One Year Down!

Two weeks ago Thomas and I returned from a one week visit to Beaufort with his family. We hadn’t seen them since last summer—it was SO GREAT to all be together again. There was a lot of activity during that week as Thomas’ youngest brother Frederick was graduating from high school, and his youngest sister, Arianna was preparing to head off on a mission trip to Ukraine. But we had plenty of time to relax with everyone in the midst of it. Thomas’ mom spoiled us with lots of delicious food, and Catan was definitely settled more than once. We also got to spend some time with our dear friends, Mac and Stephanie Fowler. Needless to say, the week passed much too quickly for all of us, but we enjoyed every minute of it! (Above, is our very impromptu family picture. The one and only one we managed to get the entire week!)

It is hard to believe that it has been almost a year since we made our move from Beaufort, SC to Philadelphia, PA. During that long drive on I-95 I remember feeling both excitement and anxiety over what the coming three years would hold for us. Any fears I had at the time, the Lord has completely put to rest by demonstrating, yet again, that He is our Faithful Provider. He has provided us with a comfortable, affordable apartment, a church family, great friends, a job that I love, and a wonderful education for Thomas at WTS. This past year I have witnessed firsthand the challenging, rigorous, and sometimes overwhelming journey that Thomas has gone through in his studies. We have been so encouraged by other seminary couples who have either just completed this journey or who are still making it along with us. A couple of weeks ago, Thomas received all of his final grades for the Spring semester: several A’s, A-‘s, and one B+. We give all the praise to God for this! Thomas and I are so grateful for what the Lord is teaching him about Himself and His Word through this time at WTS. (And even I am getting a seminary education of sorts as Thomas shares with me the things that he is studying in class!) Thank you to those who prayed so faithfully for Thomas this semester, and especially the latter part of it as he was completing assignments and taking finals. We are so blessed to have you making this journey with us!

In addition to seminary, another special aspect of our time here in Philadelphia has been my work with Julia. Over the past 10 months she has become a very loved and precious person in our lives. I am thankful for the relationship the Lord has given Thomas and me with this family. I could not have asked for two more gracious and easy-to-work-for individuals that Julia’s parents. In May, they decided to become home-owners and moved into a beautiful house that happens to be across the street from Westminster, next to our church, and just a 12 minute drive from our home. When the fall semester starts, Julia and I are looking forward to sharing more lunches with Thomas (“Tah-mah”, as Julia says). Erin was a tough name for Julia to tackle in her early talking days, so she came up with something easier to say. My name eventually evolved into “Rah-rah”. Caring for Julia has been a sweet and rewarding experience, along with all of the other adventures of seminary life here in Philadelphia. It has been a great first year, and just as we needed your prayers then, we will continue to need them now. If there are special ways in which Thomas and I can be praying for any of you, please don’t hesitate to let us know if you haven’t already.

With Much Love and Thanks,
Erin