Community

If there is one thing that Mars Hill stresses its being in community.  And personally, if there is one way to appreciate the beauty of community- its to leave the one where you are comfortable.  As we have been saying all along, we have had many opportunities to meet numerous great people.  But as time has gone on and we feel more and more settled in Seattle we become more aware of the significance of having community.  

Last thursday Josh and I headed 40 minutes north to Everett, WA.  We met up with our friend Tyrone, the founder of Casino Road Ministries.  We had met him originally back in March when we first arrived at the Northwest Ministry Conference.  We attended his session and talked with him afters.  Ever since then he has been praying for us and encouraging us along with way.  He is one of the most genuine guys I have ever met.  It was great to see the Casino Road ministry in action and once again chat with the passionate, loving man who started it.  

This past monday evening we had a fun night out with my nanny family.  I am so grateful for the Chan's and how they have welcomed me into their home.  It was great to celebrate Christmas with them over good food!

This past tuesday we had another fun evening with the Mars Hill Community Group I babysit for.   Back in August I started helping watch the kids every tuesday night while the adults met for group.  There are 14 kids in all (a few months to 10 years old)- and yes there is someone else with me to wrangle all the squirmys!  Last tuesday was their Christmas celebration complete with delicious dinner, amazing deserts, "photo booth", kids running everywhere, a cute gift exchange among the littles and pipe cleaner craft!  I have been so thankful for the opportunity to be "a part" of this CG and the chance to know 6 families in our church so well.  Going there every tuesday night has also kept me "grounded".  I am one to turn to anxiousness when I am not at home (aka MN), but spending time with these families remind me that Seattle is their home- so why can't I view this as my home as well?!  It was a great night of laughter, food and kids opening presents! 

God has totally opened our eyes to the beauty of community and how He has established it.  It is only because of His church that we have people that surround us in Seattle that love us.              

Dinner with my nanny family

Tuesday Night CG Party

"Photo Booth" at CG Party

Some of the littles :)

This was a fun holiday event we attended where boats get decked out in Christmas lights and sail through different parts of the water surrounding Seattle singing Christmas carols!  They even had a few old boats docked to tour.  Plus the Needle has it Christmas tree on the top with lights- the city is even MORE fun with all the festivities!