It's been a long time...

Hey guys,

I am glad to be back in the blogger world. I guess I missed a while and then just got overwhelmed everytime I thought about catching up. But I am finally back. Sorry it has been so long. I still think this is a great way to communicate.

Man, I am looking forward to CPAC, although I am still a little bit nervous (in fact, alot nervous). I am definately looking forward to hanging out with all of you, and we will have to bring rook in case we have an opportunity to teach Hamish and Molly, but from what I hear I doubt that we will have that chance.

Amy and I have a few mission opportunities coming up. We are showing some pictures and video the church services of one of the churches we are hoping will support us. There are two Christian churches in our town, and they are the other one. The churches have a good relationship, but Amy and I espescially have a great relationship with the leaders of that church and alot of the parents and kids, so I hope it is good. They gave us $1000 when we went to NZ last year and the presentation on Oct. 29 is an update from that trip. We also meet with them on November 11, althought I cannot make it because I am in charge of the state teen convention's mission experience (and it is a completely different and new idea, kinda overwhelming), which is at exactly the same time, but Amy is extremely capable and will do a great job (don't tell her I said that).

We are also speaking to the mission committee at Amy's home church on November 12. Amy obviously knows some of the people there, I have a good relationship with the youth ministry staff, and Amy's parents are a staple in the church. It is a church of about $3000, so we hope for a big partnership there. Then we are speaking to a number of churches on November 18 in NY. Exciting.

Personally, I am good. we are having some trouble with one fo the families involved in the youth ministry, so please pray about that. It is a crazy situation. The elders, the preacher and myself are in agreement, but there is dissention in the ranks, which is not a godly charachteristic of a church. We are praying for unity. Other youth ministry stuff is going really, really well though, so I am pumped right now.

Sorry this has been so long. Can't wait to see all of you.

Joe