Our Final Semester

          Justin & I are back from break and starting up our final semester here at Indiana Wesleyan University! In four short months we will be graduated. We are both excited beyond words to complete this part of our life, yet in a few ways sad to see it go. Life is moving quickly, sometimes I feel as though my life constantly has the fast-forward button pushed and Justin & I both need to run just to keep up. Nevertheless, I have been forced to slow down lately with a sinus & ear infection- and have found some time to write and reflect on our upcoming year.
        There are many exciting things happening in Justin & I's lives. We tease each other that 'real' life is starting soon. In a way, I suppose it is kind-of true. Over break I was able to visit the Refugee program in Grand Rapids that I will be teaching at for the month of May & June. Justin came along and we were able to tour the church and sit in on an 'elders' class. All of their classes are free to refugees and work on teaching them English skills for jobs and life in the US. Many of the students there are mothers, fathers, young adults, and children who have spent all or most of their lives in a Refugee camp. Some of them, especially the women, have never had any education at all before they will step foot into the classroom. It was a blessing for me to visit, I was able to see my passion for people and my newly learned English skill work so well together! I cannot wait to do my practicum their this upcoming summer.
      Come the beginning of May we will move into the house we will be renting in Holland. It is on the southside very close to Church, and Jackies Place! Over break we moved our Christmas decorations into the basement, since our next few Christmases will be there. We are excited to be close to family for a few years, a stepping stone towards ministry that we hope doesn't fly by to quickly.
       Justin, starting in May when we return, will be working fulltime in a Church to get his two years of service required for Ordination. We are hoping and praying that that church will be Central Wesleyan. (we are also praying that he will be able to find a paid internship). We are dreaming big and hope to both be serving as much as possible for our stay in Holland. 
     Now, I feel like I've made enough plans in my life to confidently tell all of you that these are just our plans. I know that God is leading us home, I know that we desire to be close to family for at least two years. But beyond that, if God tells you anything certain- please let us know! ;) For now we are (attempting to be) studying, working, and enjoying our last few months in our first apartment together. 

Prayer Requests:
- motivation, our college career is ending and with it our desire to study
- jobs & internships for when we graduate
- health- infections, colds, coughs and fevers to be gone for good!

Love,

Leah & Justin Lechner