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Here we are!! We made it to LA, found an apartment and got all settled in - well at least mostly, there are still some pictures to be hung a few boxes to be gone through.
Thanks again to all who helped us move out, it was nice to have you all around our last day in Portland.

Move in day was a little hard for me, not only were my arms overworked, but it was a little sobering to remember back to the previous Friday. We had so much help we didn't know what to do with it all, but on Wednesday it was just Cami and I. It wasn't that we minded the work, it was just a stark contrast to move out day. It became plain that we know no one in this city; there were no friends stopping by so ready to help, eager to get one last hug, no one to break for lunch with and we didn't even have anyone to call. Yet God is faithful to meet us in every moment.

As Cami and I were struggling down the hallway with our heaviest piece of furniture (a hide-a-bed couch) a neighbor came out his door with a toddler in tow. He offered to help (at which point my arms rejoiced!!) and then introduced himself as David with his daughter Lily. We quickly introduced our Lily (our cat) and although we think she is adorable, relinquished the fact that his Lily is cuter than ours. David offered to help some more, but we were mostly done and sure we could do it ourselves. As we walked away I turned to Cami in wonder at this man's spiritual destiny - my spirit sensed a similarity. My wonder was met with Cami's question, "Did you see his shirt?" "No, was it a Christian t-shirt," I asked. Sure enough, the Spirit had leapt inside me when I met this man. Just as we finished our last load David came by again to see if we needed anything. We were pretty set, but when he invited us over to meet his wife we jumped on the chance. Dave and Mini have been married four years, have one child and were previously missionaries to India. Their mission focuses on urban slums around the world, so when they returned to the States to have Lily they planted themselves in the inner city. Not even one box has been opened and we already have friends! God quickly met me in my lonely place and gave me neighbors who not only know and love Him, but have similar dreams and passions as Cami and I do. Not only that, but they invited us to their church (which is a couple of blocks from here), that is geared towards the inner city. It was just another little way that God confirmed we are in the midst of His sovereign plan.

Our apartment is in North Long Beach, about five blocks south of Compton. It is a little pricey, as is everything in this area, but we really like it. The building was originally built as a hotel in the 1940's and has about 300 units. Old hotel means there is a pool, hot tub, sauna, tennis courts, basketball court and work-out room (now that's incentive to come visit, as if Cami and I weren't already enough). Our apartment is in the back by the pool and courts, and it faces west so we have a view of the beautiful sunset every night. It has a nice kitchen, comfy living room, as well as two bedrooms and two bathrooms. So to all of you who promised to come visit, we have plenty of room for you although the extra room looks more like an office than a guest room.

Today was our first Sunday in town, which means the church hunting begins. This was the part of the move I was dreading the most - we loved NECF sooo much and the idea of not being there every Sunday is heartbreaking. I tried to have a good attitude today, but it is hard not to compare. I don't want to say NECF is better than another church, it is just home and nothing ever compares to home. The worship is different - outside of the one man dancing in the aisle, Cami and I probably moved more than anyone else in the whole place. It is also hard not to know anyone, to be the new person all over again. Luckily we met Dave and Mini so we visited the church plant they are helping with, but they were out of town this weekend. We went to their church anyway, Cami thought we would get a better taste of how they treat newcomers if we went knowing no one. It was a pleasant experience, the people were really friendly and the message was centered on the word, but Jerry wasn't leading our fabulous worship team and Pastor George didn't give the word. Like I said before nothing compares to home.

Tomorrow is the day we refine our resumes and then the job hunt begins. And for all of you who are wondering about Lily, she is doing well. She handled the drive really well for a cat, outside of the not eating very much and dry heaving a lot (poor kitty). She has become very acquainted with her new domain. It did take a little getting used to, but once we brought in furniture she recognized she made herself right at home.

Thanks again for all your prayers and support. We love you lots and miss you tons!!
Here are some pics of our new home.