A New Chapter for the Rapps

Todd has just accepted a position at Grace Bible Church as Family Pastor in Houston, Texas!  We will be selling a lot of stuff in our house, not to mention trying to sell our house, and moving at the end of August. There were several things that attracted Todd to this church, but perhaps the selling point was the fact that so many Kanakuk friends are working there. We will miss Branson and our friends here so very much, but there is definitely a spark of excitement in our hearts as we anticipate what the Lord has in store. A very kind family in Houston has offered to let us live in their back house for a time to help ease our transition and to give us time to look for a house. We will definitely keep you all posted on updates.

Yep, more Kauai

Holden just chillin' in the stroller.

Looking a little perplexed.

We had a chance to do the ropes course.

Sweaty Carter on one of those swinging ladders.

The Faithful Wife

When facing transition, there's nothing better than having a spouse who is trusting God in spite of all the uncertainties.  I, Todd, wanted to sneak in a story about my wife (unbeknownst to her) who has been inspirational throughout our difficult spring and summer.  I wouldn't have blamed her for feeling nervous, or mad, or insecure, or afraid in light of my unemployment.  For both of us, it has been a time of trusting God--- or rather for me, I will admit that I have been in a cycle of worry-doubt-fear-confession-trust for several months.   Boo Todd!  Did God not raise Holden from lifelessness to life? God's truths of love and security and faithfulness never change, but I'm embarrassed to admit that I've struggled trusting God when job prospects seemed hopeless at times.  Emotions have run the gamut for both of us, but Bronwyn has been a bulwark of support and encouragement.

Just a few days ago after dinner, Bronwyn had just rejoiced in the truth of how God is faithful and able to do the seemingly impossible.  Moments later, I was in the kitchen out of her sight while she was in the living room changing a diaper.  Wanting to throw the diaper in a place where it could be disposed of properly at a later time, she threw it in the direction of the kitchen.  I had just turned with the trash can in hand and was about to wipe the counter when the diaper comes flying in, bouncing off the table and landing perfectly into my rotating trash can. One in a million chance. It was a perfect illustration for the timely truth God had just inspired us with.  God is able to do the impossible, and we can trust Him!  There are so many scriptures that teach us this truth that I don't even need to list them.  We all know them.  I just want to live it out better, not just KNOW it.

In closing, I want to shout out love and respect to my cousins who just lost their dad, having departed this planet for heaven.  They have been and continue to be excellent examples of trusting God in obedience when life is dark and gloomy.  Thanks for your example Blakes, Tillers and Yorks!

Gotta go.  Bronwyn's home now.  Thanks for listening.

In the Rain

Branson got quite a rain storm today. During the storm Todd decided to capitalize on the rain so he washed both of our cars. Carter joined him and before they came inside, they paused to pose for a quick photo shoot.

More K-Kauai Pictures

I forgot about these pictures from Kauai! So I wanted to add them to the blog.

All the kids enjoyed the Jumping Pillow. The brothers were especially sweet to take Collins out to play. As you can see, it is easy to lose your balance on this.

A moment to rest, but still holding Connor's hand.

Ping Pong was very popular.

Carter loved playing Xbox Kinect. What focus he has!

Todd had a time to hang out while the boys were playing.

I love this picture of the boys enjoying their milkshakes at the Bamboo Bean.

Connor

Our bluff jumping excursion took us out to State Park Marina where we saw some GIANT boats. There was one especially big boat called "Sherry's Sanctuary." Connor made us all laugh when he began to sing, "Lord prepare me, to drive the Sanctuary..."

K-Kauai Family Kamp

Our family was excited and spoiled to get to spend the week at K-Kauai Family Kamp. We just returned home today. We took very few pictures, but made lots of memories as a family. Here are some highlights from our week.

* No cooking! What a treat to walk in to the dining hall, eat and then walk out after the meal. Hooray for no dishes!
* Hunter loved playing field games with the Riptide kids. They played Capture the Flag, Hawaiian Egg Scrambler, Samoan Wrestling and had an epic paint war.
* Connor loved the Superhero party.
* Carter spent LOTS of time in the game room and made new friends. He also loved Man Night.
* Colton can't pick a favorite thing - he liked everything!
* Ala Moana - the child care that K-Kauai had for Collins and Holden was fantastic. We especially loved meeting Jen Niccore.
* Todd enjoyed all the time to play with our kids and the jacuzzi that overlooked the lake.
* The Bean! We all loved ordering Bean treats like a Kauai Klassic Milkshake.

Colton spent some time on the "Naskar" track.

I know he looks sleepy, but Colton was trying to look cool with all of the lei's.

We went bluff jumping. Yes, I jumped and survived. The boys liked it a whole lot more than I did.

For the Superhero party, the Rapps dressed as Super Nerds. And Todd went as a prisoner?! Collins and Holden were exempt from the costume planning.

Cute baby Holden ready for the pool.