Just got these picture from Lesa Engelthaler and Scott Winn while they were here. I love it! and I love him!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Just Because
Just got these picture from Lesa Engelthaler and Scott Winn while they were here. I love it! and I love him!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Scott,and Sarah, and Lesa, and Arica, and Melody, oh my!
Last week (I'm just now getting to this, because life with a 10 month old is sometimes busy!) we had some super duper fun visitors!
Scott and Sarah Winn were in Honduras with a mission trip from Woodcreek, our home church. At the tail end of their trip, they flew in to see us! If you know us, then you probably know Scott. We both grew up under Scott's leadership as our youth pastor. To say that he played a huge part in our lives is an understatement. I'm honestly having a hard time putting into words how much he means to both of us. He taught us, he loved us, he encouraged us, he challenged us. He has had one of the greatest impact on our lives. He is an excellent example of living out Christ's teachings. I could go on and on. But you probably already know Scott, and know exactly what I mean.
So yeah, it was awesome to have him here. He was able to just hang out with us and talk, to see ours and Chase and Julie's ministry, and see House of Hope. We loved, loved, loved having him here! And Sarah too! I don't know many 5th graders that could handle going to a 3rd world country like she did. She was super fun, flexible, and loving (and it didn't hurt one bit that she brought me some Twizzlers!). We love you Winns!
While the Winns were here, Lesa, Arica, and Melody also came! They were coming on a scouting trip to see if the women of Woodcreek could serve at House of Hope. House of Hope is a ministry here that works with women and children (yes, I said children) that are trying to escape prostitution. House of Hope is such a neat place that is changing the lives of so many women. Women are leaving prostitution and coming to know Jesus. Incredible.
While they were here, we got to do some fun Nica things. They got to experience eating Quesillos (a funky version of a quesadilla served in a thin plastic bag), go to Lake Nicaragua, and see the town of Granada. We had tons of fun with them too!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming! We were/are encouraged by you and your love!
Scott and Sarah Winn were in Honduras with a mission trip from Woodcreek, our home church. At the tail end of their trip, they flew in to see us! If you know us, then you probably know Scott. We both grew up under Scott's leadership as our youth pastor. To say that he played a huge part in our lives is an understatement. I'm honestly having a hard time putting into words how much he means to both of us. He taught us, he loved us, he encouraged us, he challenged us. He has had one of the greatest impact on our lives. He is an excellent example of living out Christ's teachings. I could go on and on. But you probably already know Scott, and know exactly what I mean.
So yeah, it was awesome to have him here. He was able to just hang out with us and talk, to see ours and Chase and Julie's ministry, and see House of Hope. We loved, loved, loved having him here! And Sarah too! I don't know many 5th graders that could handle going to a 3rd world country like she did. She was super fun, flexible, and loving (and it didn't hurt one bit that she brought me some Twizzlers!). We love you Winns!
While the Winns were here, Lesa, Arica, and Melody also came! They were coming on a scouting trip to see if the women of Woodcreek could serve at House of Hope. House of Hope is a ministry here that works with women and children (yes, I said children) that are trying to escape prostitution. House of Hope is such a neat place that is changing the lives of so many women. Women are leaving prostitution and coming to know Jesus. Incredible.
While they were here, we got to do some fun Nica things. They got to experience eating Quesillos (a funky version of a quesadilla served in a thin plastic bag), go to Lake Nicaragua, and see the town of Granada. We had tons of fun with them too!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming! We were/are encouraged by you and your love!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Missionary Community
Last night we had a going away party for some of our friends here, the Elmers (Mike and Esther). They are a really neat family that has lived in Nicaragua for the past 3 years. They actually aren't missionaries here - he basically helped build condos by the Pacific beach - but are involved with a lot of different ministries, loving and serving the poor.
When we found out we were pregnant last year, Esther came by and gave me tons of reading material, a maternity swimsuit, and baby clothes. I hardly even knew her at that point. We were really blessed by them.
The longer we have lived here, the more we have gotten to know and love them. Mike is one of those guys that thinks like David, so they can have these super in-depth conversations about eschatology, and Russian authors - you know like normal people do. And I have really gotten to know Esther and have enjoyed her sarcasm and wit.
So, anywho, we had a going away party for them last night (they are moving back to Atlanta soon) and tons of the missionary community was there. It was really cool to see all these people in one place - as that doesn't happen real often.
A pic from our house, looking down at the party. At the top of the picture you can see the Mariachi band. Because every party needs some good Maiachi music.
It's also cool to see/hear what all of them do. Some of them work with orphanages, others work with the people that live in the city dump, some of them work with Young Life, and others with vocational schools.
The Lord is so kind to us to bless us with these encouraging people. They are examples to us to live lives of sacrifice and abandonment. We are thankful.
When we found out we were pregnant last year, Esther came by and gave me tons of reading material, a maternity swimsuit, and baby clothes. I hardly even knew her at that point. We were really blessed by them.
The longer we have lived here, the more we have gotten to know and love them. Mike is one of those guys that thinks like David, so they can have these super in-depth conversations about eschatology, and Russian authors - you know like normal people do. And I have really gotten to know Esther and have enjoyed her sarcasm and wit.
So, anywho, we had a going away party for them last night (they are moving back to Atlanta soon) and tons of the missionary community was there. It was really cool to see all these people in one place - as that doesn't happen real often.
A pic from our house, looking down at the party. At the top of the picture you can see the Mariachi band. Because every party needs some good Maiachi music.
It's also cool to see/hear what all of them do. Some of them work with orphanages, others work with the people that live in the city dump, some of them work with Young Life, and others with vocational schools.
The Lord is so kind to us to bless us with these encouraging people. They are examples to us to live lives of sacrifice and abandonment. We are thankful.
Friday, March 26, 2010
So proud!
A while back, our friend Paul was here visiting us and learning more about One by One. While here, he was super sweet and bought Beckett a fun gift - a basketball hoop and balls. Need I remind you that David and I both love basketball. So obviously, it was a great gift.
For the first couple of months, Beckett was really not interested in it. We'd bring it out and he would just hit or completely ignore it(usually to play with some sort of paper on the ground!). Then he started to like to play with the balls. He would roll them and then crawl after them. The past week or two, he's learned the word for ball and you can tell him to go get his ball and he will! Very cool!
Yesterday, however, was a day that just warmed my heart.
I'm not going to lie - he's got some mad basketball skills! Makes a mom proud!
Keep reading, there's another post!
For the first couple of months, Beckett was really not interested in it. We'd bring it out and he would just hit or completely ignore it(usually to play with some sort of paper on the ground!). Then he started to like to play with the balls. He would roll them and then crawl after them. The past week or two, he's learned the word for ball and you can tell him to go get his ball and he will! Very cool!
Yesterday, however, was a day that just warmed my heart.
I'm not going to lie - he's got some mad basketball skills! Makes a mom proud!
Keep reading, there's another post!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
David is the BIG 3-0!
*I started this blog a while ago, just haven't had time to finish it yet! I have a hard time blogging and having vistors!
David has been gone the past week. He's been in Costa Rica with NCA for Hacia Democracy. (There will be a blog post about that soon, along with one about the NCA's festival)
While he was gone, he had a birthday. Not just any birthday, but a BIG one! 30. As in, he's been alive for 30 years!
I was sad that we couldn't be with him on his special day. Birthday's should be celebrated with cake and presents and laughter - on the actually day. (I do have a friend that disagrees with that, but we won't mention him)
In honor of his 30th birthday, I've thought of 30 things I love about David!
1. He's dang cute. The cutest boy I know. Don't argue with me - he is.
2. He tells it how it is.
3. He makes me laugh. He's probably not known for being really funny, but I think he is so funny. He can say things that make me laugh for days (lipsick on a pig!)
4. He is a man of integrity.
5. He is adventurous. If it weren't for him, I would probably lead a rather dull life.
6. He is beyond generous. He is constantly looking for ways to support people/ministries - financially or other ways.
7. He is a really good friend. to me and others. He pursues friendships.
8. He has some crazy curly hair. If we ever have a baby girl, I want her to have that same crazy curly hair. However, I will need Michelle and Sami to teach me how to tame it.
9. He loves basketball. I love basketball. It's pure greatness.
10. He's got some great hands. I've always liked hands, and his are the best. Not soft, but not super callousy (sp?). They're perfect for holding.
11. He is a fantastic Dad. He loves Beckett more than life. One of my favorite things is watching them play together.
12. He knows his way around a kitchen. When we first got married he probably cooked 80% of the time. The other 20, was me making mac and cheese and toast and something else involving cheese. I love that he can just whip something up! It's a true blessing to my heart and my tummy!
13. He has a great classic Russell smile. Perfect teeth. It makes me smile just thinking about it.
14. He'll eat most anything you put in front of him. Scorpion? Yep. Dog?? No problem. Crunchy, sandy snails??? Easy. (I don't know why I love that, I just do. He's not scared.)
15. He wants our marriage to be founded in Truth.
16. He works hard at our marriage. We figured out a long time ago, that we are rather different. We look at life different, we think about things differently. So sometimes (or maybe alot) it's hard for him to see where I'm coming from. Even still, he works hard to understand me.
17. He buys me Diet Coke and Mike and Ikes! Ahhh, pure bliss!
18. He is a great teacher. I knew he was great even before he had the label of a teacher. He just gets it. He knows how to make learning relavent. Students love his class! It's cool to see him do something he's gifted in.
19. He's handsome! (which is different than cute)
20. He teaches me new things. Like how to love reading. Or how to change a tire. Or how to drive a stick.
21. He loves Jesus.
22. He has got the prettiest blue-gray eyes. Hoping our next child has the blue eyes too!
23. He'll kill a roach for me. That is true love.
24. He is extremely realistic. It's not that I live in a fantasy world, I just am probably not quite as realistic as him. There have been numerous times in our marriage where something shocks the heck out of me (like it won't be easy to move to a new culture or having a baby is hard work!), and yet David is not shocked. He has thought the situation through and knows what to expect. He grounds me a bit. Which is good!
25. He is a great gift giver!
26. He can go to bed late, wake up really early and still be a pleasant person to be around. Weird, I know.
27. He is God's gift to me. God knew what I would need and blessed me with David.
28. He can whistle at this crazy high pitch. It's a little bit random, but I love that he can do that. (We won't mention, my awesome whistling abilities - this is a blog about David!)
29. He works hard at where God has put him. Right now, he's working hard at making deep relationships with the students at NCA. Before, he was being the best manager at Barnes and Noble, that he could be. He works hard for us to be united. Yeah, he's such a hard worker. I love that.
30. He is my absolute best friend.
So there you have it 30 reasons why I love David! I really could go on and on. He's the best!
This is not the best picture, but this is him with his yummy carrot birthday cake!
(Orell sent this cake down with Tracy. It was a bit of heaven!! Thank you Orell!)
David has been gone the past week. He's been in Costa Rica with NCA for Hacia Democracy. (There will be a blog post about that soon, along with one about the NCA's festival)
While he was gone, he had a birthday. Not just any birthday, but a BIG one! 30. As in, he's been alive for 30 years!
I was sad that we couldn't be with him on his special day. Birthday's should be celebrated with cake and presents and laughter - on the actually day. (I do have a friend that disagrees with that, but we won't mention him)
In honor of his 30th birthday, I've thought of 30 things I love about David!
1. He's dang cute. The cutest boy I know. Don't argue with me - he is.
2. He tells it how it is.
3. He makes me laugh. He's probably not known for being really funny, but I think he is so funny. He can say things that make me laugh for days (lipsick on a pig!)
4. He is a man of integrity.
5. He is adventurous. If it weren't for him, I would probably lead a rather dull life.
6. He is beyond generous. He is constantly looking for ways to support people/ministries - financially or other ways.
7. He is a really good friend. to me and others. He pursues friendships.
8. He has some crazy curly hair. If we ever have a baby girl, I want her to have that same crazy curly hair. However, I will need Michelle and Sami to teach me how to tame it.
9. He loves basketball. I love basketball. It's pure greatness.
10. He's got some great hands. I've always liked hands, and his are the best. Not soft, but not super callousy (sp?). They're perfect for holding.
11. He is a fantastic Dad. He loves Beckett more than life. One of my favorite things is watching them play together.
12. He knows his way around a kitchen. When we first got married he probably cooked 80% of the time. The other 20, was me making mac and cheese and toast and something else involving cheese. I love that he can just whip something up! It's a true blessing to my heart and my tummy!
13. He has a great classic Russell smile. Perfect teeth. It makes me smile just thinking about it.
14. He'll eat most anything you put in front of him. Scorpion? Yep. Dog?? No problem. Crunchy, sandy snails??? Easy. (I don't know why I love that, I just do. He's not scared.)
15. He wants our marriage to be founded in Truth.
16. He works hard at our marriage. We figured out a long time ago, that we are rather different. We look at life different, we think about things differently. So sometimes (or maybe alot) it's hard for him to see where I'm coming from. Even still, he works hard to understand me.
17. He buys me Diet Coke and Mike and Ikes! Ahhh, pure bliss!
18. He is a great teacher. I knew he was great even before he had the label of a teacher. He just gets it. He knows how to make learning relavent. Students love his class! It's cool to see him do something he's gifted in.
19. He's handsome! (which is different than cute)
20. He teaches me new things. Like how to love reading. Or how to change a tire. Or how to drive a stick.
21. He loves Jesus.
22. He has got the prettiest blue-gray eyes. Hoping our next child has the blue eyes too!
23. He'll kill a roach for me. That is true love.
24. He is extremely realistic. It's not that I live in a fantasy world, I just am probably not quite as realistic as him. There have been numerous times in our marriage where something shocks the heck out of me (like it won't be easy to move to a new culture or having a baby is hard work!), and yet David is not shocked. He has thought the situation through and knows what to expect. He grounds me a bit. Which is good!
25. He is a great gift giver!
26. He can go to bed late, wake up really early and still be a pleasant person to be around. Weird, I know.
27. He is God's gift to me. God knew what I would need and blessed me with David.
28. He can whistle at this crazy high pitch. It's a little bit random, but I love that he can do that. (We won't mention, my awesome whistling abilities - this is a blog about David!)
29. He works hard at where God has put him. Right now, he's working hard at making deep relationships with the students at NCA. Before, he was being the best manager at Barnes and Noble, that he could be. He works hard for us to be united. Yeah, he's such a hard worker. I love that.
30. He is my absolute best friend.
So there you have it 30 reasons why I love David! I really could go on and on. He's the best!
This is not the best picture, but this is him with his yummy carrot birthday cake!
(Orell sent this cake down with Tracy. It was a bit of heaven!! Thank you Orell!)
Grandma's Turn
The month of visitors is flying by. Seriously. The day after Granddad (two d's?? - maybe Tracy should tell me what he wants!!) left, my mom came! Beckett is in heaven! He's had not stop attention for the past 2 1/2 weeks. It won't be pretty when it's just me and him again.
We've had a lot of fun this week! We have....
Gone to Granada. Grandada is a fun little town right next to Lake Nicaragua. It's one of those typical Latin cities. It's has a cute little town square with vendors selling everything from whistles to pipes to necklaces with bugs in them (don't ask). We ate a Kathy's Waffles, toured an old cathedral, and just walked around. It was a fun time!
We also have spent a good amount of time in the pool. My poor Mom, for some reason, whenever she comes, it gets so so so hot here. It's always toasty here, but lately it's been real hot. Like so hot you are sweating in your bed at 10:00 at night. So to fight off the heat, we go to the pool.
We have also been cruising around in this little diddy! My mom brought down an early birthday present for Beckett. He L.O.V.E.S this car! Very fun!
My mom was way sweet and took us to Friday's! A place with A/C and refills of Coca Light is like heaven on earth (well, maybe in our book). Beckett was so good and just flirted with the waitresses all night.
She also helped me paint and decorate our room! Sami would be proud. For some reason, I can live in just a plain old room. It doesn't usually bother me to have no paint, or curtains, or pictures up. Could be laziness or something else?? Anyways, David mentioned that he would like for our room to be more cozy, or just better than the nothingness that it was. So, my mom brought down a duvet, we got some paint, hung up some curtains, and put up some shelves and pictures. We did all of this while David was in Costa Rica! So he was way surprised when he got back! Am I a good wife or what?
So time with Grandma has been a blast!
We're off to the market now!
I'll leave you with a picture of this cute little guy. He has a question. When are YOU coming to see me???
We've had a lot of fun this week! We have....
Gone to Granada. Grandada is a fun little town right next to Lake Nicaragua. It's one of those typical Latin cities. It's has a cute little town square with vendors selling everything from whistles to pipes to necklaces with bugs in them (don't ask). We ate a Kathy's Waffles, toured an old cathedral, and just walked around. It was a fun time!
We also have spent a good amount of time in the pool. My poor Mom, for some reason, whenever she comes, it gets so so so hot here. It's always toasty here, but lately it's been real hot. Like so hot you are sweating in your bed at 10:00 at night. So to fight off the heat, we go to the pool.
We have also been cruising around in this little diddy! My mom brought down an early birthday present for Beckett. He L.O.V.E.S this car! Very fun!
My mom was way sweet and took us to Friday's! A place with A/C and refills of Coca Light is like heaven on earth (well, maybe in our book). Beckett was so good and just flirted with the waitresses all night.
She also helped me paint and decorate our room! Sami would be proud. For some reason, I can live in just a plain old room. It doesn't usually bother me to have no paint, or curtains, or pictures up. Could be laziness or something else?? Anyways, David mentioned that he would like for our room to be more cozy, or just better than the nothingness that it was. So, my mom brought down a duvet, we got some paint, hung up some curtains, and put up some shelves and pictures. We did all of this while David was in Costa Rica! So he was way surprised when he got back! Am I a good wife or what?
So time with Grandma has been a blast!
We're off to the market now!
I'll leave you with a picture of this cute little guy. He has a question. When are YOU coming to see me???
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Time with Grandad
I'm not sure if Grandad is spelled Grandad or Granddad. What do you think? I'm going to stick with Grandad until I hear otherwise!
Regardless, this week Beckett got to spend tons of time with him! Living far away, I often feel guilty that Beckett doesn't get to see his grandparents (and they don't get to see him). I know we are to be here, I just have my moments.
So when the grandparents, and aunts, and uncles, and friends (who are like family) come I feel really blessed and so happy for my sweet baby to experience them.
Here are some pics of their time together.
This was at NCA's festival (a blog about that will be coming soon! Get excited!!!) David was in jail and Beckett and Grandad were laughing at him. Woe is David.
Playing with a coke bottle. (I must drink too much coke, I feel like there's another picture of him playing with a coke bottle)
Opening the present from Lolli! It was a super cool dumptruck! Look at that sheer joy on Beckett's face!
Saying goodbye to Grandad.
Thanks for coming Grandad! We had so much fun!!!
Regardless, this week Beckett got to spend tons of time with him! Living far away, I often feel guilty that Beckett doesn't get to see his grandparents (and they don't get to see him). I know we are to be here, I just have my moments.
So when the grandparents, and aunts, and uncles, and friends (who are like family) come I feel really blessed and so happy for my sweet baby to experience them.
Here are some pics of their time together.
This was at NCA's festival (a blog about that will be coming soon! Get excited!!!) David was in jail and Beckett and Grandad were laughing at him. Woe is David.
Playing with a coke bottle. (I must drink too much coke, I feel like there's another picture of him playing with a coke bottle)
Opening the present from Lolli! It was a super cool dumptruck! Look at that sheer joy on Beckett's face!
Saying goodbye to Grandad.
Thanks for coming Grandad! We had so much fun!!!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
I'm a picture stealer
Tracy and Dave Ruff made it safe and sound on Monday night. Which is quite impressive. They flew from Dallas to Mexico City, Mexico City to San Salvador, and the finally San Salvador to Nicaragua. I'm impressed that everything was on time, no delays, no crazy going-through-customs-3-times situations. Dave told me today that they had several people praying for safe travels for them. And I think the Lord honored those prayers. (1 suitcase-with a bunch of tools- still hasn't made it though!)
They began their work on Tuesday morning.
(This is where I stole a picture from Chase and Julie's blog)
This is the before picture. They are basically turning an outside space to an office.
If someone told me to turn a space into an office, I would have no idea where to begin. I think I would sit down in the middle of the room and cry. But not Tracy and Dave, they knew what to do - no tears for them! They have ripped out some glass panels, made a door, cut concrete, started to put a ceiling and roof in. All of that would take me approximately 2.5 years. They've done it in 2 days. Again, quite impressive!
(Again, I stole another picture!)
We have loved having them here! I know that the work they are doing for Camino de Vida (Chase and Julie's church) is such a blessing to them! We are also blessed to have them here to visit and see Beckett!
More to come later!
If you want to see more in depth pictures - I didn't think I should steal them all- go to Chase and Julie's blog www.chaseandjulie.blogspot.com
They began their work on Tuesday morning.
(This is where I stole a picture from Chase and Julie's blog)
This is the before picture. They are basically turning an outside space to an office.
If someone told me to turn a space into an office, I would have no idea where to begin. I think I would sit down in the middle of the room and cry. But not Tracy and Dave, they knew what to do - no tears for them! They have ripped out some glass panels, made a door, cut concrete, started to put a ceiling and roof in. All of that would take me approximately 2.5 years. They've done it in 2 days. Again, quite impressive!
(Again, I stole another picture!)
We have loved having them here! I know that the work they are doing for Camino de Vida (Chase and Julie's church) is such a blessing to them! We are also blessed to have them here to visit and see Beckett!
More to come later!
If you want to see more in depth pictures - I didn't think I should steal them all- go to Chase and Julie's blog www.chaseandjulie.blogspot.com
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