Laying out by the pool, Happy Hour Runs to Sonic, making homemade ice cream, staying up late (because we still haven't gotten adjusted to the time change) and sleeping in are just some of the many perks of summer vacation. We have enjoyed EVERY single bit one of them. Summer is quickly coming to a close and we are anxiously awaiting the new adventure that will begin in August... classes at Southeastern. Aaron's got his classes in his cart, I'm already signed up for mine, and we are waiting for registration to open.
Along with all of the fun summer activities we have also had the opportunity to visit churches in the area... in search of the church for us. We recently visited The Summit, North Raleigh Campus, and realized that half of the University of Mobile attends there. We have been reunited with old friends, which is such a comfort when looking for a place to serve and worship.
*side note: We are hoping that we will actually hear the "real" pastor this Sunday, since for the past two Sundays he has been out of town.
Last Sunday, I spent the evening with a group of girls who all attended UM. What a wonderful dinner, conversation, and togetherness we shared. On Wednesday, Aaron and I had dinner with another couple, both UM grads, and then attended their small group. Once again a lovely time to sit down with other fellow believers and enjoy good times together.
In November, when Aaron and I came to preview the seminary we met a couple, Chris and Elizabeth Sirven and their youngest Nate, that was also looking to come to school here and made a connection. Such a sweet family of five. We texted back and forth as we filled out paperwork, got our acceptance letters, and then made the move to NC. They live right up the street from us. On Sunday after church we made plans to have dinner on Friday night. Now our family tradition at the Turner home is Friday night = PIZZA NIGHT. So after a few texts back and forth, the plans were in order and pizza was made. Because Chris and Elizabeth have three small children we figured it was easier for us to come to them, so we loaded up the pizzas and up the road we went. THE PIZZA WAS A HIT!!! Everyone enjoyed it and I mean EVERYONE. Nate, their son, was just so happy and content once he got his pizza and the girls, Roslyn and Julia Rose kept asking for more. Once our bellies were full from pizza we sat around and talked. Yes the adults were able to just sit and talk. The kids would come and sit in our laps, ask a question but were so well behaved and seemed to sense that we adults needed this time. After a while, it was homemade ice cream time, made by yours truly, Aaron Turner. He made his famous Double Dark Chocolate ice cream. Roslyn really wanted Vanilla, Strawberry, and Chocolate ice cream, but settled for just the chocolate, asking for a second bowl after the first one was finished. The conversation lasted late into the night, children fell asleep, were put to bed, and still we kept chatting. Around 1:00 this morning we finally left their house, leaving the pizza behind and keeping all the wonderful memories and conversation.
We are so thankful for the people God has brought into our lives during our short time here. I pray that the friendships we have made will continue to grow and we may make those lifetime friends. We have been so blessed and are looking forward to the relationships that we gain from this adventure.
*Plans have already been made with the Sirvens for "wing night" at Over the Falls. I can't wait!!!! I have no doubt there will be loads of food consumed and tons of laughter to go with it.
