Living out today

Oh wow how the past few months have flown by. It does feel like just a bit ago we were across the ocean, living without electricity, eating beans and rice, and enjoying life. But it's been over four months since then.

For those of you reading this, if you are expecting an update...here it is. We are doing lovely. Nate has been putting in 50 to 60 hour weeks working for Haslock and Sons Excavating. I, Julianne, have been working at the local Aeropostale and filling in for a real estate office in town. I also have been taking a couple classes at the community college. And that's what we've been up to.

But my main purpose in writing this I guess is to process some of the things that have been running through my mind lately. And to maybe hopefully challenge you as well.

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like I've been living these past few months in fast forward. We've known since we moved back home to Michigan that at the end of August we would be moving back to Minnesota. And I think that's caused me to only push towards that in the things I do. Instead of enjoying each day I have here with family and friends, I've been running full speed ahead trying to get the next season of life. And the what? What will happen once I get there? Will I just keep striving towards what's next?

Re-living college for a few days in TN

Nate and I had a chance to have a mini vacation from work about a week back. We traveled down to Tennessee with a couple families from church to attend a Christian conference. It was a refreshing and peaceful time for us. While we were there, we had the opportunity to meet some folks who were doing ministry in China. They have a teaching program set up that covers all expenses while in China plus throws in free airfare. You have to commit to a year of teaching English. Only requirement: a bachelor's degree.

Neither of us have graduated college. We met in college...and that's about the gist of Nate's college experience. I've been trying to take classes here and there. So when I talked to Nate about going back to school, he said, "not now."

I naturally try to plan out my life...like every detail for the next five years. Seriously. And he just says not now. Not because he's totally against college...but because right now he's working. And this fall we will be in MN helping with the Fall DTS. For him, January is a long ways away...something not on the radar.

I think we often criticize people like Nate for not "planning ahead" while we run around in circles trying to get our lives "figured out." Jesus said he came to give "life to the full." I don't think He meant life full of plans...but instead a full life.

I'm not sure what that means yet. But it's something I'd like to discover day by day.

"today is your life" t-shirt I made a couple years ago

So yes, in regards to an update...this doesn't quite fit the bill. We are planning on moving to MN at the end of August to continue working with Youth With A Mission. We do need your help through prayers and monthly support. We'd love for you to join us in this daily adventure.

But right now, we are living in Howell, Michigan, enjoying each precious day we have here.