Saturday, September 30

Kids at the Neals

We had 16 high schoolers in our living room last night! Boy are we glad we have a larger house than in Kentucky. Matt and I went to the girls' basketball game and then invited everyone over to our house. We thought it would be a good chance for us to start interacting with the kids ouside of the school setting. It was a lot of fun. We played "Apples to Apples" which was nothing less than chaotic. 16 different conversations, yelling, oh and trying to play an organized game! 11:50pm didn't come soon enough. Mr. Neal retreated to bed around 11:00pm. I was left to entertain and clean once everyone left. Popcorn ground into my area rug...popsicle wrappers littering the floor, empty plastic cups with remnants of Mt. Dew in them? Amazingly it only took me a concentrated 15 minutes to get my home back in order. Needless to say...it was worth it. We both woke up this morning feeling refreshed and good about what had occrred the night before. We could have never imagind that this is what God would have for us. But here we are...and we're loving it!
Back to College?

Matt has been studying quite a bit for his job as Bible teacher. He said this morning, "I feel like I'm getting my Masters in Bible Theology!" Studying is a regular part of our life. I'm typing this blog from September Woods coffee shop on the north side of Holland. They have a wonderful Christian setting and wonderful coffee. White Heather blended to be exact. Reminds us of college.

Tuesday, September 12

NEW POST...YEAH!

Ok, so I heard through the grapevine of comments that I needed a new post! (JEN) So here I am writing about our exciting life in Michigan. Actually, I'm having a blast here. Went to my sis's b-ball game last night. They played awesome, even though they lost by 7. They are a small private school and played a class C public school and gave them a real run for their money. But, I must tell you that Mr. Neal's wife is now known as the "screamer." I didn't realize how loud I was at the game. But I get so passionate! It's like life or death out there. I usually sit on the front row and scream at the girls, at the other team, at the refs...etc. And quite often I'm exhausted the next day - like today. I think I could have run a marathon and not felt this tired! :)

Tuesday, September 5

Back from Southeast Asia...On to TEACHING!

We arrived home from Southeast Asia on August 20th and hit the ground running on the 21st. Matt started work during those weeks, preparing for his classes and meeting LOTS of new people. And today is his FIRST DAY OF CLASSES! He just called during his break to say "so far so good." I'll get the real story tonight. I'm treating him to a dinner out - mostly so he can get his mind off the first day jitters - and secondly because we need a date!

Also a busy labor day weekend for us...Matt's parents were in town with their two foster kids (Daisha and Jamal) and his sister's family of four. Busy, but lots of fun.

If you get a chance, feel free to email or call us. I'm sure Matt would love some encouragement during his first week.