Provision

I personally struggle with the idea of God providing for me in tangible ways. Difficult times in my life and the millions who go without everyday are more than enough evidence to question the idea that God provides for his children. With that said I can't help but notice God helping Kate and I in this time of transition.

For instance, Kate is no longer an employee of Starbucks (she never even made it to her first, I guess some just can't handle the coffee business), but rather she is working at a State Farm Insurance office two blocks from our apartment. She was hired last Monday (Better pay and hours). Tuesday she found out that she needed to fly down to Texas for her Grandpa's funeral. Her boss was ok with her starting when she came back. A huge relief for Kate, who could be in Texas and not have to worry about a job.

This job has already started to pay off. Today was her first day and she found out that with her job she (and I) will receive access to the building's gym and parking garage (which is a short walk from our apartment). A parking space in this area is at least a $75 dollar a month value, plus free gym access.

Meredith and Steve continue to be a blessing as well. They have introduced us to numerous people in the area. Counting them, there are 6 other couples in the area who are in similar situations as Kate and I.

I think like most people in my situation, I continue to have doubts about whither I am doing the right thing. Is this really the degree I want? Do I really want to go into debt to do this? I am cut out for this? Do I even want to be involved in ministry? Ect...

It helps immensely though when I sense God's hand providing for me. So today I will allow myself to believe that it is actually Him, and not just coincidence.

You thought I was joking when I said my tent would be used when we didn't have a home!

Niether Kate nor I had to work this weekend so we decided to go camping. We spent the first night close to the beach at Bay View State Park about an hour north of Seattle. It was ok, it was pretty loud and this one kid screamed for an hour straight.

But last night we found a beautiful campsite in North Cascades National Park on the Skagit River. A few things about NCNP: It is the snowiest place in the lower 48, it has the most glaciers in the US besides Alaska (around 300), and it was the least visited National Park in 2004. It is definately one of the most rugged wilderness areas in the lower 48. I can't wait till we can head out there with our backpacks.


Camping on the Skagit River in North Cascades National Park.

They have big trees in Washington, or maybe Kate is shrinking because of all the hippie organic food. How do they expect us to grow without injected hormones in our food?

Future hikes?

Golden Gardens Park, Seattle

A day in Seattle....

The Beach at Discovery Park, Magnolia, view of the Olympic Mountains


A Seal, Alki Beach, West Seattle


Seattle Center viewed from West Seattle


Mount Rainier viewed from Kerry Park, Queene Anne

Sleeping on a futon in Seattle

Night #2 in Butte, MT.

Well it is another day in Seattle with perfectly blue clear skies. I am now employed by Starbucks Coffee. Today is my first day. And Kate and I have found an apartment. The only set back is that it is not available until Sept. 1st. So we will be sleeping on Meredith and Steve's futon for most of this month, interspersed with with some nights camping and in hotels. We are thinking it will all be worth it once we get into our new place. We are really excited about the apartment. It was listed as a 1 bedroom but when we walked in we saw that it was a 1 bd+. There is an extra room off the living room that can be used as an office or a bedroom when people come to visit us. This was a huge because Kate and I love to have people into our home and we can't wait for you all to come visit us. Though I must warn you, Scott has already laid claim to the room, so you might have to ask his permission to stay there.

On another note, I can't tell you how much of a blessing Meredith and Steve have been to us. It is bizzare to have packed up everything and moved 2000 miles to a strange new place and be immediately welcomed with smiles and hugs from perfect strangers. They have made us feel so welcomed and cared for. The experience has made me so grateful to be a part of the body of Christ. Kate and I hope to pay this blessing forward to incoming students next year.