Today was my second visit to the dentist. He removed the bad fillings then took impressions and ordered my new inlays. As usual, I took more novocaine than should be necessary. He said it was enough to numb a crocodile. 
Also, as usual, about halfway through it started to wear off. He said he was amazed at my bodies ability to “eat drugs.” The same thing happened when I had surgery. The doctors had to give me crazy doses of morphine, and they were amazed it didn’t work. I’d like to believe this is some kind of superpower, but I don’t really see how it’s useful for anything. On the plus side, the dentist felt really sorry for me and kept stroking my head and saying, “Oh, you poor thing.” Maybe he’ll feel sorry enough to lower the cost of my bill. Hmmm…
Today was the last day of Spiritual Emphasis Week. Jerry shared the story of the prodigal son. He shared about how when we make mistakes, Jesus is always waiting with open arms for us to repent. He also shared about how the Lord delights in us because we are his children. We are sad to see the Jacobys leave us, but we are so glad they were here.
Update from yesterday: Of the 19 students who stayed to talk with Jerry, 15 of them made decisions for Christ!
Please pray for the Jacobys to have safe travels back to Michigan. Please pray for the 15 students who made decisions for Christ yesterday. Please continue to pray for the staff as we follow up with these students.
More pictures here: SEW
Today was an amazing day here at VCS. Jerry talked with the students about what it means to have faith. He shared about how we can believe in Christ and his promises. He shared about how we don’t have to DO anything for salvation, it’s a gift. At the end of chapel, Jerry invited those students who wanted to hear more about Christ to stay and talk with him. 19 students stayed to talk and pray with Jerry.
Please pray for these 19 students. Please pray for our chaplain, Melissa, and the elementary teachers as they follow up with these students in the coming weeks and months.
See more pictures here: SEW
Today’s chapel was about God’s never-ending love for us. By acting out the parable of the lost sheep, Jerry shared with the students about how the Lord pursues us. He pursues us with love and determination. He pursues us without ceasing. How incredible is that? The creator of the universe loves us so much that he’ll continue to seek us even when we are unfaithful. Even when we turn our back on him. Why does he do this? Because he loves us – wholly, completely, and forever.
Please pray with us that the students and parents who were in chapel today would grow in their understanding of God’s amazing love. That they would feel what it means to be pursued and loved so greatly.
More pictures here: SEW
Today was the first day of Elementary Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW). Each year we set aside one week to invite a guest speaker who will boldly share the gospel with the students. For the past six years, Jerry and Michaela Jacoby have been the elementary guest speakers. We love them! We love them because not only do they tell the students about Jesus, but they live out the love Jesus – the SHOW the kids Jesus. That is their gift to us each and every year.
Today Jerry shared with the students about how sin entered the world and about how God started a plan to rescue mankind from their sin. He talked about how God pursues us because he loves us. He loves us not because of who we are or what we’ve done, but simply because he loves us.
Will you join us in praying for Jerry, Michaela, and the students of VCS? Pray for wisdom for the Jacobys and the staff as we share the gospel and answer questions. Pray for the students and parents as they hear the gospel that their hearts and minds would be open.
See more pictures here: SEW
Believe it or not, we are already half way through our second week of school. Last week was a busy week full of new classes and reunions with the kids and families we love so dearly. Matt started running with his cross-country team. This is a huge step in the recovery of his shoulder. Yay! We had our first chapel day for middle school and high school. I get to work with the 6th grade girls during the chapel character class. I’m really excited about this! I love those girls. And of course, teaching all of our regular classes. As you can see, things are in full swing.
Please pray:
- for the staff who are all working extra jobs this year.
- for the continued work on the visa situation.
- for the senior class. This is a big year!
- for the sixth grade girls to learn how to love each other with the love of Christ.
- for the ongoing staffing needs at the school. (Want to come to Vienna?)
After a week of being on and off a feeding tube, my nephew, Benjamin Thomas Klein was able to come home Sunday to some very anxious parents and grandparents.
At the time he went home he weighed 5 lbs. 12 oz. and was 20 inches long.
Thank you for your prayers.
On Sunday, April 2 our new nephew, Benjamin Klein was born. Yay! He was four weeks premature so they are keeping him in the hospital for a few days. Currently he’s on a feeding tube. As soon as he can start taking a bottle consistently he’ll be able to go home. Please pray for little Benjamin as he gains strength. Please pray also for his parents Jon and Sara and his big brother Troy as they are all eager to take him home and start loving on him.
This was the weather in Florida pretty much the entire time we were there. Bizarre weather for Florida this time of year. However, it did clear up enough for us to get some quality beach time Tuesday evening before we left.
We did get away to Philadelphia for 4th of July weekend where it was always sunny and surprisingly not too hot. Perfect weather for taking in a baseball game.
We really enjoyed our time in Florida and Philly, catching up with family and friends. I’m sorry we couldn’t see everyone we wanted to, but hopefully we will be there longer the next time we’re stateside. We both decided that spending 3.5 weeks between three places (CA, FL, and Philly) isn’t quite enough time to do everything we’d like to do.
Please pray for us as Tricia and I recoup before new and old staff start trickling in and the school year gets underway.
We’ve been in California for almost two weeks which means that our time here is almost over. 
On June 20, my brother Derrick married his sweetheart Desire’e. It was a fantastic day, and we’re so glad that we got to be here for it!
We made a quick trip to Santa Barbara last week to visit with friends. I got to show Matt Westmont for the first time, but it wasn’t very impressive because the whole place is under construction. I’ll just have to take him back up there next time. I’m super thankful that we had some time to spend with my friends up there. I love them a lot!
The rest of our California time is being spent in Idyllwild with my family. It’s so good to be home and visit for awhile. The only hard part of living in Vienna is missing my family. I’m so thankful for this time with them.
Thanks for all of your prayers as we travel. We’re off to Florida on Monday. Klein family – here we come!
