I've been a bit frazzled lately and so while I haven't been blogging much, things are still happening. Rachel comes back to work on Monday after six weeks of maternity leave. I've been back for a few weeks and it is odd to work without her. We work so well together, bouncing ideas off each other, holding each other accountable, and so forth. When she is gone, I feel at a bit of a loss. Things get done, but the rhythm I am use to is gone. So, I will be glad when she comes back. I love her, and I love working with her.

Last Sunday we had a Community Ministry/Urban Mission theme'd worship service. A member of our church shared the history of The Flint Citadel, the brass band played some songs (one had a slide show of what we have been up to in the neighborhood), I lead some songs and spoke about what we are doing, our neighborhood president and friend spoke, and we had a guest preacher who works for The Salvation Army's territiorial headquarters in Chicago in the field of Urban Mission. Afterward, we had a potluck dinner, and then I took a group on a van tour of the neighborhood, where I was able to talk about the things we do, and show them the places we are always talking about. Rachel and I love our jobs and we love our neighborhood. We are certainly in a great place in our lives right now. We have a nice house which will be paid off in 3 years. We have an awesome dog. We have a 5 week old daughter named Hannah. We live in community with friends. We are constantly busy and interacting with our friends, neighbors, and the children of the neighborhood. Things couldn't get much better than this.

On the work front, we have several projects under way. The co-op house is the biggest one. The concept is making its way through DHQ and THQ for approval. The house is a matter of debate given the investment, though we do not look for a return like a homeowner would be looking for. We are about two months away from year two of picnics in the park. We are getting all set for some urban gardening and clean ups. We are booking bands to play at The Sal and people are really enjoying the music and fellowship. We are about to start a new bible study (by request) for young married/parents. The young adult bible study is making its way through the book of Ezekiel. There is so much more going on.

This will be a good Spring/Summer.