RainyMay.com | Michelle Harris

Johnny

Besides moving this has also been the summer of weddings. Our most recent wedding was Scott's brother, Jared and Kris (new sister in law). We went to a great pizza joint in Georgetown for the rehearsal dinner. It was tons of fun.

On my way back from the food line I excused myself past a guy.  This guy was waiting in the food line, and talking it up with other fellow line holders. He jokingly said,"OK, only if you give me your food". I laughed, thought nothing of the man, and returned to my seat.

After about a half an hour I turned towards my mother in law and noticed she was talking to the same guy. She asked him which family he was related to and he proceeded to say, "I'll tell you as soon as you start putting tens in my underwear." He introduced himself as,"Johnny" and told us he was on his way to the restroom and not part of the wedding family at all.

What? Not a part of the wedding family! The guy, 'Johnny', as he would call himself, was mooching off our pizza! I couldn't believe it. I was witnessing a wedding crasher right before my eyes!

More Firsts

Yesterday was my families first day at our new church, Brooklake Community Church. I was excited, nervous and hopeful as Pastor Mike introduced our family to the congregation. We were touched and pleasantly surprised by the gifts that were given to us. We each received gift cards to our favorite stores and I was handed a huge bouquet of Lily's and roses (the scent fills the room as I type). My favorite part of the morning was the warm greetings of people who gathered to meet us after the service. In particular, I especially appreciated the parents who brought their daughters over to meet Cambria and Marissa.

I was almost moved to tears over one particular situation that I watched evolve before my eyes. A dad and his daughter came up to meet us. Apparently they had just moved here from Hawaii two months prior. He introduced Allison to us and informed us that she too would be attending the Brooklake school and that she was in sixth grade just like Marissa. Later, we found out Allison was overheard saying to her dad, "I have a friend now!" her face beaming. Little did she know this was the sentiment of Marissa too.

Pastor Mike and Melody, along with the Brooklake family, made us feel so welcomed. Having moved several times now, I have come to realize that what makes a place feel like home is the connections made with people. The church building or the beauty of my house cannot make me feel at home. When I start meeting people, knowing their names, the names of their children and listening to the hopes and dreams in their stories, I begin to truly feel at home. I am well on my way!

Daley Was Back In Town

Thanks Daley!!!

Walking In And Out

Scott, the girls and myself piled in the car yesterday and allowed the car to guzzle gallons of gas so we could visit Scott's old stomping grounds, Redmond Assembly of God. Pastor Strum and his wife, Merlene were celebrating 50 years of ministry and of marriage. Over a hundred people showed up to honor their lives with stories of how God used them. Jesus was revealed in each one of the narratives.

I found myself deep in thought.

Change is inevitable. We walk in and out of peoples lives but the thing that remains is whether or not we left the imprint of Jesus on those people...not the imprint of ourselves.

That's what I want for my life. It's the only thing that will remain in the end. Jesus being imprinted on hearts.
Sometimes I get in the way of that happening. I'm so glad that, "He who began a good work in me is faithful to complete it."

More Good than Bad

I'm here and finally settled...more or less. We have done quite a bit of exploring since moving to Milton. Where is Milton you ask? Well it is a small town in the middle of a larger urban area. We live between the country and the city and ironically this defines Scott and I to a T. We love the beauty of the countryside (and quietness) but the activity and amenities of the city. I guess we got both without even trying (except the quietness).

My top ten things about living in Milton...thus far:

1. I am 5 minutes from Costco and Walmart. (yeah, lots of savings!)
2. I am 5 minutes from my new "Nordstrom" of gyms (LA Fitness)...no offense Team Fitness.
3. My cousin only lives 20 minutes away.
4. I have a new stackable washer and dryer.
5. I live 2 minutes from Wild Waves where we all got seasons passes!
6. Scott can come home for lunch since he only lives 5 minutes from the church.
7. We live 2 hours from Mt Rainier and have already driven there to see it's beauty.
8. We can drive to Tacoma which is only 15 minutes away and as it turns out, is a pretty cool city.
9. I can take my bike to the Interurban trail which is only one mile away.
10. There is every kind of (good) restaurant within minutes.

My top ten five things I don't like about living in Milton...thus far:

1. There is a noisy crow that greets me every morning along with a lot more unpleasant urban sounds.
2. Friday night I have to switch on the fan to drown out Buds Tavern. It sits behind the trees in our backyard.
3. I don't know a whole lot of people yet. Three couples to be exact: my cousin, our pastors and our landlord.
4. Our fridge is old and I have to break my back to get food.
5. It's a really long drive to visit old friends.

Hope that last part about the long drive won't keep you from visiting. The soups on and the doors unlocked. Just follow the noise. You'll be sure to find us!