One Year

Today was Daniel's first anniversary at Columbia Ridge...

It's hard to believe that just over a year ago we were driving to Portland, living with Matt and Kim, looking for a job, and that we didn't have any of this — our apartment, our church, this ministry and these amazing people.



It has definitely been an exciting year. An awesome school year, and an awesome summer. We've learned a lot, played a lot, done a lot and seen a lot. We'll be making some constructive changes for the upcoming school year that we're excited about...and are so excited about all that will continue to be in store for the coming years.



Honestly, I can't express how proud of Daniel I am. I wish I could show each of you how much these kids love him, and how well relationships with students have been formed. He has spent his hours planning, preparing, teaching, and investing. He pours his heart into each day, each event, each interaction and each text and facebook message. I am so, so, so glad that he is able to be doing what he loves and is made for, and also so glad that we're in the place we know without a doubt that we're supposed to be in.



We spent the day at a leadership conference with about 25 other church people, and at lunch they gave us a "happy birthday" cake, a card, and so, so, so many sweet words and prayers of thanks and encouragements. We love this church so much, and really I just hope that everyone is equally fortunate enough to one day know how appreciated they are. We are so thankful to be so appreciated, but almost moreso, we're so thankful to be a part of a team that expresses that appreciation to one another and loves and encourages each other. We honestly couldn't ask for more.

...and if these pictures don't seem to add up with what I was saying about Daniel's job, I forgot to mention that he also gets to dress up in ridiculous costume, be silly, and act crazy frequently.