What a Week!

Russ started his new job as Pastor of Ocean Park Baptist church this past Sunday. Thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement. It was an exciting day! This picture was taken this past Sunday as Pastor Eddie Towers passed the torch to Russ. It is humbling to take over for a man who has been in the same church for almost 40 years. He and his wife, Janice, have been such an encouragement and help to us. We are so thankful for them and their wisdom.

It has been an overwhelming week. Russ and I started in the church office on Monday and we have not stopped! Lot's of housekeeping things to learn and get set up. I've had some long days. Working all day at the office and then doing Calligraphy at night. But it will all settle down in a few weeks as we get adjusted. I do know that I am already tired of the drive. It only takes 35 minutes if there is not any traffic - but hit rush hour and it could be an hour or more easily! Please pray that our house rents quickly so we can move closer to our new church family. Once I get used to my job, I will only have to be out here about 15 hours a week.
The church had a potluck dinner for us after morning services on Sunday. They also made it an old fashioned "Pounding". It the "old" days, when a new family would come into the community, everyone would get together and bring them a "pound" of something. A pound of sugar, a pound of flour, etc. I cannot even begin to tell you how much stuff we got! What they didn't buy, they gave us gift cards to the grocery store! My pantry could not hold any more food! I just kept pulling things out of all the bags! Soups, flour, sugar, canned goods, toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, paper plates - you name it! All those wonderful staples you fill your pantry with! What an absolute blessing! Thanks Ocean Park for allowing God to use you in our lives already!
Of course, let's not forget all the fun beach stuff that the youth gave us! We are ready for a day in the sun! Now, if we can get our schedules calmed down so we can enjoy a day at the beach! I can see the beach from the church parking lot for goodness sakes! What a temptation! It won't be long though - the kids won't let me forget!!!!!

Thanks again for all your prayers. Pray that the adjustment continues to be smooth and that we can get to know everyone. Pray that our house rents so we can get settled at the beach before school starts. Until next time......