A New Normal

Since last writing, we have become somewhat more settled. Christian and Preston are going to school everyday and John Robert has now started classes at Auburn University.  We are all finding our "new normal" here in the States.  We've experienced joys here, but also "reverse culture shock" at times.  For me, I have had sticker shock at how expensive everything is here.   While living in Panama, I had convinced myself that groceries and other things were much cheaper here. But, I either had a terrible memory at how much everything costs here, or the prices have jumped up a lot in 3 and a half years.  I suspect it's a little of both.

Also, all three of the kids are having to make new friends and find their place here.  It's definitely not a fun thing being the "new kid" but with a lot of prayers, God is helping all of us through this process.

John Robert is going through many new changes as he is now living "on his own."  He's finding out what it's like to be responsible for washing his clothes, cooking his meals, or eating out on a budget, getting himself up every morning.... the list goes on and on.  And we're finding that we miss him a lot. But we are confident that God has led him to this place in his life, and are praying that all that we've taught him for the past 18 years is being put into practice.

Two weeks ago Cavin preached (all in Spanish) at Olive Springs Hispanic Church in Marietta, Georgia.  This past week we worshipped at Paper Mill Road Baptist Church in Marietta where Cavin preached; and this week we will be at Olive Springs Baptist Church in Marietta.  It's been great sharing with these congregations about our work in Panama and how God blessed, and how He is continuing to do great things there.