Beautiful!

What an amazing night!

Tonight our good friends, Anna & David got married.

We got to spend some time with them before they got married and we can say with confidence that they are perfect for each other!

A little background info . . .

I (Sharon) first met Anna when she was a student at Multnomah (during my time working as a Residence Director.) Because Anna served as an RA and then a HRA we got to spend many hours together. (So many fun memories - she made me laugh and I learned a lot about prayer from my time with Anna.) After graduation, Anna served in Slovenia with J.V. for 4+ years.

The story yet to tell...

Soon I'll have the opportunity to go to Slovenia to start building relationships with students who used to meet with Anna. (The high school girls Anna mentored are now in University.)

In this photo (from the right):

* Christina Stanton- maid of honor, worked with JV and was Anna's roommate in Slovenia, also a HRA from Multnomah

* Me - holding Eliana

* Anna - who looked stunning!

* Kathy Codanti - served in Slovenia for a year working with Joel and Amy Woodard.

* Stephanie Rogers - preparing to move to Slovenia to work with JV, also a Multnomah grad

* Mateja - a Slovene girl who was mentored by Anna. She flew in for the wedding and was one of Anna's bridesmaids. I can't wait to get to know her!

up in the air

Do you ever feel like there are times when the stuff of life is up in the air?

We have some of those things right now.

We know that God is sending us to Slovenia but there are still a few details He has to work out. It's frustrating because of a lack of control, but kinda fun at the same time to be in the Father's care.

A few days ago, Eliana turned 11 months.

Here is her 11 month shot:

And a few of the outtakes.






Did I mention that she's becoming a climber? Yeah - sure keeps us on our toes!

sittin'

Last night we got the great opportunity to hang out with my some of my (matt) nieces and nephew. We got to watch them for a night while my sister and brother in law were away for the weekend. It was so great spending some time with them. . . just playing, eating, and hanging out. It was also fun for Eliana to kick it with the cousins.

I love family.

It is going to be so hard to be away from family again when we go overseas.

A friend once told me, "Its always harder for those who stay, than those who go."

As hard as it is to go, I think he's right.

Thank you to our wonderful families for loving us and letting us go.

Encouragements

There are so many things that the Lord does to encourage us in this waiting period. He recently encouraged me through a little note that Anita (my gracious housemate) put on our door:

"I have chosen you and will not throw you away.
Don't be afraid, for I am with you.
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you.
I will help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
--Isaiah 41:9-10

Just thought you might enjoy a little encouragement today too.
-- Sharon

Wow! It's been one month since we posted. I think that is the longest we have gone between posts. This past month has been filled with wonderful holiday memories with family and friends. All that to say. . . we're back :-)