It's been almost two years since I have last wrote in depth about what is going on in my life here in Dallas. Most people who follow me on Facebook, will know that I am eating at some restaurant, or attending Watermark, but that doesn't begin to tell the whole picture.
I guess I should start with the one place, that I spend most of my free time, and that is Watermark. Church is going well, but it has not been without its challenges lately.
I now serve in the Frontlines ministry serving coffee for the 5:30 service on the first Sunday of the month. It has been an awesome experience so far. I love coffee and can't seem to go a day without it, so it seemed like the perfect ministry to get involved with.
I have had the privilege of working with some wonderful people who are committed to working hard, providing the best service, giving a warm smile, and warm cup of coffee to the people who come through our doors. We spend the evening working, fellowshipping and laughing the whole time. It is a brief moment of community that I have come to cherish.
In addition to the Frontlines ministry, I am now serving in our midweek childcare ministry called Training Ground. I serve on Wednesday night, which is where they have the most need for workers. Originally, I did it as a means to make extra money, as it is a paid position, but now it become area of service.
On Wednesday night, parents come for ReEngage(which is one of our marriage ministries) and Merge(which is for people about to get married). It has been a growing experience for me to say the least.
I'm still serving with 2nd Saturday in the Bon Ton neighborhood in South Dallas. In the year and a half working in the neighborhood, it's amazing to see how God is transforming it. New homes have been built. They have started a community garden and the city has given twelve plots of land to grow food and start a farmers market down there. I addition to starting an aquaponics project, providing fresh fish for residents, we have also built a chicken coop. There is also Bon Ton Honey, which raises bees and grows honey locally and provides employment to people who probably couldn't get a job.
Community, for me has been a real challenge this past year. My second community group has dissolved and we no longer meet. I did join another community group, though and have met with them a couple of times. I've enjoyed it so far and they are great group of guys.
Work has been crazy lately. We have been on mandatory overtime for the past several months. The overtime has been exhausting but I can't say it hasn't been good for me. I have been able to build up a savings and fix up my car, which cost over a thousand dollars. And I've been able to spruce up my bathroom.
Having said all that, I am needing a break. The money is good, but I would like to slow things down a bit. I'm just biding my time until my vacation in August. I am super excited. I am looking forward to visiting Kentucky and seeing my folks and hanging with some old friends. I understand some new restaurants have opened since I have been gone so there may be a Kentucky element to restaurant reviews. As always, it's all about the food.
