Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Twin Cities

"Are there any lakes in Minnesota?" asked Ana. "You are kidding right" says Killa. "Hey, I'm just a foreigner, and I can be excused for my ignorance" giggles Ana.

I absolutely love the Twin Cities. After weddings and babies, I got to go wedding planning, wedding gown shopping, and party it up at the Twin Cities with my good friend Killa. I had such a blast. Minneapolis and Saint Paul are beautiful. It is just the right combination of city life with green areas, and as I found out, thousands of lakes. I seriously am considering applying for jobs here after I graduate. I loved the people I met. The Twin Cities absolutely blew my expectations. I couldn't believe how diverse they were and how modern, to be completely honest. I had the best time salsa dancing with my new friends and was encouraged by the healthy lifestyle that apparently the whole state brags about. I've been told it's one of the top ten places to live in the United States, and I would believe it! I was very much inspired and challenged by John Piper's sermons on 2 Timothy 3-4 and the lives of my fellow brethren at Bethlehem Baptist.

God is so good and he doesn't cease to amaze me. Praise God for time spent with great friends and for Minneapolis and Saint Paul. It was truly a blessing to be there! Funny thing is that I barely took any pictures!

Apparently... The best Pupusas in town.

Having a little piece of home even those we are far away!

Enjoying a Pale Ale... Here is to the Twin Cities!

The coolest Vietnamese I've ever met! Happy Birthday Tina! Thank you for all your hospitality, warmth, and kindness!

Yeah... ready for some dancing!

Befriended the Cameroonians! Patrick it was so fun to hang out with you guys! We will party it up again at Killa's wedding!

Bethlehem. Is it the Piper Snipers Killa? Did I get that right? JK

Thank you for your patience and friendship! I miss you and am proud of what God is doing in your life!

"But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness...Not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:5-8

Fighting the good fight, continuing the race, and keeping the faith! Blessings and love to all!

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Brides and Babies :)

Hello Friends and Family!
  
Blessings, love, and the peace of Christ be with all! I write with great joy in my heart. I have returned back to the United States, and although I do miss Peru, I have been so encouraged and blessed to have spent the last couple of weeks wondering around the United States visiting my friends.

After flying from Lima to El Salvador, El Salvador to NYC, driving from NYC to New Haven, dropping my suitcases off at the wonderful Smedley's Home, crashing their house for two hours, and then returning back to NYC to fly out to Chicago, I was able to spend a wonderful week with my beautiful new wedded friend Jena Stroud. It was a VERY HOOSIER wedding and enjoyed being part of it. (Jena I bought Tim McGraw's new song Truck Yeah just for you! I've been jamming to it!)

I also had the great privilege to spend a couple of days with the Grishams and bond with newest family member: Baby Samuel!! I love him to pieces and really admire the grace and love God has poured into David and Courtney as parents. I also had the opportunity to rekindle with my favorite Venezuelan, Marlyn and was very much blessed by her hospitality and great love.

A friend does love like a brother, and I praise God so much for the friends and people he has placed in my life all around the world. I wasn't able to go back to Honduras this summer, and even though I miss my family, I am eternally blessed to have spent time with my friends who truly are like a family to me no matter where I go.

It is such a blessing to be seeing my friends marry off and have families of their own. I really do see family as a ministry. Marriage is representing the bond that exists between Christ and His church, and although not perfect and is only a glimpse of how profound and deep that relationship is, marriage is an incredible adventure and blessing. I really praise God for blessing my friends with good husbands and spouses and I pray that His grace and love continue to grow in their hearts. 

Seeing them now as parents confirms even more how evident God is in their life. Life is just incredible itself. If you think about every little detail that has to occur in the right timing and in the right place and under the right conditions, a baby is a miracle from God. Baby Samuel I praise God for you, and I praise Him for the wonderful parents He has given you. I miss our balance ball bouncing days singing "Victory in Jesus."

To my friends whom I haven't been able to visit this time around, I hope to see you soon. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers. Katrina, I am so excited about new baby girl on her way!!! I can't wait to hold her. Hannah, I miss you so much!!! You are like my sister, and I hope that the trip to California works out in October. I am so proud of you and your graduation. Rachel, I am so happy for your new married life! I have no doubt you are an incredible life and look forwarding to hanging out in Texas. Mel Mel, I will hopefully see you soon! We should definitely have another Skype date!!


To my family, I miss you dearly. I love you all and pray for you. Your love and encouragement really keeps me going and gives me the opportunity to love on others. 

To my friends in New Haven, I am coming back soon! Miss you all and can't wait to catch up.

I really praise God for my life, my family, and my friends. These are some pictures from the past couple of weeks.


I LOVE Chicago!!!

Caden, are you ready for Aunty Jena's wedding?

Now... These are suppose to help slim your arms. I actually measured Jena's arms after she used them and they got bigger! I was worried she would have an allergic reaction to it! Don't be fooled brides!

Grace Church
Some of the reception center pieces.

Chad loves cars. I actually didn't even know that my last name was honored to be a car.
Jena was incredibly detailed. Se made those Mr. and Mrs. signs and even had a bride and groom outfit for her champagne glasses!



The Todds are incredible cooks. Their amazing cookies were a hit at the reception and Jena made that sign!

I loved the Photo Booth idea!

Ready for the wedding Grandpa Wolff?

Grandpa and Grandma Wolff were about to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Here comes the bride...

Carrie, it was such a blessing to spend the weekend with you. Thank you for being so caring.

Aren't we hotties Paisley?

What do you do if the church is closed the day of your wedding day? Get ready in the parking lot.
Great job Marissa!

Jena's dress was gorgeous.


Jena and Chad asked the pastor to share the Gospel with the congregation for their wedding. I praise God for your union and pray it continues to be the center of your marriage! Love u!
Baby Samuel, what did you think of the wedding?

Melanie, we took pictures with you in the photo booth! I gotta show them to you!

Beautiful family of God. I was so happy to be in your wedding a couple of years ago and now even more happy to see how God has blessed your life with Baby Samuel! Praise God for the Grishams!


Will and Kate! You are so grown up! I am so proud of you guys!

Many of you know that I have probably only changed about 5 diapers in my lifetime. I should have known not to leave Baby Samuel un-convered. He tinkled all over me and the carpet despite trying to shield off with another disposable diaper. I tried!

What is that dirty look for?
Tired?

Confused?

He LOVES his swing. Honestly, I learned a lot about babies and calming sounds and sensations. Baby Samuel loved this obnoxious bird calling sound and his chair had to vibrate and be on the highest level for him to be content. He is going to be one roller coaster boy for sure.

See...Now he is happy.

This boy has got some attitude.

I can make dirty looks too!

It is so hard being ridiculously good looking!

You are so stinking cute!

Boy... you got some eyebrow shrugging abilities!


The US will win the volleyball beach final. Yes, we can watch women 100mt hurdles. You are so demanding Baby Samuel! I know you love the Olympics as much as I do! I wanted the Romanian girl to win in gymnastics too!


"To be or not to be. That is the question." Baby Samuel likes to ponder in his dreams.

Your child is a thinker Courtney!

No matter how much you tickle me... I won't budge and smile!
I want there to be world peace and justice. If I could, I would lift my fists in the name of all those suffering! (All right this is Aunty Ana speaking...I admit...but I am sure he feels the same way!)

I am not the only one that gets dirty looks.

Who ever thought that a pacifier would be such an ordeal?

It is hard work growing up. That goes for mommy and baby.
We had to bounce on the ball to calm him down. I actually had to bounce on the ball and sing to him. He would get really upset if I stopped!

Courtney, you are a great mom! David you are a great dad too!

Baby Samuel, you are a blessing. I think that Samuel David is the perfect name for you. May you be sensitive to God's calling and a man after His own heart. Love u and miss u!




"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Ephesians 3:20-21