October Update

As it’s been a couple weeks since I’ve been able to update you on our journey here in Dallas. I wanted to get something out to say Thank You to all of those who have been following along with us on this journey.

I think that I am starting to feel the true weight of full-time studying.  This week I seem to be way more tired than normal.  Maybe that is because last Sunday, in the late evening, we had a fire alarm on our floor.  It is quite a shock when the alarm goes off and then it’s a greater shock when you look out the door and the hall is filled with smoke!  I could tell the smoke was coming from the laundry room.  There was no fire nor heat but the smoke was rolling so we made our way to the stairway and met all of our neighbors outside as the firemen quickly responded.  After an hour or so they deemed it safe to reenter the building after finding no fire.  A washing machine had burnt a belt and motor.  Thankfully it was not any worse and the housing facility people were on top of getting fans going to pull out the smoke smell from the hallways.  We are so thankful for the quick response and that it was not any worse.

I am forever amazed at how God works to bring you just the right words at just the right time.  As I said I am feeling the work load and fatigue of learning and Wednesday morning the professor started with these words, “So, how is everyone doing? Has the fatigue set in yet?  Let me tell you it is real and it happens to us all about this same week of the semester every year for as long as I can remember.  The newness wears off, life’s realities set in and now is the time that your discipline needs to step up.  Those habits you worked to form, this is where they pay off.  Stay the course, keep disciplined and you will get through and you will continue to grow.”   He might as well have been speaking only to me, but it was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment.  

Kelly too said this week it seemed that the kids and the staff at her school all seemed to be a bit frazzled.  Kids are starting to become a bit more comfortable and thus starting to push the limits of rules and order.  Teachers are feeling the strain just a bit more to pour into the kids to get them to want to learn, not just have to learn. 

I was reminded this week in a great praise and worship chapel of Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. (ESV)  In the moments of the everyday grind of life, the ups, the downs, to the mondain, let us remember the great promises of God.  His love will never fail and his mercy never ends.  Every day we get to rise in His steadfast love and that is a great gift.

We hope that you all are enjoying everyday life wherever you are.  I know we are missing the beautiful fall colors of northern Wisconsin right now, but we are so grateful for the cooler temperatures that have started to come.  It is strange to us that cooler now means in the 80s! 

We are so grateful to all of you, for your support, love and prayer as we continue on this journey through life in Dallas.

} Gabe and Kelly

Responses

  1. sharkinquisitively2654d438b2 Avatar

    Thank you for reminding me God is good. Hugs and love to you guys!

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  2. electronicd901734c7d Avatar

    Thanks for the good update! And, I hope you had a great birthday. Lucas has been here since Friday. (and Carli.) Julia got married Sat. Very lovely. Life has been busy. I am thankful for all the wonderful things you two are learning. I love you both, think of you so often, and pray for you. Have a great week. Oh, Lucas and Aaron are going to the woods again tomorrow. Carli will go bumming with Janey. They’ll head back to WY. on Tu. Sending warm hugs and prayers, always… Auntie donna 🍁🍁🙏🌻🥰❤️

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  3. selfless601396cd7f Avatar

    Yep 👍… Maciah was just asking me if I can call him in sick tomorrow for school 😂… I told him he gets to go for 3 1/2 more days and then he gets his 2 week fall break… PTL! Sincerely I mean it… I’m always as ready for the break as the kids are 😅…

    Saw some Tim’s Hill pics on FB… You don’t get that same hardwoods colors here but there’s a different kind of beauty to appreciate in any place if we’re looking for it … maybe some places you REALLY have to look for it 😊

    Take care and study well 🙏

    J

    Thank you, Jordan Stolhammer

    Dorfstrasse 38 7445 Innerferrera Switzerland

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    1. electronicd901734c7d Avatar

      THAT is a hoot! “Call me in Sick, Dad!” 😀 Good try, Maciah! 😀

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  4. Mary VandeCasteele Hebda Avatar

    Happy belated birthday Gabe! Not saying that fatigue comes with biological age, but…diminishing daylight in WI does reset our circadian rhythm the further we’re away from the equator. Press on toward the goal. It sounds like you have lots of good companions to urge you on! Bask, meditate, in the sun (Son)shine as we are.

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