First Year Almost Over...That Can't Be Right??!!

I truly cannot believe this year is almost over. We won't even have been here a full year before we pack a few belongings and clothing and "move" to Pulaski, Virginia for ten weeks. We will be attending First Presbyterian Church Pulaski where Richard will complete his supervised ministy course (aka SM210). It is basically an internship. It is actually the same church where the pastor of our home church (Nazareth Presbyterian, Moore, SC) did his internship 20 or so years ago...how neat is that???!!! We all are looking forward to seeing what it is like to be "the pastor's family". The children are also quite excited, as they learned that one of the congregation members is a Carolina Panther player!!


We hear that the area is very beautiful and cannot wait to see what God has planned for us when we get there. The Lord continually amazes us with wonderful twists and turns in our lives!

Classes are coming to an end for Richard, and he will take final exams for the year next week. He has been so incredibly busy for the last couple of weeks, studying, writing papers, reading, being a husband, daddy, and friend. For his Preaching and Worship class many of his peers have had him help out with the music, so he has been learning lots of new worship songs on the guitar.

Richard just recently put together his own worship service for that class, and I was very moved at how "preacher like" he has become. Emery sang a song during his service and he accompanied her on guitar, his sermon was intriguing (his assignment was Epiphany), his prayers all heartfelt and beautiful, and his benediction actually put tears in my eyes.

I will admit, that as his wife, I used to find myself not able to listen to Richard while he was helping with or conducting a service. Instead I would find myself praying to God to calm him and give him a steady voice, steady hands and courage. God has molded him though in so many ways since we've been here that I find myself intently listening to my husband now, listening for the Word of God through him. I no longer feel compelled to pray for him while he is "doing the Lord's work".

Well that's my update for now...more to come in the next few days....or weeks :)

Grace, Peace, Love and Blessings!
Shay