Finally! A Real Update :)

Hello all!! I finally found some time and internet to write a real and full update!

Our Trip:
       The trip was a blast! We took five days to get to Indiana, spending time in Yellowstone and at Mount Rushmore. Yellowstone was positively breathtaking. We wished we could have spent more than just a day there. If you haven't been there yet, you should go! Mount Rushmore was incredible and definitely worth seeing as well. There is nothing like four giant faces to take your breath away ;)
       We had perfect weather up until the time we decided to leave Mount Rushmore. We had beautiful sunny days for all of our touristy stops, and then the rain came. Out of the 36 hours we drove, the 13 hour drive from Rapid City, SD to Davenport, IA was the roughest. South Dakota and Minnesota weren't too bad, but Iowa and it's constant corn were a bit rough haha. All and alll we had a fun trip over, though it was strange to get over the tendency to think we were driving back. Glad we aren't doing that drive again anytime soon!

Elkhart, IN:
       We officially arrived Friday evening around 6pm. The place we are staying in is so nice. We often feel like we are being spoiled, it's just so big and modern. Wood floors, new appliances, and five bedrooms (two unfinished). It didn't feel real the first couple days. Our possessions didn't arrive until Monday night, so we kind of felt like we were camping in our own house! No cookware, dishes, silverware-it was quite a challenge to find something to make for dinner.
       The best part of the weekend was seeing some familiar faces. Russ, Shannon and the Davis kids were in town visiting family, so we received the huge blessing of having them show us around town and invite us to church. As many of you know, Caleb and I loved our church back home, so finding a new church will be a journey, but God is faithful and knows our needs and desires.

Lifeline:
       Caleb's welcome into his office consisted of pink Barbie wrapping paper, Hannah Montana plates, and a Justin Beiber poster. His co-worker, Andy, wanted Caleb to feel welcomed for sure! Today is Caleb's third day of working at Lifeline. He received a work computer, which is another blessing!! He is slowly getting a feel for what is expected, what he should know, and the humor of the other staff members. Caleb has already showcased his mad basketball skills with some of the Lifeline boys and is getting a feel for the kids he will be working with and loving on.
       As for me, I am unpacking and organizing the house for now. Our ReloCube came at 7pm Monday night, so I have been working away at making our house feel  like a home. I miss home and my family alot,  but am enjoying the adventure of living here. Next week, we will hopefully have internet and I can begin a job search. After some direction from God, I have decided to help out with the Junior/Senior High girls club here.
       Last night was our first activity! It was Elkhart's Night Out Against Crime, helping support Elkhart Police Department. We made cotton candy from 3pm to about 9pm last night, so we were hot and sweaty, and a little sugary! ;) It was fun to see the community we live in, and meet those who live in it.
           
First Board Meeting: (Caleb)
       I just got done with my first board of directors meeting and I was very encouraged. I just wanted to share with you a quote from Scott the president of our board of directors. In a rather intense discussion with the advisory board, they discussed the idea of merging/working with other organizations to save money. The problem arouse of possibly losing our central mission at this time Scott finally spoke up only to say "Here is my only thought, I would rather die than be apart of an organization that does not share the Gospel every day!" I was so excited I almost jumped out of my seat. That is why we are here to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the youth of Elkhart.

How you can be praying:
- That we can daily seek God's direction
- Jenna can find a job that is fulfilling
- Caleb can learn his way around and relate to Elementary kids
- Support will continue to come in now that we are in Elkhart
- That we can adapt to a new community and culture

We love and miss you!! Love, The Stantons