That first drive from Newark Liberty International airport, through the jungles of northeastern Pennsylvania, and finally into downtown Bangor is one I will never, ever, forget. I was a little nauseous...partly from the excitement but mostly from the refusal of anyone who designed a road in Pennsylvania to engineer a straight line.
I remember South Main Street.
I remember the heat.
I remember arriving at 9 North Main St., walking up two flights of stairs (a trek I would make countless times in the next few years), sitting on the couch, saying goodbye to our tour guide...
...and laughing.
Laughing because in the hour-long drive, I fully expected to look at Summer and hear she was ready to take the drive back. That she had seen enough. There was something about the feel, something about Bangor, something about the place we would call home...I could feel something of the weight of what we were entering into, and I couldn't picture her being up for such a journey, such a challenge. And we had just gotten there.
How often have I underestimated this woman? Too often.
She wondered why I was laughing, I told her, and she proceeded to tell me she hadn't given up already, and she could see herself here. Her faith, her confidence...these would end up some of the single clearest indicators to me that Hopesprings in Bangor was our next step together. As He has so often, God revealed a great deal about where we should be through her.
It is one of the best decisions we have ever made together.
This weekend Hopesprings in Bangor is hosting a couple who is considering moving across the country to be a part of Hopesprings, and for the husband to become the new Lead Pastor in Bangor. They are a great couple with a great passion for serving where God wants them to be. We are considering them as a potential fit for us, and they will be meeting with leaders and people in a few different settings over the next couple days. Everyone is really excited about the possibilities.
As passionate as we are to be moving, and to see Hopesprings take its next step in Sioux City, we are also hungry for a great fit, for the health and future of Hopesprings in Bangor.
So, this flare (prayer) request is for...
- Josh and Jen as they consider Bangor, Hopesprings, and being a part of this crazy adventure.
- The people of Hopesprings in Bangor, and for their connection with Josh and Jen.
- The future of Hopesprings as we seek to love God and people. This is a time that is challenging and stretching our faith in great ways.
Also maybe pray to that I don't suddenly burst into tears like a seven-year-old girl thinking about leaving here...truly grateful for the impact of these last 6 years in our lives, and for all of the relationships we have here.
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