Tuesday, December 25, 2012

A Babe was Born...

On Christmas Day, we send you greetings from Steveson, Washington at the Skamania Lodge.  This entire trip was gifted to us and we are extremely grateful.  It does feel odd, as we've only been able to talk with family over the phone and a few not-so-good skype connections.  However, we are trying to enjoy ourselves.  The scenery is beautiful, despite the 39 degrees and pouring rain outside.  Maybe we can take a hike in the morning...until then, we'll enjoy this HUGE tree in the lobby, the fireplace and some hot coffee and chocolate.



Our prayer for you is that this day will not be lost on the reason we celebrate it in the first place.  God sacrificed his son Jesus for your salvation and it all began with a visit from an angel.  All this because of His great, great love for you.  May you make space for Him and embrace that love.  Blessings and Merry Christmas!

Leavenworth!

Since we had so much fun 2 years ago, we decided to go to Leavenworth again for the annual Christmas Lighting Festival.  When we arrived on Friday, there was no snow.  However, Saturday morning began, what would be, the only weekend of the festival this year to have any snow. 

We started our day with a leisurley walk along the Wenactchee river and ran into a few surprises along the snowy trail.  Check out the otters!  One even posed for us, with a stick in its mouth.  What a ham!


We also found a blue heron waiting in the weeds for his next catch.  Pretty cool.


After about 3 miles, we arrived into town where the snow got heavier and the number of visitors increased significantly from the night before.  Even the Grinch was out for a photo op....



As night fell and the program began, the streets filled very quickly and the moment we'd all been waiting for....the town lit up!  It was GORGEOUS!!

  

Later in the evening, the snow stopped falling, but it left this amazing shot of two decorated trees.   


MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Yep, still here...

After receiving several chides and subtle, and some not-so-subtle comments about no postings on the blog, in addition to my own embarrassment to see that the last post was well over a year ago, I am ready to get back in the saddle.

I won't bore you with reflections of the past year, as it will only help me in assuaging my own negligence.  Suffice it to say, motivation for writing just plain left me.

In our "spare time", we've spent the last 11 months fitting multiple doctor appointments into the schedule...before work/school, during lunch, after school/work, leaving work early, Saturdays, etc.  All this due to a car accident in early December, followed up by another accident at the end of March.  It's not over either, as just Friday we were rear-ended, yet again, on my way to my last day of work.  We're basically ok, but all our previous injuries became aggravated.  We've had 3 different cars damaged since December.  This last one claimed the new-to-us Subaru wagon.  So there's my somewhat sarcastic rant.

Now, I want to also be quick to say that we are very grateful.  Again, no blood, no broken bones, lacerations or anything worth a trip to the ER.  In fact, the car was drivable, but we can't say the same for the dude who hit us.  I admit that I have spent much time thinking and asking God, "Why?!  What good could possible come from this?"  We may not find that out until reaching the other side.  I'm working to process being ok with that.

Now for my advertisement....be sure your auto insurance coverage is more than adequate for what you think you might need. Funny as it may sound, having insurance does bring peace of mind and sometimes you may think that's all you're actually purchasing.  I'm SO grateful for Scott's time as an insurance agent!!  One less thing to be concerned about.

Other than that, Scott's only got one semester left after December.  He's feeling the fatigue and is really glad that he's only got 2 classes this semester, though they are very time intensive.  I know that come May, we will both be looking back at this amazing journey...who would've thought Greek (and some Hebrew) would be the new languages in our lives along with the understanding that helps uncover the magnificence and deeper meaning to scripture!  Of course that's not all, but it's been quite a ride.

As I mentioned, my job at the hospital association ended on Friday.  I resigned to take a new position with a non-profit that works with young adults, who otherwise would not have the opportunity, to help them finish their GED and get started at community college to work towards finishing their Associates degree.  I'm very excited about it and think it's going to be a good challenge.  Another plus is that it is MUCH closer to home.  I won't even have to take the freeway or cross the river--yippee!  I have this week to reset, take care of some goals and hopefully be somewhat refreshed.  I'm sure a haircut will also help! (though I probably have enough to donate again...but I'm really not considering it quite yet)

Hopefully you won't give up on me and will continue to stay tuned.