Grand Opening Update

Hello Amigos y Familia!

I got totally wrapped up with everything this past weekend and I didn't get any cool photos! No worries... we will be making a video this weekend to promote Mosaic Kids (aka Mo Kids) and recruit volunteers.

So, here is the amazing story about the Grand Opening. We were up and at the church by 5 for set up. People started arriving by 8:45! We had 350 in the Main services between the 9:30 and the 11:00 services. And in Mo Kids, we have 35 and 39. In the Little Mosaics (birth-3), we had 8 and 10. Crazy good times!

The local news even came out and did a remote during the services. To check out Pastor Dustin's spot on the news, go to www. wlox.com. Search for Mosaic Church. Dustin also got to do a radio spot this week to promote this weekend.

Now the big news. We had 12 salvations that we know of this weekend! We also have now outgrown our current space and as of next week, will be meeting at In the Zone. This location is cheaper, bigger, and is a daycare/ skating rink so it is safer and we get the place all day!!

Shaun kicked off his student ministry(Cross Culture) Sunday night. We had 20 kids, not to shabby! The kids all seemed to like it and were very accepting of each other, that is huge! We also have some rock solid leaders to help with Cross Culture.

I started my paying gig on Monday with Biloxi schools. Yes, school started today here and teachers returned to school last week. We start earlier than in Texas, but we get off earlier. Did I mention that we get the week off for Mardi Gras as well as a week in April for Spring break.... and are off last of May.... sweet!!!

I am REALLY excited about this job. I will be housed at an elementary school and will service another elementary on Tuesday and Thursdays. This position is brand new and there are 3 others hired just like me. We are Elementary Mental Health Counselors. This week we are designing the protocols and procedures and next week, I will be placed in the school. I will work 8-4. Yeah, no early morning!!!

The Biloxi school district is one of the best districts in the state of Mississippi. They also are considered fairly progressive. I actually got to sit down and talk with the Superintendent and several other top administrators yesterday. I just can not get over how personable and down to earth they are, unlike most of the districts in which I have been involved with! Some districts, I never even got to meet the school Principals, much less the Superintendent!

Interesting thing about the schools here too is that they do not have guidance counselors or social workers in the elementary schools. So, the teachers have had to deal with extremely hurting children all on their own. They are so grateful to have us and I am glad to help! My Principals seem to be really sweet too. I can't wait to get started. As part of my benefits, I get a blackberry and a laptop. Fancy Fancy!!

Did I mention that I got an iphone last week? So now I have two fancy phones, neither of which I know how to operate fully! The only reason that I got the iphone was because the motorola razor finally died.. I am sorry to say that she died a long, slow painful death.

Shaun is still working at the base and enjoying it. Several people out there have recognized him from the flyer and He is forming some pretty cool friendships. His job ends in January, but we have hopes that he will go on full time at Mosaic by then.

Shaun and I are both trying to finish up our summer classes in school. This is the area that has been the hardest to balance. I just can't seem to keep caught up! And fall classes start the 18th...yuck! But we are both nearing the finish line, so it will be worth it!

I will send picts of this weekend next week. Danielle and her family are coming to visit this weekend and she is bringing me shoes!! Love her! My family is also coming to visit. I can't wait or them to see the Church and eat at Phoenicia! Lucky Shaun gets to hang out with them all day on Monday.. I'm so jealous!

I also am getting ready to teach the Women's Bible Study tomorrow on Joy.. boy is that a tough crowd! And we are doing our home group and Cross Culture this weekend.

Please continue to pray for the people of the Coast and for our staff here at Mosaic. Seems like each of us is being attacked in some way shape or form!

We love you guys!

Jessica