Monday, November 22, 2010

Today, I'm Thankful For . . .

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. . . the commonality of Christ!

Yesterday's post about friends got me thinking about all of the wonderful people we have come into contact with over the past year. We have been in 15 countries since January 7, 2010, and in each of those countries we worked with different missionaries or ministry organizations. No matter where we went or who we were helping, we were welcomed with open arms and we left with friendships that will last into eternity!

How is that possible? We weren't just two random people be-bopping around hither and yon helping other random people. Before we ever met, we loved each other with the supernatural love of the family of God.

If you've never experienced the feeling of instant camaraderie with brothers and sisters in Christ, it sounds kind of hokie, I'll admit it, but it is truly one of the most precious gifts God has given me this year.

The most poignant instance that comes to mind is the time that we spent in Peru. We were working with Wycliffe Bible Translators to help build a translation center. We stayed in the existing center where the translation work happens during the day, and every morning we participated in the daily devotions with all of the staff who are working on the translation of the Bible into East Appurimac Quechua. We were working with two other missionary couples who spoke English, but apart from that, the translation staff spoke little or no English. Devotions were held in Spanish and/or Quechua and one of the missionaries would whisper translations to us. In spite of the strong language barrier, everyone on the translation center staff truly loved us and welcomed us warmly in every setting. At the end of our time there they gathered around us and prayed for us, and many of us shed tears at our parting. Even though this side of eternity our communication was stilted at best, these dear people are part of our family!

God is so good!


Happy Monday!


The 2010 "I'm Thankful For . . ." Challenge

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Today, I'm Thankful For . . .

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. . . our friends!

In addition to our amazing families (see yesterdays "I'm Thankful For . . ." post), God has also seen fit to bless us with some incredible friends as well!

We have friends that we have known our entire lives, the friends we literally grew up with. And friends that we have had the privilege of meeting within the past year!

This weekend we're especially thankful for our friends in Oklahoma City and Pasadena, Texas who have opened their homes to us during our (Lord-willing) final pre-field deputation/fundraising trip! Thank you all sooooooo much for your hospitality and support during this trip!

(We're also super thankful for our Texas family in Dallas who let us stay with them and gathered all of the nearby extended family for a wonderful meal on Wednesday night :))

One of the most fun by-products of this past year is the amazing friendships we have built with people all around the world! We are so excited to be moving to Europe in less than a month and start doing life with the fabulous friends we have made in the MCYM family!


Praying your Thanksgiving week is blessed,


The 2010 "I'm Thankful For . . ." Challenge

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Today, I'm Thankful For . . .

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. . . my family!

Austin and I have been blessed with the most incredible families! That's something I've always known about our lives, but it has never been more apparent in my mind than now as we're preparing to move out of the country. Both sets of parents have been so incredibly supportive and helpful as we have been going through our fundraising and moving process.

We also have some pretty incredible siblings :) Austin's sister Ashley and her husband Tom have had a crazy, amazing year and we are so thrilled for them with all of the wonderful things that have been going on! Especially today on adoption day! We love you guys, and think you make great parents! My two sisters Kindra and Kelli are beautiful, talented girls who have everything going for them!

And that doesn't even touch on our extended families! We are so blessed to have a heritage of faith-filled, godly men and women who love us and who are always behind us!

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our families at Thanksgiving last year


Happy Adoption Day!


The 2010 "I'm Thankful For . . ." Challenge

Friday, November 19, 2010

Today, I'm Thankful For . . .

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. . . my wonderful hubby :)

I know I say that a lot on here, but it's the honest to goodness truth!

It has been one crazy year, and I would have probably gone stark, raving mad if it weren't for Austin. He continually amazes me with his awesomeness ;) He so totally rocks!

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literally the most recent picture we have, lol


Hope you all have a fantastic Friday, and a wonderful weekend!


The 2010 "I'm Thankful For . . ." Challenge

Thursday, November 18, 2010

The 2010 "I'm thankful for . . ." Challenge!

I got the sweetest e-mail the other day from Cheryl over at The Bz's House that Love Built encouraging us to blog daily during the month of November with specific things that we are thankful for.

Now, as I'm sure you're well aware by now, my internet/blogging/facebook usage being as sporadic as it has been for the past few months, I just saw this e-mail today. But I figured, better late than never, so for the rest of the month I will be blogging about all of the things that I'm thankful for :)

Join us if you'd like! Check out this post to read Cheryl's explanation of the challenge!

<3,