Lake Junaluska, NC

July 21-23: We had a great trip to Lake Junaluska, NC for a small group leaders retreat. The weather was beautiful (cooler than Charlotte from the mountains), and we enjoyed some wonderful times of worship and teaching, along with spending time with dear friends. Among those friends are Joe and Jeanie Lechner (top picture), who have been our dear neighbors for the last year and a half. We will be sad to say goodbye, but hopefully we'll see them a lot up in Maryland next year since Jeanie's family attends Covenant Life Church, where we will be. I think that's one of the hardest things ...saying good-bye to all of the friends God has graciously blessed us with here in Charlotte. But as He has been faithful to us here, we know he has friends waiting for us in Gaithersburg. Please pray that we can be purposeful in making new friends and initiating biblical fellowship, especially with the other families who will be at the Pastors College. You can also pray for a smooth 2 weeks of packing. For those of you who haven't heard, we are blessed to be able to rent our own apartment next year (thank you so much to all of you who have supported us financially! We are overwhelmed by your generosity!) So we are in the midst of packing our house up, trying not to make too much of a war zone in the mean time. :) Much love to you all!

P.S. Baby Swan is doing well- 14 weeks and counting! We should find out if it's a boy or girl by the end of the month! Yipee!