Proud parent of 2

No, I'm not pregnant. Marc and I (and Kerri) have decided to host an exchange student this year! He is going to be a Senior at Grand Rapids Christian High. He is from Korea and was here last year too. He is already friends with some of the youth group guys which will be great!
I feel a peace about it despite all my questions about how this is going to work. He will be moving in on Monday and thus begins another Driesenga adventure!

I'm slow, but my computer is slower

I realize I have been horrible at updating this blog, however I blame my computer. I typically want to update with pictures, but for some reason my computer will not recognize my camera cord. I even went to the website to download the drive, and NOTHING! Any suggestions?

This one picture is from when Em & I, along with the 3 boys, went camping for 3 nights near Gun Lake. It was fun & somewhat relaxing, although I had my mini-van completely full (back seat & 1 bucket removed) for just me & Isaac. It's incredible how much stuff a baby needs!

There has been a lot going on this summer with the Driesengas. Most of it is family related. Some good, some bad, some stresses me out, some excites me incredibly. Beyond family 'stuff', a issue currently on the top of my stress list is that the renters backed out of our lease and our Quimby street house is sitting empty. This means we have both rent and a mortgage - they are only $30 different, so we're a little up a creek right now. I know the Lord will provide. He always does. He's just giving me another opportunity to trust him, and I completely do. I'm tired of dealing with it, but I truly am trusting him. Why do I need to re-learn this lesson so often?

Speaking of lessons learned, I am learning more and more to admit my shortcomings. This is hard for me. I am a prideful person. I get defensive easily when I don't want to admit my faults (Marc would probably insert an "amen" in here). I was reminded the necessity of this at the Leadership Summit I went to with the staff here at PH. One of the speakers was talking about how you need to call your own 'bads'. Stupid language, but valid point. And one I needed to hear. I'm still not great at it, but I've had a few opportunities to practice (unfortunately). It actually feels good to admit when I'm wrong and ask for forgiveness. I need to do this more.

I am getting excited for the fall and the kickoff of all the ministries here at PH, but it's a busy time of year. Please pray for details to fall into place as the Lord would have them.

A Franciscan Blessing

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart. Amen.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. Amen.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection,starvation and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy. Amen.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done. Amen.

And the Blessing of God, who Creates, Redeems and Sanctifies, be upon you and all you love an pray for this day, and forever more. Amen.