M4

M4 - that stands for Marriage, Mentoring, Meals, and More. It's this amazing thing at our church that Pam L. dreamed up and we're part of the guinea pig group that gets to try it out! So here's how it works. For 10 weeks, 7 mentor couples and 12 "mentee" couples meet in a large and small group setting. On the odd weeks, everyone meets together for a dinner provided by the mentor couples. Tonight was Italian night at the Vogelsangs (AMAZING). We have little cards on the table that ask us questions and we spend our dinner sharing as a couple. For example, tonight William and I shared about our childhood friends, the best memory we've made together as a couple, and one thing we appreciate about each other. It's a laid back time of getting to know all the couples involved. Then we got some great prayer from the mentor couples.

On the even weeks, we break into 2 smaller groups for a more high-accountability group and discussion. We also have homework every week. Our homework this week is to go on a date, pray together every day, and practice commuicating everyday by sharing one thing we appreciate about each other and by telling each other how we feel and why. So for example this morning, I told William. "I'm feeling refreshed from a great weekend with friends that we love. I appreciate that you did all the dishes from our cooking extravaganza and that you take time to build relationships with my best girlfriend's husbands."

It has been a wonderful 3 weeks so far. It's great getting to know the mentor couples who've been married for much longer than us and have some great wisdom to offer. It's also been nice getting to know more couples who are in the same stage of life as us. We're looking forward to the next 7 weeks!! Here's a few pictures from tonight:

Jeff and Steve deep in conversation:
good food and good conversation:our table as the Majeres share:
Our good friends, Gabe and Aubrey, are also in the M4 group. Mataya (Owen's current girlfriend) is 23 days younger than he is. They love to hang out. And their matching diaper bags are pretty great!