What a week...

Last week ended with a beautiful worship service on Sunday evening with our church family. I was greatly encouraged by the growth we see in our student ministry and church body over the last few months. Every Wednesday and Sunday it seems like as we drive back to "reality" (our lives in Dallas), we long more and more to live in the same community with our church family. After this week, I really can't wait to get to the end of this semester. Only three short months and our lease is up!

This week began as usual... BUSY. Brett was busy with work, and I was busy with school, homework, and my part-time job. We always can't wait until Wednesday when we get to go hang out with our teens and fellowship with some of our co-leaders. These people are so sweet. Once Thursday came around real life began to pile on. I got a text from Brett while I was in class telling me that he had a flat tire. I came home to help him sort that out and soon later back to life we went.

This week, by Friday, had me exhausted, but I was also extremely excited to spend Friday night with my girls. One of my sixth grade girls, Savannah, is turning 12 and her mom (who co-leads the group with me) hosted all of our middle school girls for a slumber party! I was just as excited as they were. I was ready for the make-overs and girl time after a long week. 

 At the party, we all decorated pillowcases and got to draw on each other's a picture of what we thought when we thought of that person. I was excited to get to do one, too.

While at my sleep over, Brett called to mention that our washing machine stopped working that night... :( At that point, I had no energy left to worry about something I could not fix right then, so I waited until I got home Saturday to discuss options for fixing the problem. After a brief emotional break down and my wonderful husband's steady, stress free personality we came up with a plan. Because repairs to our current washing machine would be more expensive, we decided to buy a cheap washer off of craig's list and pray that it would work long enough for us to buy a new set when we move at the end of our lease. We picked it up today, and I am proud to say after the very gracious acts from our neighbors (who we literally met today) we got our "new" washer up the three flights of stairs. AND it works! Halellujah! It's a little "loved" but I am thankful beyond belief. 

Today, after church, I also got to take our small group to a nursing home in Rowlett to love on some elderly people. We made Valentine's cards and handed them our to the people living in the home. I loved seeing these girls love so willingly to people that really needed it. I love being able to be apart of them learning more about Jesus and learning how to live life according to His Word.

 After weeks like this one, I realize how important it is to have people around you. It is that community that we long to be in. I can't wait to be able to drive five minutes to church or be able to host a sleep over with my girls at our home. I know that the Lord is working out everything for our good and all I have to do is be patient. For now, I chose to be thankful for where we are because I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Brandi