Billions of People, One Language.

I guess I'm due for a new update. HI! I am STILL alive and I am well. The Lord is good, guys. We've been in Portland three weeks and are still in the process of discovery and diving into the community. We're definitely past the point of people noticing us. We've struck up more conversations and done our best to leave an impression on the community. Just a few (by few I mean 10-12) blocks from our house some people are constructing a  farmer's community market that we've been blessed to help build. By helping them complete their project, we've built influence and connection with the workers and they have expressed a ton of appreciation. I've continued to play basketball at the park across the street and keeping credibility on the court with the competition that's out there is totally due to the Lord. I can play ball, but He's just blessed my ability and I've made some connections because of it. Our biggest success so far is our regular coffee shop, Caffe Destino. The staff there knows our names and love seeing our faces. Just today I've had two very encouraging and engaging conversations with two of the baristas, Sarah and Jenny. I've found out a LOT about them and made some definite progress towards truly befriending the staff and making time outside of their working hours to pursue further friendship and, hopefully, sharing of the Gospel with our lives.

How? Love. There are 6 billionish people on the planet with numerous languages worldwide. We all, however, speak one language: love. We all crave and desire it. Ultimately, there's only one true love and we are constantly trying to share that with our lives. Caffe Destino's staff have taken notice to our kindness. We are trying to show people Jesus in us, leading to us sharing why we are who we are, how we got there, and that they can meet the same love we found. People take notice to love. We aren't being creepy, just intentional. We are being patient and forced to humbly trust the Lord in all we do, but since when does life not require that?

prayers would be greatly appreciated, and we love and thank you all for your support! much love from Portland!