It would take many days, and many blog posts, to completely update you on the places (spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically) I have been these last several months. Let me summarize by saying, you know those people who tell you that church planting is the hardest thing you might ever do in your life? Those people are right, and then some.

Not that it's all been bad--just the opposite. God has brought us through every trial, every dark time, every moment when I've wanted to quit before I even really start. I have had lots of great opportunities to preach all through the southern tier of New York and made lots of new contacts. My involvement with Upstate NYI is something that God continually uses to bless me, challenge me, and motivate me. My heart for teenagers is softer than ever. We are blessed on the Upstate district with awesome youth pastors, senior pastors, volunteer leaders, and of course students. I am continually amazed that I get to partner with such a great group of people.

Daniel and I have found a little more routine in our lives. September (we hope) will bring a weekly Bible study/small group. We have at least two couples who are interested and fairly committed to being a part of this group, plus many other acquaintances that we hope will become friends and also possibly join us. We are finally starting to feel more at home in Ithaca. I am still teaching Zumba at Finger Lakes Fitness Center and in the evenings. Daniel has begun to focus more exclusively on his web/graphic design business, NextMountain. We have renters in our Watertown house now (which is not without its problems). God is good, all the time.

Finally, the big news...we have a church name! In identifying our core values (the values and ideals in ministry that we hold most dear), we kept coming up with "Re" words--redemption, reconciliation, restoration. As Daniel and I dreamed, talked, and prayed together, the church name literally HIT us...and so Re:Church was born (at least in our hearts, and on Facebook).

I hope to share more in days to come about the dreams and the vision for Re:Church. We're always a work in progress. And God is good.

Prayer Requests: