The Countdown Is On...

The last time we wrote we were catching you all up on our crazy life of work, church and moving. Our month of May was very busy, but we had 2 very fun weekends in a row at the very end. For Memorial Day weekend we went camping with 3 other families totaling 16 of us. We went to Peninsula State Park in Door County Wisconsin. We had a blast and for the most part the weather was beautiful. On Sunday morning we had a bit of a drizzle, but was grateful for the gazebo covering that we had, but on Sunday night we experienced a huge thunder and lightning storm, which again made us extremely greatful for our covered gazebo. The Lord was so good in the fact that during the daytimes it was extremely warm and sunny and so we got to go biking and sightseeing and kayaking with no problems. Also when it came time to pack-up in the morning it was sunny so we didn't have to pack-up in the rain. Granted most of our stuff was extremely wet and muddy from the night before. It was just a neat time bonding with some good friends in nature, telling stories, laughing and sharing some great food. We all hope to make this a regular event even though Ben and I will be a bit farther away. I've included some pictures for your enjoyment.

The very next weekend we went on a retreat with our College and Career class from church. We went to a Christian retreat center called Cedar Creek Retreat Center. We had a great time as a group playing games (catch phrase was a hit), eating great food, being ministered to by our speakers and sitting around a campfire roasting smores. Each one of us was challenged in a different way through our theme of "Discerning the Will of God for our Lives". It is not an easy thing to do, but the group was up for the challenge of their faith in God to direct their lives. So we had a great time with the group, but must admit were excited when it was over because it takes a lot of time and energy to plan a retreat. I (Christina) feel like I have a life again. This retreat was a great ending to a 3 year commitment that Ben and I have had in leadership to this group. We will miss this group of students, but know God has great things in store for them with the new leaders. Here are some pictures from our retreat.

Shortly after this retreat on June 6th Ben finished up his school year as a teacher at the Cambridge School of Chicago. The end of year ceremony was a wonderful time as Ben was recognized and applauded for his 2 years of service. The kids he has been working with had a really hard time with him leaving so many tears were shed at the ceremony. For the remaining 3 weeks before we leave Ben was asked to be the curriculum specialist for the camp that the school puts on. So far he is loving the work. He is also very excited though about his new position beginning on July 7th. I am just continuing to work at Moody Publishers up until the day that we leave for Indiana. Now that our responsibilities are winding down our main focus is packing up our apartment and saying goodbye to friends and co-workers. We will be leaving Chicago on June 30th, which is the same day that our house is supposed to be completed. We will be moving into our new home on July 2nd. YEAH!!! So that is what is happening in our lives right now. Lots of changes and transitions, but much excitement ahead as we see what God has in store for us.