Further firsts, friends, and fare thee well

Our first year of life and ministry here in Tegucigalpa, Honduras passed without much event on August 17. The very next day we welcomed our first visitors. Perhaps contrary to expectations, they were not family members but, rather, a group of Stephen's former students come to experience life in Honduras and tour the plethora of ministries represented in the church. We had a fantastic week with Laura, Wendy, Katie, Sarah and Carly. We enjoyed many bumpy miles traveling about seeing the sights and experiencing many ministries.

This first visit gave us our first "team" experience, something many in the congregation go through regularly. We also had our first visit up to the Christ of the Picacho statue that overlooks the city (where the above picture was taken.)

We also had our first visit to Immigration this week. Up to this point our paperwork has been handled by a friend (may the Lord bless him). However, we have reached the stage in residency proceedings  where our presence--or at least that of our faces and fingerprints--were required. We now have residency status though it will be a month before we are issued our cards.

But, in truth, the "firsts" are few and far between now. We are experiencing far more "seconds"--Ellyn's second first day of school, second fall ministry kick-off--many other "multiples", and yes, a few "oh, not that agains."

And so, I find it time to bid our tiny yet faithful blog reading audience adieu. After all, the subtitle of the blog did warn that it was only intended to chronicle our first year. And I need not point out how sporadic posting has become anyway.

We know that many of you will continue to follow us in various ways in the months ahead, for which we are thankful. We are grateful for the support and encouragement we have experienced from near and far in this first year. We look forward to God's continued provision as we continue in kingdom labors.