Early yesterday afternoon we arrived safely in Dallas, Texas–or, Tejas for you Spanish speakers. It is somewhat overwhelming finally being here, not only because of the heat (104°F/40°C!) but because we continue to see the Lord’s faithfulness and kindness to us. After all, who buys a 190k mile vehicle off Craigslist, packs up all their stuff in a trailer and drives 1,200 miles with a two year-old and a pregnant woman!?!

By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live. Our LORD, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere. You satisfy the desires of all your worshipers, and you come to save them when they ask for help. Psalm 145:16-19

Today we’re getting settled into our apartment before orientation on Monday and Tuesday and classes start on Wednesday. We are situated directly behind the childcare center where Poppy will (hopefully) enjoy her first taste of preschool. After touring the facility yesterday, we feel confident that she’ll have a blast and all the fun activities will quickly remedy this miserable mug we captured yesterday while on the last leg of our journey to Dallas. (I definitely use “last leg” as a double entendre here.)

Emily and I will be in class Monday through Friday taking a variety of linguistics and culture courses that will further equip us to serve Christ and his church effectively with Wycliffe. There is quite the community feel on campus much like we enjoyed in Wake Forest, except the majority are linguists and translators with myriad experience and new students aspiring to the same. We look forward to getting in the groove of things next week and completing this next step before heading overseas.

We want to thank everyone for the very kind words and messages we received via Twitter and Facebook while making our way to Texas. Your love and support for us is amazing. We are truly blessed to call you our friends and family. Thank you!