Natch Geek

A few facts about Natchitoches, Louisiana:

1. One pronunciation: 'nack uh dish'

Another: 'nack uh tish'

Another: 'nack uh tush'

Never: 'natch i tochis'

2. It means "natural perfection"

3. The movies Steel Magnolias and The Man in the Moon were filmed there

(as well as several other TV movies)

4. Population: Approx 18,500 (+4!)

NSU enrollement (not included in pop.): 10,000

5. Oprah Winfrey visited Natchitoches in October 2002 after a guest on her show told her how much Natchitoches loved her. Oprah was noted for calling Natchitoches "The Best little town in the whole USA!"

6. Average Highs & Lows:

January-57/36

July-94/74

7. It is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase and is located halfway between Shreveport and Alexandria.

8. Our (soon to be) New Home!

Don't you just love Wikipedia?!

Liar, Liar

I lied.

I said in my last post that nothing exciting was happening around here. Well, our excitement level has just gone to level orange, bordering on red.

We're moving to Louisiana.

(Pause for effect)

Kelly accepted a position as Assistant Coach at Northwestern State University, a NCAA Division I state university in Natchitoches, LA. He resigned from his position at Crossroads today, his last day is a week from Friday and he'll start at NSU September 9th for Fall Baseball. Kelly is very excited and this opportunity has presented itself quickly and furiously recently. Kelly will be coaching under JP Davis, newly named head coach of the NSU Demons.

The kids and I will remain in Rochester until November. Claire will begin 1st grade, Nolan will start preschool and I will teach until we leave. Kelly will return to MN in November, after the conclusion of fall ball, and we'll make the move south as a family.

We're really excited about this tremendous opportunity (and a little scared too!). Our Minnesota bodies will have to acclimate to the 50 degree winters, but I'm pretty sure we'll make it!

Long Time No Blog

I know, I know... I don't think I've ever gone this long without posting before. I just didn't have anything exciting to report. I realize that we're usually living at the height of excitement, but what can I say? Not that we haven't been busy, though.

Student athletes checked in last weekend and tonight is convocation at Crossroads. I'm working mornings and evenings for the church here-and-there, and have been prepping the classroom for preschool with my lead teacher.

Claire & Nolan both have 'Meet the Teacher' at their schools (and I'll meet my students this week as well... all 56 of them! 4 classes x 14 students).

Life is busy, good. We had LOTS of rain this past 2 weeks and ended up with a wet basement. It was our first experience with water in our lower level but the sunshine this week has helped to dry things up a bit. In a town not too far from Rochester, a natural disaster has been declared with millions of dollars in damages and at least 6 lives lost due to flooding. We could have had it much worse.

As I type, my kids (and husband) are beckoning me to join them outside. We're trying to enjoy the sun while we can! I must run, but couldn't let another day go by without catching up. Until Later...

Zero to Sixty

Phew!

Give me a minute... I just have to catch my breath... Okay! I'm good!

The lazy days of summer are over. Yes, it's still Summer, but I can no longer be lazy! I am officially "on" at church as the Elementary Director has had her baby and I am her replacement while she is out. This week has seen 12+ hours of meetings for preschool and now church stuff is building on all sides. My plate is a bit fuller than it normally will be as the Children's Pastor is on vacation and I will be helping in the Early Childhood dept as posititions are being filled and others are out. Gimme a few weeks and I'll be in the swing of things. Until then... Look out! I'm scheduling, organizing and attempting to keep it all together. I'm armed and dangerous: I've got a label maker and I'm not afraid to use it!

A Season

I was cleaning up from snack prep at VBS on Wednesday when I heard the news of the bridge collapse in Minneapolis. Details were few and sketchy as I gasped and said a quick prayer. When we arrived home, I tuned in to the news to learn the horrific details. Kelly & I watched in awe, shook our heads and had little to say. The kids asked what had happened and we explained in the easiest, least traumatic way possible. We've received calls from family & friends around the nation to see if we're alright. We were tucked safely away in Rochester, but that doesn't mean we haven't been affected.

Here's a post by John Piper that helps to put things into perspective. (I first linked to it from a friend's blog... Thank you, Kate.) It's a must-read.

Sometimes life is blissful. We live life easily, happy where we are & in what we're doing. Laughter comes quickly and often. Other times we're faced with trials, with circumstances that are hard. Tears, pain and frustration are felt more often then not. Often a trying time is referred to as a season. This isn't a new term or the first time I've used it, but I've come to appreciate it recently. We know that seasons are part of the cycle. Just like winter that can seem endless, it is only a season.

I know of several who are in their very own season, with circumstances that vary. The main difference, however, is found in how we navigate our season. Do we rely on God to steer us through? Are we seeking the wisdom that is to be found and claiming the victory that is to be had? I write these words with ease, but putting them into practice is much harder.

Last year, as we headed into our own season, I participated in the Beth Moore study Believing God. God used the truths she taught in my life:

1. God is who He says He is.
2. God can do what He says He can do.

3. I am who God says I am.

4. I can do all things through Christ.
5. God's Word is alive and active in me.

Our season is not over. The willingness we had at the beginning is hanging by a thread. Our season is longer than anticipated. At times it may seem the end is near, other times is feels as though we're back in the heart of the struggle. Sometimes I forget God's promises. But God doesn't. We must cling to Him, lest we waste away in despair. It is only a season.

Serious Fun

This week we've had some very serious fun. Claire & Nolan attended camp Monday - Wednesday while I either subbed at camp or had work meetings. The theme was science which took us to the St Paul Science Museum, the park, and learning about space. We wrap up VBS tonight with a Family Fun Night with bounce houses and lots of fun. 'Avalanche Ranch: A Wild Ride Through God's Word' began on Sunday evening and saw 300 kids come through the doors. It's been a great week full of fun and excitement... but I'm ready for a break! We've been at the church more than we've been home this week but what I can I say, it's a great place to be.

48 Hours

Rochester, MN to Maryville, MO. Maryville to Clarinda, IA. Clarinda to Kearney, MO. Kearney to Kansas City, MO. Kansas City to Rochester, MN. All in less than 48 hours. (46.5 to be exact!)

We had a great time on our impromptu trip. Alas, the Grays lost their final elimination game on Saturday evening, but it was a great game to watch, one the team can be proud of. After the game we had a late meal at Cracker Barrel and spent the night back in Kearney. Friday morning Kelly headed to the FCA offices to check guys out and say a final goodbye. We picked him up, ate a birthday lunch at Chili's (Happy 33rd, Kelly!) and headed home. We pulled in our driveway at 7:30 last night and enjoyed a good night's sleep. We're spending the day together in true Saturday style. We're still in our pjs, resting and preparing for 'real life' once again.

Welcome Home, Kelly! To a great season and a fantastic summer!