Spring babies

There are so many friends or ours that are expecting in the spring, it's almost humorous. I would rattle them all out here, but I'm not 100% positive they've shared their news. Ones that have are: Stansfields, Pollards, Fannins, Teagues, Wreyfords, Prusas, 3 really close friends I'm not sure I can name, not to mention people from Dublin Michael knows and church friends. It's out of control. We found out about 3 couples in 3 days. Any one else want to share their news to make it 4 couples in 4 days???

Sam's First Day of "Preschool"

Jac Crews, Henry Debardeleben, Sam, Elie Teachey, James Irwin, and Lilli Pooler.
We did a trial run last week with all the Moms, but they had double booked our room. I spent most of the time keeping Sam from running down the hall into the library or up the stairs to another hallway or from falling down another set of stairs that led to a random door. He was wild! I'm hoping this week will be better since we'll be in the normal Sunday nursery room and all the Moms won't be there. I'm on duty this week...pray I don't get too worn out! :)

Fall semester has begun...

Video update - about 6 minutes.

Fall semester at Georgia Tech has begun, providing lots of opportunities to build on development for returning students and to meet new students on the campus. But first we have family news to share: we are expecting a second child this spring, due in early April! If you want to see ultrasound pictures or just keep up more closely with our family, see our blog - http://babyvestal.blogspot.com .

Discipleship & Mobilization
The group of 4th-year guys we have at Tech right now - some in a group with me, some with another Campus Outreach staff guy - have consistently encouraged me as the strongest group of student leaders we've had at Tech so far. These men are deeply honest with one another about their need for Christ; they push one another on to pursue God - often making decisions to serve others' interests over their own, and they partner together to serve and reach others with the Gospel. As they prepare to graduate - some this year, some next - we want to help them anticipate the transition and think clearly about their decisions in light of God's call on their lives and His eternal Kingdom. Please pray with us for these men to be life-long healthy, joyful & fruitful (John 15:1-11) laborers. They include Josh, Jon, Matt, Robert, Matthew, Luke, Robbie, Keith and Jonathan. Praise God for what He's doing so deeply in so many!

I hope to also travel this semester to Athens and Dahlonega to meet with students there who are approaching graduation. Please pray that I would have wisdom, discernment and love to serve these students and the staff on those campuses in the area of mobilization.

Recent Events
Two weekends ago we held a leaders' retreat with about 30 students at Perimeter Church. Friday night we had a time of worship together, introduced a Galatians study and our theme for the semester - No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets, citing a compelling missionary biography. The explicit Gospel-focus of the study and the intention of our theme seemed to complement each other well. On Saturday we talked about multiplying our lives by investing deeply in a few, as Jesus did with the twelve. During the weekend I was able to lead a discussion with the guys on Biblical manhood and also talk about the nature and importance of church contrasted with the role of a ministry like Campus Outreach and encourage the students to plug into both accordingly.

This past weekend seven of the 4th-year guys mentioned above went fishing with me in Dublin. We had a great time on the pond and out of the city. Each of them shared where they are in considering post-graduation opportunities and the feelings (e.g. anxiety, fear, excitement, purpose, etc.) that surround that stage. We took an in-depth look at Psalm 25, prayed together, and discussed what basic elements we hope to be present in our lives at any given stage and place. Regarding any of the qualities we named -- whether growth in the Word, a healthy community or a clear and purposeful mission -- the best preparation for the future is faithfulness in the present.

Staff Development
For the second year, I'm leading our new staff through a theological course from our authority church - Perimeter. "Theological Foundations for Leaders" consists of ten lessons, a review week and an exam. Please pray that these studies would help the staff develop clarity in their theological convictions but more importantly deepen their appreciation for the Bible and their personal walks with God as they "grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ" (2 Peter 3:18).

THANK YOU!
All that God continues to do on these campuses and in these lives rests on His own plan and work of redemption... and He has chosen to use people - like you and us - in real ways. Thank you for partnering with us through prayer and giving. Thank you for sharing with us in Christ. We hope to hear from you and trust you're doing well in His grace.

Blessings,
Michael & Amber, Sam, (plus baby-on-the-way) Vestal

P.S.
Don't miss this excellent video on the CO Atlanta website. All but one of the students interviewed were on SBP with us this summer. The last to share - Matthew - has become a good friend of ours here at Tech. Also, Amber has some fun posts about our growing family here.

If you'd like to be removed from our list or if you have a different preferred email address, please let me know.

VOTE

Please vote on the right whether you think we're having a boy or a girl!

So fun!

I went to the doctor again today and Michael got to come with me and Sam. I wasn't expecting much, but I was glad Michael was coming. I didn't know they would do another ultrasound since the baby is still too little to pick up the heartbeat. I don't remember everything we did with Sam, so this was a fun surprise!
This picture was taken when the baby was still sleeping. He/She woke up and you could see the arms and legs moving all around. It was so cool! We're so excited. The doctor said everything looks great! She even tried to peek and see if it was a boy or girl, but you couldn't tell still.
So fun!

Fun times in the Vestal Household!

Sam is going to be a big brother sometime in late March/ early April! The official due date is April 5th! That's Michael's birthday. We're so excited!
I posted some entries from a while back just now, so scroll down to see them if you don't have Google Reader. :)

The Zoo

I've been wanting to take Sam to the zoo for a while now and our friends Henry and Melissa took us today. It was so fun! Sam is learning what noises animals make, but he keeps saying "ah, ah" instead of "nah" or whatever the animal says. He has a cow down pat though!

Sam and Henry in the back seat

First stop, flamingos!

The big elephants!

A ride on the train!
We saw a lot more and ate lunch. We had so much fun! Thanks, Debardelebens!

Our little baby acrobat

Mollie Anna Teachey

Mollie is here! She's so little, snuggly and sweet. Everyone is doing well and Jenna is my hero! She is made to have babies apparently. Congrats, Teacheys!

Sam's preschool!

Sam is about to start "preschool" in a few weeks! We have 6 moms and kids who are going to do a rotation with a schedule. So, I'll be on one week and have 2 weeks off. It's only once a week for 2 hours, but we're all so excited! We met about curriculum and goals last week and we're all on the same page. The most important thing is for them to learn about Jesus and develop Godly character. Of course, listening and obeying and other skills will develop along the way, too. I can't wait!
I'm looking for a cute little backpack to put his crafts, papers and lunch in...any ideas of where to get one?