the searbys

Here is the craziness that we are trying to sort through this week. I thought I should share a little with you. Our kitchen is turning out to be super small. There just isn't enough space for all the great cooking stuff we got for wedding gifts. And the China?! It will be in a box for yet another year.


To the left of this picture is a sliding glass door that leads to a small deck. To the right you can see our main entrance and the open door leads to the master bedroom & bathroom. Behind the camera man are two smaller rooms with a bathroom in between. One room will be an extra bedroom where all of our guests will be sleeping. The other room will serve as the preacher's office and the scrapbooker's haven.

The boxes are slowly being emptied out, broken down, and put in the closet for next year.

And in case you're wondering, Jack loves his new home. He sits by the sliding glass door and watches everyone in the parking lot. He's not allowed outside, so he spends his time sleeping or chasing the occasional lizard that slips in the house.
-Jen

Some of you know we are planning a trip to Bolivia next summer with Justin and Jenny McKnight. There'll be plenty more on that to come but as I was researching missions groups there that we could visit/ encourage/ serve I came across New Tribes Mission and have made some good contacts with them. As I perused their website again today I came across this article. It's really short and gives some perspective on the repercussions of Pat Robertson's careless comments not only misrepresenting Christians around the globe but putting us in danger. Here it is:
http://www.ntm.org/news/news_details.php?news_id=2260&PHPSESSID=eb70890f427a96a564304eb12afe8af1

Check it out and let me know what you think.
-joel

A very eventful and interesting few days. We got most of our stuff moved into the new apartment and are pleased with it. However, the air conditioning is not working! They're putting in a new unit today so we'll be good to go but we couldn't sleep in it again last night. We packed up the car and "camped out" in the house we've been living in. Yep, air mattress, sheets, a few clothes and of course, enough coffee for Jen's morning fix. It was a pleasant night's sleep though so worth it.

Yesterday at church it was announced that I'll be serving as the interim minister. I think the congregation is pleased and we're all excited about the next few months together at Harvest. I'll also be teaching a class on Wednesday nights entitled, "grasping God's word," which will focus on how to study the Bible rather than on a book or a theme. The elders and leadership agreed that this would be great for the whole congregation to share in and I'm very excited about leading it. So, I'll get opportunities to teach and preach, gaining valuable experience and learning along the way.

Today here at the coffee shop, in between customers I've been watching the live video feed from the CBS affiliate in New Orleans as hurricane Katrina blasts that area. There are already lots of sad stories coming in and I hope that in response there will be much compassion and love as people help put lives back together. Guess that's all for now. Stay in touch.
-joel

Lots of exciting things are happening in our lives right now. First, we're moving into our new apartment this weekend! We're looking forward to having a place to call home that we can decorate, settle into and enjoy. We've signed a one year lease and if we live there for a full year it will be the longest we've been in one place since we've been married! That's right, between going back and forth to Chile and our move here to Gainesville we never lived in one place longer than eight months or so. We really like our apartment and hope you'll come see it! We've got two extra rooms!

Second, and perhaps most exciting, is that I've been asked to be the interim minister at Harvest Christian Church. They are anticipating a three to four month process of searching for the next minister. I'll be preaching each week along with a few other responsibilities. This is a great time at Harvest as the church is really at a crossroads with incredible potential for growth both in numbers and in depth. I'm looking forward to "learning as I teach." It has been so good to have a place where we can get to know people and create relationships that hopefully will become life-long.

Harvest is in a great location in Gainesville and I hope that even now during this interim time we can grow. I think there is a niche waiting to be filled in Gainesville that Harvest is capable of and ready to begin filling. There are lots of churches in Gainesville, running the spectrum of faiths, location on the liberal/conservative "scale," and style. However, there seems to be some emptiness in the middle of that spectrum. Churches are either very liberal in both theology and social stance or very conservative on both. I know there are some that fall in the middle but I don't see many. I believe Harvest has a tradition that can fill this much needed middle ground; to be theologically conservative with an openness to forward moving/ thinking social activity. This town is basically made up of three hospitals and a huge university along with a large community college. Education is the common thread. A church that can be theologically significant and give real "meat" through its teaching can, I believe, really make an impact. People want to know that they can really believe what the Bible has to say, that God really can and does make an impact in their lives and that religion is not a non-thinking drug (as Marx would say) for the intellectually shallow. In addition, when those commitments are backed by loving action, as Christ taught, I think we'll begin to see people of deep faith truly impact the world around them. That is my prayer for Harvest.

-joel

I have usually kept this blog pretty neutral and focused on our lives and little stories but a headline today has me feeling the need to comment.

"Televangelist Calls for Chavez' Death"

Pat Robertson has said that we should kill the Venezuelan president. It is these sorts of comments that incite hatred, laughter and disdain toward Christians. Anyone who might be interested in the person of Jesus would be quite confused to hear that someone professing His name supports murder. Under the Old Covenant found in the Old Testament of the Bible this sort of act might fit as one way that God operated through people in the world. But the New Covenant between God and man, brought about by the coming of Jesus Christ, changed everything. It is no longer up to "us" to cleanse the world of sinners or sin by sacrifices to God for forgiveness or the killing of those who oppose God. Jesus defeated sin by becoming the one and only sacrifice God will ever require for forgiveness to be granted. While he was here on earth he taught us what God expects from us under this New Covenant. He said, "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul and with all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. " And when the man he was speaking to asked, "who's my neighbor," Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan, illustrating not only that everyone is our neighbor but punctuating the fact that even those who you despise are your neighbor and to be loved. I can't talk about "just war" or "killing to save," as some might say. It just doesn't fit with what I see as the teachings of God through Jesus and the many writers of the Bible. What do you think? There's much more to say but I just had to make it clear that I am saddened when people claiming Christ as their master, especially those in leadership, make comments like that which Mr. Robertson made yesterday. Lord have mercy on us, lead us in love to change the world, bringing peace to nations, hope to cities and wholeness to hurting individuals, no matter how far from goodness they may seem.
-joel

We went to our new apartment yesterday afternoon to drop off some boxes. We thought they weren't going to put the tile in until today and work through tomorrow but when we got there they were working. They'll be done by this morning! For those who don't know, we've signed a lease for a new apartment. The house we're in has sold and we found this place for quite a deal. The company that owns it just bought it and is upgrading everything and trying to make it more of a grad student/ family complex. So, on top of offering us some move-in incentives our three bedroom/ two bath apartment just got new carpet, new tile, new paint, a new refrigerator and a new vanity in one of the bathrooms. We're excited about it and feel like its a good situation. The location is good for both of us, especially if I start school next fall. Having three bedrooms will be nice too. We'll be able to spread out a bit and actually unpack our stuff! So, keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we move. Thanks, we appreciate it. Let us know how you're doing.
-joel

I had to share this one. At Coffee Culture we have dog biscuits in our drive-thrus for all our customers that bring their dogs with them (you'd be surprised how many do.) Most people think its great and love it. Some of the dogs are even such regulars that they get all excited when they come up to the window, especially this one weimeroner (I'm sure that spelling is wrong) that nearly jumps out the back window for his buscuit. However, just a few minutes ago a lady came through and when I asked, "would the puppy like a biscuit today," she responded with, "you know what, she doesn't like your biscuits, she's on organic food." What! That is so Gainesville. Lots of "granola-heads" running around (my term) feeding their dogs organic food that costs $20.00 a pound. Don't get me wrong, I really believe in organic farming and a natural lifestyle but within reason. Balance with reality is important for me and reality is, we can't be perfectly organic or all-natural or environmentally friendly in everything we do. It just isn't possible in our society today without going to great lengths. So, I thought it was funny and wanted to share it with you all. Maybe we'll start carrying organic soy-barley dog treats....or maybe not.
-joel

We ran some errands tonight, like changing our cell phones over, finally, and getting some birthday cards (you know who you are) and then went to a Mexican restaurant we'd heard about called La Fiesta. So we walked in and were greeted by a tall blonde girl, our first disappointment. Then we were served by a brunette woman, a little closer to Mexican but still as gringa as they get. The food was decent but we don't eat Mexican food just for the taste. We love to interact with Spanish-speakers and try to make relationships. How can you have a real Mexican restaurant without waiters who can't pronounce most English words and "chip boys" who can only say, "chips," and "more salsa?" C'mon, you all know its true!

We're a little sad tonight because we're missing the annual Raymer fish fry at Dave and Deena's (Jen's parents) in Bellflower, IL. It is a great time with lots of delicious fried fish (all caught by Dave and Deena,) homemade hushpuppies and fresh cut fried potatoes. Mmmmm. To all those who are or were there, hope you ate some hushpuppies for us and maybe even consumed an adult beverage in our name! We love you all!

Things are going to be getting busy for us here in the next few weeks but we'll try to keep everyone posted on what's up. We look forward to hearing from any and all of you!
-joel

Yesterday we took a walk on the Boardwalk…. Boardwalk Apartments that is. After a long decision process we decided to go ahead and sign a lease. In the past 2 weeks we have looked at probably 20 different apartments, and called about even more. We decided on Boardwalk, they gave us a bunch of deals, including a 3-bedroom apartment for the price of a 2-bedroom. So, we still have plenty of space for people to come visit us (hint, hint). Oh, and there is a POOL!!! Our moving process will start on Monday and we’re hoping to get some people to help us with the big stuff next Saturday.

We are SO thankful for LeeAnn and her dad for providing a place for us to live for the past 2 and ½ months, they really enabled us to get our feet on the ground and brought us to the point of getting our own place.

Last night we had a couple from church over for dinner, Jonathon & Julie. It was SO great to hang out with people our own age. We talked about starting a small group like what we had in Lincoln. We loved our group in Lincoln that just got together once a week for dinner and great conversation. We are looking forward to finding a group like that through Harvest Christian Church.

Well, that’s the official update. Hope to hear from some of our readers!-Jen

As I sit here in the Hunter's Crossing Coffee Culture location I am listening to WGLT radio online. That is the great NPR, public radio station based in Bloomington-Normal, my hometown. I used to listen to that station every morning for at least an hour. They would give me the local news, national and world news with NPR, and then great jazz music all day. As I heard the newcaster's voice it really took me back. It's funny how certain sounds or voices are connected with memories and places. It was a good memory. Now they're talking about the Illinois State Fair. We went last summer and really enjoyed it, another great memory.

I'm opening here at Hunter's all week. We open at 6:00 here instead of 5:30 so I get to sleep in a bit and the opening is easier here as well. But, we're not as busy so there isn't as much tip money. The quiet is nice though so I don't mind it.

Tonight we're going to our first "family fellowship dinner" at Harvest. We're trying to get more involved, get to know people and make a positive impact in the church as she goes through this transition. We hope, if you're a praying person, you'll pray for Harvest during this time. We really feel that there's lots of potential for growth and moving forward with vision and hope we can be a part of that. Let us know how you're doing!
-joel

It's been a busy few weeks with lots of guests, lots of hours at our jobs and lots of fun. Our time with Jake, Melissa and Jodi was great, as you can see by the pictures. We did lots of fun stuff and really just enjoyed each other's company the whole week. On monday we got to go to Daytona Beach and see Zach and Jamie Below, friends from LCC. It was great to see them and really nice that Jake and Melissa could be there too. The waves that day were big and we had a blast with the boogie boards. Of course, just a few days later they cleared the same beach because of a shark! Oh well, we were fine! So, yes, we went to the beach two MORE times and enjoyed both. We live over an hour from the closest beach and we're becoming beach bums!

This weekend my (joel) parents were here. Dad was consulting with Harvest Christian Church, where we've been attending, as they are in a transition time and looking for a new minister. Dad's new business, Peacewood consulting, exists partly for that reason, to help churches in transition or crisis to work through it and grow. We had a fun visit with them as well. We've found that we really enjoy showing people around our new "hometown," taking them to our favorite restaurants and giving them a "taste" of our new life. We ate at Sonny's, the original barbeque of the south, had Sweet Dreams ice cream, went to Micanopy, a neat little antique town south of Gainesville and we took them to Coffee Culture, of course.

We'll be more regular with our posts now that we don't have a housefull all the time. We hope you enjoy staying up on our lives and we sure would enjoying hearing how all of yours are going. Stay in touch!
-joel

So here I am at the Hunter's Crossing Coffee Culture location. It's storming (has been for hours) and I've had one customer in the last hour and a half. This location is not as busy anyways but the storm really keeps 'em away. Yet, it's kind of nice to have some time, away from home, to think, reflect, write, read, and of course, get paid to make a few coffee drinks.

Jake, Melissa and Jodi are here for a few days and it's great to have them. This morning while Jen was at work we went to a little nature park about five minutes from our house that I was told gave a great representation of the nature in this area. It did! We took about a twenty minute walk down to a creek and saw lots of vegetation, lizards, birds, and butterflies. Now Jen is spending time with them, I'm not sure what they're doing but they are going to stop by here sometime I think.

I'm listening to Mary Chapin Carpenter's "Party Doll" album, a kind of greatest hits. You should listen to it if you haven't already or don't own it. She is such a great artist, lots of soul in her voice, and her lyrics are stories in song. Great for a rainy day in Gainesville, or your town. I hope you're well as you read this and hope you'll write and tell me that you are.
-joel

Sunday at Harvest went well. I preached on Psalm One, specifically focusing on delighting in God as a source of "fuel" for us to impact lives and find deep joy. I think it was well-received and pray that they were God's words, not mine. I am excited about what is going on at Harvest and see it as an opportunity for the church to grow out of some tough times.

Tonight my grandma and grandpa Parmenter come to town on their southeast vacation. They'll just be staying tonight with us but it will be nice to spend some time with them. Then on Wednesday Jake (Jen's brother) his wife Melissa and Jen's sister Jodi will be flying in to spend almost a week here. We're really excited about that as it will be our first family to visit us!

Good 'ol coffee culture is pretty quiet this morning and will be until around 7:00, as usual. To be honest, I don't think it's worth it to be open at 5:30 but I'm not the boss. I usually have three to four customers between 5:30 and 7:00. But, I enjoy being here in the mornings and I am enjoying my job in general. I guess that's about it. Stay in touch, all of you!
-joel