Archive for April, 2009

Quick update

Friday, April 24th, 2009

We met with another couple from our church last night to talk about the ministry that we will be starting.  We enjoyed getting to know them better as well as their hospitality towards us.  Praise God, they have come along side and partnered with us to reach young adults at the University of Minnesota for Jesus Christ.  Things for me for networking and support raising are starting to come along.  I have a few more appointments already scheduled for next month and more to come shortly.  We thank everyone for all of your continued prayers!

Ethan + Laura

Public Transportation!

Friday, April 24th, 2009

A few days ago, I decided I better get familiar with the public transportation here in the Twin City area. Since we only have one car with us here in Minnesota, public transportation will assist me in getting around the city when needed, instead of me driving Laura to work 25 min away and then to where I want to go.
I grew up in the sticks, where public transportation was the school bus and I only rode that for sports trips. We currently live about 7 miles from downtown, but still a well populated area within the city limits: (see picture we are at the base of the arrow and it is pointing to downtown Minneapolis.)

I’ll say that taking the public transportation was quite the adventure for me. When I used to think of public transportation it was either the six members of my family piling into our 2 door (thee cylinder) Geo Metro, or the school bus… I was quite nervous, but figured it out with not too many problems. I did however end up calling my Father back in NY, and had him get on the metrotrasit.org website to help me figure out which bus I should take to when I needed to transfer buses in the downtown area. Thankfully I have taught my dad well and he was able to successfully assist me to get onto the 17B bus south and not one of the other 100+ bus routes I could have taken…. Downtown Minneapolis is beautiful and huge. I can say I miss having a forest for a back yard though! Anyway, I did not get too lost during this trip. Taking the public transit was actually more fun than I had feared. In non-rush hour times it is only $1.75 straight fee to go anywhere I want with a 2.5 hour limit before that ticket duration runs out. This adventure has helped me get acquainted more with the big city and directionally as to where the different inner city towns are. (Some have called Minneapolis the MinniAPPLE)   When anyone comes to visit, this might be something I’ll have to show you!

Twin Cities Metro Area

Twin Cities Metro Area

Getting the wheels turning

Monday, April 13th, 2009

Last week was a busy week.  I have been going over my Support Raising training materials, ordering more CA (campus ambassadors) literature and handouts to give to people I meet with.   A few people have come along side us to help us begin networking with individuals and churches within Minneapolis and the surrounding areas.  We have been getting to meet and know more and more people out here.  We have plugged into a small group bible study with people our age from the church.   We had Easter breakfast at the church Sunday morning and then had Easter dinner with Jim and Sandy.   People are continuing to help us feel welcomed here.  Praise God.

Laura’s first full week of work at Dicks Sporting Goods has been stressful for her but day by day is getting a little easier for her.

I hope everyone had a great Easter.

He is risen . . . . . . HE IS RISEN INDEED

We are in Minnesota!!!!

Sunday, April 5th, 2009

statesign_small

We arrived in Minneapolis April 1st.  Another couple, Ralph and Mary, have opened there home to us and are letting us stay with them till we raise more support and figure out where a good place to settle might be.   We have moved into their guest bedroom for now and are very happy that they are so generous as to let us stay here!

First Baptist Church of Minneapolis is our host church here in MN. The pastor had us stand up as he introduced us to the congregation. They have been awaiting our arrival for months and are excited to have us as well as for what the future Ministry to the U of MN will hold.

Laura Starts work Tomorrow at Dicks Sporting Goods (Monday the 6th). I am driving Laura to work in the morning and going to find a place to access some wireless so I can get to work as well.