Jonathan and Crystal

While over in Dublin on an exploratory trip for Perimeter Presbyterian Church, Crystal and Jonathan 'stopped by' Whitehaven. This 'stopping by' involved a 4:30 a.m. departure from their hotel in Dublin, a plane trip across the Irish Sea and then a train ride up the coast but that didn't deter them from the visit!

It had been almost a year to the day that we were in Atlanta for their wedding. Never would we have imagined that we would get to have them over here a year later! The only disappointment in that was the girls were in the States while they were over here - crazy! The Stambergs were here long enough to experience the gorgeous but nerve wracking drive over hard knot pass as well as a picnic along Windemere Lake at Ambleside (one of my favorite Lake District spots and home to the best scone and rum butter I've had in England - not that I've tried them all or anything.)We were able to pick cherries, play croquet at St. Bees beach, have some feisty games of swing ball , Dutch Blitz and Mr. X, have some good talks and pray together. Nathan had asked me before they came if he would get some time alone with Jonathan. He said, "you know, he's really means a lot to me - he's important in my life - he's like my big brother." After having lived with us a year and a half in a way that really invested in us, our whole family considers Jonathan and the other guys as part of the family. Crystal got to see firsthand just how 'at home' we all were with one another - very goofy and at ease.

We were glad for Jonathan to get to go to a men's breakfast at church and then get to play two songs in the worship service on Sunday. How cool was that!! They especially enjoyed the service as it served to encourage them for what God is doing in this part of Europe.

We may actually get to see them over here again as they have agreed to be the coordinators of a support team to some pastors in Dublin. This involves keeping in close touch with these men and the needs of their people so that the team at Perimeter can come alongside to give tangible assistance and encouragement. Jonathan and Crystal are very excited about this opportunity.

We had left Augusta just as Jonathan and Crystal were getting more serious in their relationship so we really didn't know her very well though we had prayed much for Jonathan's 'future wife'. It was a treat to get to know her a little better while they were here. Dennis and I were both so grateful for the total compliment that they are to each other! Wow- they are a great fit for one another. We also were happy to see that they have been establishing good habits in their first year of marriage to be intentional and serving one another. A serendipity to have them!