Back in Norfolk

Well, it's been about a month since we moved back to Norfolk from State College, PA. A ton has happened since we moved, but it still doesn't seem like it's been that long. I decided I should start blogging again so that those of you who have no idea what's going on in my life can sort of catch up with me again. Also, anyone who reads this and has your own blog, send me the URL so I can keep in touch with you too.

Jon and I have kept busy with new jobs and getting ready for school in the fall as well as getting our new drivers' licenses, registering to vote, having our address officially changed, etc. We've also managed to get in a couple trips to the beach in between.

We moved on July 3rd and my parents were able to come down with us to help us move all the stuff off the truck, which was great! I'm not sure how long it would have taken us to unload the truck without the help of my mom, dad and Josiah. We took some time off from moving on the 4th of July to go to Town Point Park downtown and check out Harborfest and the 4th of July fireworks. Although these fireworks are nowhere near as spectacular as the ones in State College, it was still fun to see them set off over the harbor. My parents stayed for a few days and we did some more moving in, checked out a great local restaurant, and visited the Chrysler museum of art.

After we did our initial settling in, I was able to start a part-time position at a local ice skating rink. I'm working part-time doing general tasks around the rink, and I've also been working as a coach for their learn-to-skate summer camps. It's been so much fun teaching kids again. And I'm getting back into skating a little bit for the first time in eight years. The manager of the rink lets me have some freestyle ice time for free, which really helps. I'm taking two skating tests this Friday, and I've joined the local figure skating club (For those of you who skate, I'm taking my pre-preliminary moves and freestyle tests.). I'm hoping within the next year to get the liability insurance I would need to be able to give a few private lessons. I'm also hoping to be able to work with some of the group lessons during the school year.

Jon's job has been going well, although Jon often is disappointed that he doesn't have more opportunities to be creative in his problem solving. Although I don't fully understand all of what he's doing, currently it seems that he is given plans and requirements by the architects at the firm and just places lights and other electrical components in the right place on the drawing and then runs calculations. He had been hoping that he could be more involved in the design and problem-solving process in the buildings. Maybe that will come. His coworkers are all great people, however, which helps. And there are many benefits to working for this company, not the least of which is job security: very important in this economy. He's working on a military project right now, and it looks like most of the work he will be doing will be on military or government projects with the possibility of some university or private buildings on occasion.

We have also committed to attending a local church in the area. We are going to a church plant called "Awaken Church" that currently only has about six attendees and is led by a missionary pastor. Our sending church is a Grace Brethren church in Richmond. Some of the major goals of the church are to reach the younger generation (under 40) that is leaving the church in great numbers here in Norfolk and VA Beach. Part of this is that they are disillusioned by churches that seem to be characterized by large programs, big buildings and asking for money. Pat Robertson is a huge influence in the Christian community here, and many young people see him as someone who uses faith to get people to send him money and promote a political agenda. We hope to reach out to the young people with a church that focuses on teaching, discipleship, Bible study, service and community. The pastor has a unique vision for the church, hoping to include participants and leaders of all races, nationalities, socio-economic levels and ages. He also would like to eventually see a number of churches in many different areas of the city all under the "Awaken Church" ministry, so that the small groups or small churches would be able to minister to their local areas. Jon and I are really excited to get in at the beginning of this and be involved in teaching and service.

Pray for us as the church is going to be doing a soccer camp the week before school starts and we hope to reach out to the community and strengthen some of our contacts. Jon and I will be helping some with the organization of the camp (neither of us can play soccer). The pastor also would like to try to officially launch the curch in September, so we're hoping to have 12 regular attendees by then. Right now that seems like a really big goal!

The only other major thing that's happened was that we made the trip back to State College last weekend for my friend Lisa's wedding. It was great to see some old friends and Lisa looked great! It was also great to spend some time with both sets of parents while we were there. The car ride was not as fun, though. I don't think we'll be doing that regularly, since it took about 8-9 hours both ways if you include lunch/dinner breaks and getting through traffic around Williamsburg and over the bridge getting back into Norfolk.

Well, that's enough about me. I'm going to relax here in Panera a little more before going to get my hair cut, getting lunch and heading to work. Hope all is well with all of you.

Until next time,

Rachel