I'm so sorry...

Really. It's not that I don't have anything to write about, it's just that this time of year becomes mass chaos for our office. We view September as a form of Armageddon for resettlement agencies. If we can make it through the end of the federal fiscal year, the Hallejuahs start bursting forth.

Last year, they told us to expect 51 refugees. We got 79. Forty of those arrived in the last three weeks in September. This year, they told us to expect 90. We have already received 45, are getting four tomorrow night (read: another 11:45 pm flight arrival; why do they do this to these people? They're already exhausted...), and have already verified 68 others to be received by the end of the fiscal year, now three months and one week away. Hmmm.....45 and 4 and 68 does not equal 90. It equals 117. One hundred seventeen people to resettle... one hundred seventeen individuals with different stories, experiences, and cultures... one hundred seventeen souls to help adjust to a new life after seeing immunerable horrors...

Sometimes, I get overwhelmed.

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ -Matthew 25:40

Long Time, No See

I apologize for my somewhat-extended absence from the blogging sphere. A few weeks ago, Isaac was sick with some sort of summer cold, which he promptly passed onto me. My cold however, developed into a nasty cough and a general overall feeling of crapiness. I'm on the mend now, which is a relief because being sick is...well, it's boring.

The latest happenings with the Johnsons include our first (and second) service(s) at the building on Blue Ridge! The sanctuary is huge, but because we're only having one service right now, we are packed in there like sardines...all except the first row. How come nobody ever wants to sit on the first row in church? Pastor Burt doesn't spit, I'm pretty sure. Hmmm...maybe Rob does when he's leading us in worship. Yes, I'm sure that's the reason.

I actually wasn't able to be a part of the first service because I was in the nursery with my favorite baby boy Zach. Although the toddler room was literally overflowing, it was just Zach and his Aunt Jenny in the infants' room. Since I wasn't in the sanctuary during the service, Clemma took some pictures for me:

A view of the sanctuary.

Pastor Burt. One of the smartest men I know. Pure genius.

Aunt Jenny and Zach. I had to put his mittens on him because he's now into scratching his face. I love this child. I love his parents, too.

We also threw Liz her first bridal shower Memorial Day weekend. It was a western/cowboy theme, which she seemed to really love. Although the day was wet and cold, we still had a blast together and loaded up Liz with some quality gifts, which she had to move from her house that very weekend. She and Jake are getting married in less than two months now! I am so excited for them to start their lives together as husband and wife and to demonstrate the love Christ has for His Church in their marriage. I bet they're pretty excited too!

Opening presents!

Annie acting like a senior citizen with the multiple Bridal Bingo cards.

Liz and Jenny!

Isaac and I made a purchase last night. It was a fairly large purchase, but one for which we had been saving for quite some time. Forgive us if we're a little behind the times, but you know how it goes...

As you can see, Isaac is very excited about his Wii. We played some last night, and I have to admit that I am actually really good at tennis and bowling. I totally beat Isaac in bowling! Coach Micah would be so proud of me! The cool thing is, Isaac will be gone this weekend to Springfield for their annual conference, so I'll be brushing up on my skills. So friends, feel free to invite yourself over for some Wii action!

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flows the springs of life." -Proverbs 4:23