We've Reached the End

Well, this is it.  As we speak we are packing up and getting ready to head out.  Time to say goodbye to Birmingham.  This has been a great trip that has stretched, taught, and grown us.  And when we say stretched, we mean some serious stretching.  God has allowed us to be in a lot of uncomfortable and new situations, and worked through us and in us every time.  
We have had the chance to come alongside a greater variety and number of different people, groups, and organizations working in the area than we could have imagined.  Most of our days have been filled from start to finish, with sometimes up to three or four different things going on.  We've visited drop-in centers, crisis pregnancy centers, prayer meetings, and ESL classes, as well as home visits, street evangelism, and handed out tracts.  We've also picnicked with Iranians, attended a lecture on Islam, painted a fence, washed curtains, done some gardening, attended guitar clubs and film clubs, and more.  And boy, are we exhausted :) 
One of the things that we will treasure most from our time here is the people.  We have met truly amazing people from all kinds of backgrounds.  We've been shown incredible hospitality, and words cannot express how grateful we are.  We've been invited in to so many homes, been cooked so many different meals, and have had such great conversations.  And of course, a special thank you to our hosts, Bill and Beckie, for putting up with us for 6 weeks!  They were gracious, welcoming, and hospitable.
Another aspect that we will take back with us is a much bigger understanding of ministry.  How minstry can encompass so many different events, groups, and ideas.  From manual labor, to clubs, to home visits, to street evangelism...it's all ministry.  And it all shows the love of Christ. And we don't have to pigeon hole ourselves to one of them, or even one group of people.

We are sad to be leaving all the new friends we have made, but very excited to see where God takes us next year after Jake graduates from Moody.  We are so thankful to our Heavenly Father for bringing us here to experience Birmingham and we're leaving here with the knowledge and peace that this is exactly where He wanted us, having done exactly what He wanted us to do.

Thank you everyone who supported us through giving monetarily and in prayer prior to us coming and while we've been here.

Til next time,

Blessings!
Jake and Em