trend will continue when my other brother leaves to serve in Iraq. 

My hope in joining xenga is to bridge this distance.

That being said, I have no idea how often I will use this outlet.  I typically prefer communication that has a clearly defined audience.  Posts lack the personal tone that I enjoy (the tone of this post should bear adequate testimony to this end).  On the other hand, perhaps this new venue will serve as an impetus to be a better communicator to those I love.  I guess only time will tell.