Expect The Unexpected

Since moving to Chelan Valley on May 6th, we've come to appreciate that each day brings something new. Whether it's a local event or a sudden shift in weather, we've experienced a wide range of moments both in ministry and in everyday life.

Unexpected #1 - In August, Shawn and I had the privilege of serving as adult guest hosts at Malibu Club in British Columbia for a week. This experience opened the door to many wonderful connections, both here in Chelan and across the U.S. What's even more special is that this group represents six decades of kids working and camping at Malibu!

Unexpected #2 - In mid-August, a fire broke out on the mountain behind us, and at first, we didn’t think much of it. But when the flames reached the top of the ridge, we were evacuated! Although we didn’t feel our rental was in immediate danger, we packed up the pets and a few essentials and left. What followed was an incredible airshow (thanks to some new friends home we met at Malibu!). Four planes continuously scooped water from the lake, flying in circles to douse the flames, while others dropped fire retardants to create a barrier between the fire and the homes. Overhead, a coordination plane directed the entire operation. Thankfully, we were able to return home that night, though it was surreal watching the fire still smoldering!

Unexpected #3 - At the end of August, we hosted a dinner for the Young Life committee, leaders, and their families. The goal? To win over all of their kids - which was very unexpected for them. Enjoy the photos...

Unexpected #4 - At the end of August, we moved Grace back into her dorm at GCU and celebrated 25 years of wedded bliss. While I was traveling, I received a text from a Young Life student I had previously taken to Malibu...

"Hey Lady! I just want to say thank you for everything, you showed me to love of Jesus and I appreciate you so much. I am getting baptized this weekend!!"

Imagine getting this text from the furthest out kid you have ever seen.

Then she texts you this photo below. I'm not crying... I just have something in my eye.....

Unexpected #5 - Now that school has begun, we start the hard work of meeting kids at Chelan High School and Manson High School. After some well-planned meetings with school staff, both schools have welcomed Young Life with open arms!

100 - is the number of POM POMS we handed out at the Varsity Football Game.

I am now the proud owner of a GREEN CHELAN GOAT'S HOODIE!

160 - (so far) are the number of Otter Pops handed out during lunch at the school.

*high school students LOVE Otter Pops - how's that for the unexpected? Also unexpected - only about 50% of students know what Shawn's shirt means. "Vote For Pedro".

Unexpected #6 - How's this for unexpected.....

Shawn met a young man named Dante who had just relocated here from Jamaica. His dream? To learn how to fish. So, Shawn took him to the hardware store, got him a fishing license, and they spent the entire afternoon fishing. You can see his progression as an angler—check out that whopper he caught on his first day! They fished until nightfall and made a quick stop at Safeway for a frozen pizza before heading home. I’m pretty sure Dante’s dinner was a combination of pizza and fish that night.

Unexpected #7 - Final unexpected - APPLE PICKING. Shawn legit woke up one day and said,

"I just really want to pick apples - do you think anyone would hire me for free?"

THE SAME DAY we invited ourselves to our friend's apple picking day who were visiting. We now have Honeycrisp apples for days and days.....

We hope that you are expecting the unexpected..... it's the best way to allow God to do His thing, we just get to tag along for the ride. (and I will learn to take my own advice - as an obsessive planner!)

Here are some prayer requests looking ahead:

• Continued favor amount the Chelan and Manson schools

• I travel next week to our regional retreat in Missoula, MT. Pray for safe travels to/from.

• Pray for 3+ high school leaders. We can do a TON with just Shawn and I, but we know to reach a lot of kids, we need more high school leaders.

• We have a few positions on the committee we would like to fill - Prayer Coordinator, Finances Manager, and Events/Fundraiser Coordinator.

• Pray for WyldLife Clubs beginning this next week!

• Banquet on November 17th with a $50,000 goal - want to join us?

• Pray for Grace during her 2nd year at GCU in Arizona and Hailey as she just started a new job at Canine Nannies in Manson.

• Shawn could use your prayers as the advertising for his company has begun with a NEW logo and business plan. CLICK HERE to see his info - referrals in the Chelan area are appreciated!