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Upon arrival, I was overwhelmed by the smells of Southern California. There’s not much grass but there are a lot of pungent herbs used in landscaping that give off strong aromas. They usually are lovely but I noticed strongly the link of smells and memories. It was a humbling and sober reminder that this life is lived in light of the cross of Jesus Christ.
We are so excited for what the next three years hold and feel as though the Lord has been healing the harsh edges of memories in this place. It truly is a new season and a new time- one for rejoicing in the Lords character and His works. Though grief still rears it’s head at points, the Lord is slowly turning mourning to dancing.
I have started a new job as a part time nanny (two girls, ages 4 and 1 1/2) and am continuing picking up shifts here and there at target. I was so warmly welcomed back at target and was beyond encouraged by the kind words of those who remembered me.
Stephen transferred with Best Buy selling appliances and is currently working at Pacific Home and kitchen (a company owned by Best Buy). Some seminarians work but most of them have a spouse working full time! We know God has called us both here and that we are only able to work part time so we are trusting Him for provision and are beginning our support raising process. If you’re interested in partnering with us or learning more, click here.
Many of our new classmates are also looking towards missions in the future so we are excited in learning and growing in missiology together and how to best reach the nations with the good news of Jesus. We have started our summer Greek intensive which has been, well, intense but it is a refresher course so we are reacquainting ourselves with basic Greek Grammer to be able to jump into the fall semester and begin working through first John in Greek. One day after Greek class, we came home to this: my dog ate my bible (not homework)! It has been a heck of a month but the Lord ~again~ has proven himself faithful to meet all our deepest needs in Christ Jesus. He has paid for all of our sin and granted us peace with God and all else fades in light of that beautiful reality.
We look forward to hearing from you and what your July looked like! Respond to this email and give us an update and share how we can be praying for and supporting you.
Much love and many blessings,
The Byrd’s
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