Denver is now home. We've made it.

Hey everyone. We apologize for our almost COMPLETE lack of communication since leaving Knoxville, this past Sunday. I (Kayla), of course, left my phone in Knoxville that morning and had to have it shipped to us in Denver. We also haven't had internet until today (except for in the lobby at the hotel- which we didn't see much of). Here is an update on our time so far (the short version; longer version to come):

Sunday we left Knoxville and drove the 13 hours to Fort Worth, TX to stay at Austin's moms and to visit with his dad. Austin drove the Budget rental truck (16 feet...) the WHOLE WAY there. My mom and I shared the task of driving the Subaru, which proved much easier than the truck.

We spent the day on Monday in Fort Worth, showing the city off to my mom. She is such a trooper. We ran her ragged this entire week. She still acts like she's 35, and has the energy to match. She amazes me.

Tuesday morning, we woke up early and set out on the final trek to Colorado. We drove through West Texas (more to come on that), New Mexico, and eventually through the great state that we now call home. We followed the Rockies north through Colorado Springs and then on to Denver. The sun was setting as we were in the middle of the state. It was gorgeous, and I had no idea how to feel. Austin was elated. I was all over the place emotionally. We tried to talk about it...but it really was almost impossible to explain it, even to each other.

For the past 2 days (wednesday and thursday), we ran all over the city looking for a place to live. Although we were totally overwhelmed, the Lord went before us in everything. We learned some parts of the city very quickly, which was exciting and helped in not feeling as shell-shocked. After exhausting ourselves (all three of us, again- my mom is amazing), the Lord graciously provided a duplex house for us to rent. It is in a historically Latino neighborhood but is in sort of a transition to becoming a very eclectic area, very close to the arts distric (yahoo!). It's gorgeous and old. We love it. More to come on that.

We took mom to the airport this morning. We all appeared to do pretty well, all things considered. Of course, we all lost it once we departed. The Lord goes before us into that as well. He is faithful.

All of our things are in the condo that our friends have sold. We'll bum here until we can move into our place at the end of the month. Please pray for our transition here. It will be hard and good, as most God-designed things are. We look forward to sharing this life with you in the best ways we can. We love you all. Thanks for loving and supporting us as we've followed God to this city.

Please pray that students hearts will be open to the gospel here. We just want to be faithful to whom God calls us to serve. Pray for those moments on campus, in our home, on the bus, or wherever, where only God could ordain, anoint, and redeem hearts. Pray for our eyes to be open to them, and our feet to walk by faith into them.

Love you all.

A&K

ps. some gas stations here are called "loafnjugs". weird.  ;)