October 12, 2008

One and All,

Cassi and I have been in Austin for a little over a month and things have been exciting. Yes... we are still in our apartment on the third floor. Yes... Three flights of stairs, several times a day. No... I have not lost any weight. I think I have gained some. Keep praying. No one wants a fat preacher. I have more chins than the Chinese phone book.

The kids are good. We are enrolling Jackson into Karate Wednesday. Cassi and I are starting to get concerned because even though Bethany is only 8 months old, I think she might be able to take him. She is strong as Kimbo slice and twice as tough. Jackson... well, let's say he's a little sensitive and cautious. That combination is not bad if he was running for public office but it doesn't help you on the playground. We're looking for Chuck Norris to give him lessons if anyone knows where we can find him.

Baby Bethany continues to be the greatest baby ever. She seldom cries and always has a smile on her face. She does however drool so much that we are afraid she is going to dehydrate. The girl is like a faucet that is left running. Now she has bad allergies so her nose runs as fast as her mouth. Ain't nothing like her cute smile with snot running into her mouth while saliva runs out the other side. We're talking about 6 to 7 bibs a day.

Cassi and I are great. Life is good when your married to the best wife on earth. So sorry she didn't marry as well. Some people are lucky and some ain't.

I have more than I can handle trying to start the church, but I want to be no other place. Austin is amazing and knowing that I get to share Jesus and disciple the people of this city for years to come really pumps me up. I was reading Jonah chapter 4 and I love how God finishes that book, "Shouldn't I be concerned for that great City?" God loves cities and the people in them. He loves your city and mine. I know that God is all over this church plant as I work to share his story with the city he is concerned about, Austin.

Please continue to pray for us. We relish your prayers. They are very important to us. If you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself and join a team that is gathering for a mighty cause, talk to us and we can give you more details on how you can become involved. Moving here is not unrealistic. It could be the greatest thing to ever happen to your life.

We love you,
Todd and Family