When we first moved into Barberry in 2008, we naturally made a connection with our neighbors who lived right underneath us. An inter-generational family of grandma, mom, and young daughter who were very open and excited to meet friendly neighbors who they could trust and spend time with. The young daughter would come to the children's events, participate in many crafts and activities with much eagerness to learn. She was nearing 5 years old when the family ended up moving. We were sad to see them move, especially since the relationship was leading towards more discussions of faith, life, and purpose, but unfortunately moving is in deed a fact of life. We said our goodbyes, not expecting to ever see each other again.

Come February 2010, on a typical Monday, Josh finds a note on his door as he returns from work. This note wasn't one we ever expected. It was a note from the family. Written on pink paper, the note said the family remembers and misses us, and would like to reconnect. They left their phone number and request to re-unite contact.

I called and was blessed to hear how the family is doing. Mom was very proud of her daughter, who is attending school and is one of the top readers in her first grade class. The family is closely connected and feels very fondly about the school. Mom said her daughter thinks about us and would like to visit us soon.

We were absolutely thrilled to hear that this family has kept us in their hearts, even as we were apart for over a year. We invited them to come to the next community meal and will be connected regarding upcoming children's events.

It is just amazing seeing how God reunites people according to His will. No doubt that God has a reason for them contacting us - so far its been a clear blessing and encouragement to us, but I have a feeling there is more to it than just that. Please pray that God will continue leading this relationship in His purposeful direction.

This is a great song to go with my post "You live there!? Why?"

It's been awhile since our last post, and as you can imagine a lot has happened - and changed.

The past two seasons have proved to show how many people there are in the Rockwood community who care about it and are doing great works on behalf of their love for this area. We have had the opportunity to attend a Rockwood Neighborhood Association meeting in November and meet many people who have roots here and are engaging in making a positive difference.

The meeting was held at Rockwood's new Salvation Army Youth Center, home of this winter's Good Shepherd Christmas party, which many families from Barberry attended. It is so great to partner with passionate believers to serve God's kingdom! The event was filled with much joy and laughter. It was especially encouraging seeing youth (and we're talking young kids in elementary and middle school) participate in leading activities!

Most of us remember waiting anxiously for our birthdays to come around - we would spend time thinking and planning on what kind of themed birthday we'd have, what kind of gifts we'd request, what meal mom would make, etc. Regardless the traditions, most of us would agree, a birthday is a special time in ones life. Of course the older you get, the less meaningful these birthday parties become (facing the reality of what age you're becoming can bee intimidating), but even so, there is something special about celebrating ones life with close friends and family.

Oftentimes, it is easy to take a birthday party for granted. I mean, doesn't everyone have a birthday? Wouldn't everyone have a birthday party?

Community of love and care
The shell speaks don't you dare
But underneath the intimidation
Is a beautiful creation.

Underneath the hurt and struggle
There is a small bubble
Of hope that's been plagued with rejection
Even filled with infection
Is there someone who can heal?
Who can peel
The layer of destruction
And fill it with God's love and grace?

It is an enormous challenge that man cannot face alone
When the human heart, when the bubble is turned into stone
The power and love of the Holy Spirit comes in the form of hug
And then begins to melt away the pain
Holy Spirit comes as rain
The tears are flowing
The light is showing
Rainbow.

Love comes in many colors, love shines.
It is divine.
Christ love is what changes stones into love.
Christ love is what changes infection into perfection.
Christ love comes
And builds
A community of love and care.

When we are in are most trying times, it almost always seems as if God comes through. This should come as no surprise, but for some reason it usually does, at least to me. When"we are week, He is strong."

The last few months have been trying, as others have shared, we are discovering that being here for the long haul takes more commitment then we "expected." We always talk about having no expectations of what will happen, but they slip in some how. It seems the more I try to make something as simple as playing disc golf with a neighbor happen the more I fail. If the key point of being here is to develop relationships then why is it so hard I have often asked myself.....Well this last week God allowed for some awesome relationship building. After months of trying to get together with one of our neighbors it happened. The guy actually took the initiative and planned it out for us almost! And we were able to play Disc golf and talk about Christ(thanks to one of the dudes here with the gift of evangelism). We are looking forward to doing this again this coming week. Praise God!

Also, God has really been opening doors with the neighbors who live below us. Friday night I was able to play catch with the dads that live there and that opened doors for lots of relationships and conversations to take place over the rest of the weekend. It is amazing how God comes in at just that right time and reminds us that HE alone is in control!

Thanks for you prayers! May God richly bless you in his grace and mercy!