A Coffee Date - Life Lately

Hi friends! 

I thought I’d pop in here for a little life update. A coffee date of sorts. I love sitting with people hearing about life. It’s one of my favorite things. 

How has life been for you? What did you do over the holiday weekend? 

Life lately has been so rich and so good and I can agree with the Psalmist that ‘my cup overflows’. God’s goodness in our lives lately has been so evident and I’m thankful for God’s work. I also know not everyone in life is in a good season right now and if you are going through trials my heart feels for you. I also hope you know that Jesus is with you in the ups and downs of lives. 

If we were at a coffee shop I'd suggest for you to order a breve. It's a latte but instead of milk it's made with 1/2 & 1/2 and it's soooo good!

Here are a few things going on lately:

First off, I got a root canal. And I'm so thankful! I know. How can that possibly a highlight, right? But I feel like I have had dental issues since Burma (that’s 2 1/2+ years). I got two crowns last year and they didn’t work. Boo! My dentist that I love doesn’t do root canals but God put a dentist in my path and he was able to root canal my tooth. 

Oddly enough I’m not scared of dental work, which is good because it took 2 hours and apparently my root was curved. I won’t go into details (because I know some people are scared of dental work) but it’s done and I’m so glad. My mouth was tender for a while but it has slowly gotten better and I’m praying this root canal will be a permanent fix for that tooth. 

I also thought that I’ve had minor health issues this year. I had  a rash head to toe early in the year and now dental issues. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is to pray that your heart will be fully in the trial so you can have God teach you what He wants too. It has also made me want to pray for people with skin issues, auto immune issues and for so many people in this world who don’t have dental care. I feel for them and God does too. 

I also feel like Dave and I have had some really neat opportunities to do things for missionaries and you know we loooove that!

Back in February our missionary friends from Thailand came to New Mexico and we went to meet them. We got to take the younger couple (Reu and Sheryl) around for sightseeing and we also spent some really good time with the older couple too (Charlie & Lourdes). I just love those missionaries. They witness wherever they go and the fellowship with them is so fun and so sweet. When we said goodbye in Albuquerque we stood in a circle in a parking lot and prayed. I cried. I never like goodbyes and saying bye to people you love who you don’t know when you will see again hurts my heart. 

While we were in Albuquerque Pam (from Burma) messaged us and said she was thinking about surprising her parents for their 50th wedding anniversary and asked us to help her with the surprise. we gladly agreed and this past week she flew in. Rob and Sharon (Pam’s parents) own a real life buffalo and so I called them and told them I was writing an article on my blog about the hidden things of Kansas in Wichita, which isn’t a lie because here is my blog post ;) While we were taking their picture Rob kept asking, “Is everyone in the picture?’ and I said, “YES!” and then Pam came out from behind the trees and gave them the surprise of their lives. It was so fun!

This would be a blog post in and of itself so I’ll keep it short but God let my path cross with a missionary couple FROM BRAZIL who is here to deliver their baby. When we met they had no idea I was born in Brazil so it was really fun to chat all things Brazil. I won’t go into details (because they aren't mine to share) but this is a rainbow baby for them so getting to take their maternity photos and fresh 48 session was an extra blessing.  

If you know me you will know that one of my biggest passions in life, that God has put in my heart, is to be a blessing to missionaries. And honestly, it is so neat to just see God write this story in my life. I don’t seek out these opportunities but God brings them about and I just love being a part of His work. 

If we were together I’d tell you that Kansas is getting really warm. I'd show you pictures of my garden and tell you that I planned to plant less this year but planted more. I have 6 tomato plants but only 4 basil plants (compared to 8 last year). I’d show yo pictures of the nest filled with baby finch birds that were in my hanging pot on my porch. It was so fun to see the eggs, the babies and then today, they flew away. I’d also mention that one fell out of the nest, died and then was eaten by my dog…poor bird.  

Photography has been fun too. I got to shoot a second wedding and I get to shoot two more this June. I’ve decided being a second shooter is a really good deal because you get to take fun photos (like of the flowers and cake) but you don’t have to edit them. Also, it’s really fun and good practice.   

Alright friends, I’ve chatted enough but I really would love to hear more about your life. What is the weather like where you are? Do you have a garden? If so, what did you plant? What are you most looking forward to this summer?

Thanks for reading along and for joining me to hear about my life lately. 

Life Happenings

Oh, hi there!

It's me, the non writing blogger, Beka.

I do realize I have been so silent on the blog but I will also tell you two things:

1. I have just been living life and loving it. Blogging hasn't been a big priority right now because I'd rather be living than sitting behind my computer.  Not that I'm against sitting behind my computer but lately I just felt like that isn't a priority for me.

2. I think I've been a social media recluse. I haven't wanted to blog or post too much on FB or social media. Sometimes I go through phases like that and I think it's good to just be still and take a little break.

However, I do realize that I haven't updated anyone on anything lately, other than my Galentine party, and I want to do that. Some of my friends stay updated through this blog so I want to share about life and keep you all in the loop.

So, what is all going on?

First off, I opened up a photography business. It's called Sunshine Photography by Beka. I have a blog and FB page for it and I still need to file for taxes and do a few more behind the scenes business stuff but it's up and going. I'm excited and nervous about it. I'm excited because it means I can create my own schedule and hopefully be off when Dave is off. I'm nervous because if it flops then it flops and that would be sad.

I've had other photographer friends to meet with and e-mail with and that has been a huge blessing. You'll have to check out my blog and FB page and let me know what you think. And if you are in the area and want me to take your pictures I would love that too!

I also searched high and low on Etsy for a logo. I wanted something floral and I found the perfect logo. The designer does branding kits, it was very affordable and I'm really happy with it. You can see their work here.

Can I just get an Amen that social media is a big fat pool of drama lately? I mean, I thought the election would calm people down but then that women's march happened and I was almost embarrassed to be an American woman. Seriously! What in the world? After too much drama on social media I deleted about 250+ people from FB and I unfollowed a few people on Instagram. I did indeed unfriend some people on social media that I am friends with in life. I kind of felt guilty but I also am just tired of seeing mean and disrespectful hashtags about who God has put in as our President. I think it is disrespectful and I just don't want to be bombarded with that all the time. I will see those people in real life if our paths cross and I still consider people my friends but for some reason social media just really shows people's true colors and it was too much for me. Moving on ....

Kansas has had warm weekends and I AM LOVING IT! I have been doing my long runs on a Friday so I can win the weekly FitBit competition. I am not even lying, a FitBit competition is a real motivator to run 6 miles on a Friday.  However, by Friday's it is in the 60's and is perfect for running. Last Friday my friend ran 6 miles with me. She was pushing her baby in a stroller and still lead the way in front of me. I wanted to quit, but how could I when she was pushing the stroller and there I was just huffing and puffing.

Valentine's Day! It was so fun this year. I actually worked that morning but came home to FarmGirl flowers on my door. Yes, I did indeed send Dave a FB message requesting them and he was nice to order them for me. I love them! But you all know me and flowers so that is a given. We ate lunch with Dave's family and then we went to Krispy Kreme because my nephew had never been there and I think we spent around 2 hours there. He was fascinated by those donuts and apparently watching donuts being made is exhausting because he slept from 5:30pm - 7am the next day. That evening my parents and granny came over for dessert so it was fun to see them too.

Here is Dave, trying to eat the flowers he bought me. ;) 

My nephew in Idaho turned 4 on Valentine's Day too. I have no idea how he is four years old but he is and I just love him to pieces. I always feel sad when I think about how far away they live but such is life.

I've been working more. Our Aquatics Director at the Y moved so I have been filling in until the new one arrives NEXT WEEK. I'm happy to fill in but it has definitely been a learning experience, fun and challenging all at the same time.

Next weekend Dave and I are headed to Albuquerque. The missionaries that we stayed with in Thailand will be there for a visit so we will head that way to see them. Those missionaries are two dear people, faithful to The Lord and an inspiration to my walk with Christ. I'm so excited to hug them! I will also be stuffing my face with every Hatch green chile that I can get my hands on. Bring on all the chilis!

Happy Friday, friends! Thanks for staying updated with me and my life.

PS - If you have a FitBit shoot me an e-mail and I'll add you.

Life Lately #I lost count what number I'm on...

Hi!

I thought I'd pop in today and fill you in on what's been happening lately.

First thing first! We got our Christmas tree and it is a REAL one and it smells divine! Do you get a real one or have a fake one? I also found a real wreath at our local grocery store for a whopping $9.99 and my front door needed it! 

If you follow me onInstagram you will notice that I have been doing some hand lettering. Well, not too long after I posted a picture of my work, the nail salon I went to asked me to create some gift cards and menus for their salon. We decided we would swap services. I'll do their menus and gift cards and they will do my nails. It's been a learning process for me and I also think it is fun to trade services.

Photography!

Do you want to know a secret? I love photography but the thought of doing portrait photography kind of freaked me out and wasn't appealing at all. Being around people I didn't know well and posing them without knowing for sure if the photos would come out was scary to me. Well, one of my best friends asked me to take 6 month pictures of her son and I agreed to do it. And you know what? It was so much fun! I later did his 1 year pictures too. Then, someone at church heard I take photos and asked me to do their family photos. There were 16 of them and they picked 2pm, which if you know anything about sunlight, you know that is a hard hard hard time to shoot photos. I did my best and they turned out fine for 2pm sun. One of my friends referred a family to me and I did their family photos last week. They were such a neat family and I'm so glad they hired me to do their pictures.

I'm going to pray about pursuing photography as a side business. I think it would be good to create my own schedule so I can work it around Dave's. I also have decided that I want to be affordable and give people full rights to their photos. If anyone else out there has a photography business, if you have any tips and tricks you want to share I'd greatly appreciate. Also, if you have a webpage comment with it and I'd love to see it.

Here's another random photography fact for you: I know the market is smaller but I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to be a floral photographer. Like how awesome would it be to do photos for flower companies in town so they could have good pictures for their social media sights and web pages??

Anyways, here are a few pictures from my two photo shoots. Any feedback of what is good and what I could change would be much appreciated. I feel like I'm learning a lot still and it's been a big change from capturing landscape and traveling to portraits. 

Tonight Dave and I went to a burger pug and they had football playing. This is how the conversation between Dave and I went: 

Me: "Dave, what is that team? I have never heard of MNF? Who are they?" 

Dave: "Who?" 

Me: "MNF!" 

Dave: "Who? Where?" 

Me: "Right there on the screen. Don't you see it?" 

Dave: "You mean, Monday Night Football." 

Me: "ha ha ha ha ha! I clearly don't know anything about football." 

How many days until the Super Bowl is over? I am so for reals having an Anne of Green Gables party this year on the Super Bowl. Bring it on. 

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about The Bible and beliefs. Mainly, I just feel sad that so so so many people I know live their beliefs on culture and respecting others rather than in obedience to God and respecting His Word. It doesn't shock me that the world does this but what shocks me are the Christians who do. It's no wonder people aren't getting saved more. Maybe someday I'll share more about it on my blog. I'm honestly not even sure how to process all of it right now but I know I need to keep praying and staying in The Bible. I'm just glad God doesn't change. 

Okay, friends. That's a mini recap of what's been going on lately. How have you been? What has been your favorite part of December? 

My Favorite Things this Fall

Yes, my husband was a major nerd for Halloween. It was hilarious! I have had these angel wings for about 7 years and I plan on wearing them until they fall off. ha ha! 

I thought I'd pop in and share some of my favorite things from fall and some of my fall decor with you all. 

Decor

I have loved loved loved decorating for each season since we own a home. I've tried to purchase some things that I can use every season so it doesn't get ridiculously out of hand. However, if I purchase too much home decor I will blame HomeGoods as they recently opened in our town. 

On my mantle I have candle holders from Hobby Lobby that I got for 50% off when they were having a sale. The frames are a garage and estate sale finds and the candles were purchased at Home Goods and Bed Bath & Beyond.  

In our front yard we have a river birch tree that loses branches anytime the wind blows so I just picked some up and hot glued some plastic leaves I already had. I think it turned out really fun.

HomeGoods had these amazing pillows and I couldn't resist.

 Aren't tiny pumpkins so cute?

 Pumpkin Vases 

On social media, I kept seeing pumpkins turned into flower vases and I really wanted to make those. I had my two sister-in-laws over and we turned pumpkins into vases and they turned out really beautiful. 

Other Happenings

-Five of us girls from my family went and saw Wicked. I'm amazed at what a great job those performers do and it was fun to have a girls day.

-We celebrated my Mom's birthday super early. Her birthday is in November but we wanted to take her on a dinner train ride and the last day was the 29th of October. It was in the small town of Abilene, which is about 1 1/2 hours from where we live. It was a lot of fun but I was cracking up because the lights on the train kept going on and off and I felt like I was in Burma again.

-I got a FitBit. It's so much fun! I set a goal of 10,000 steps each day and it has really made me walk and run more. It also tells me when I am restless sleeping and I can always tell when Dave gets home from work because my FitBit will tell me the next morning. If you have a FitBit and want to add me e-mail me, and I'll add you in.

-Spandex waistband jeans - Okay, when Dave reads this post he might gag, but seriously, if you want to eat endless mashed potatoes and still fit in your pants this holiday season just head over to Old Navy. They have non-maternity jeans with a spandex waistband and I did indeed purchase two pairs. You can also bend over and down and your butt crack doesn't show, which is super annoying with jeans.

Lastly, I leave you with this hilarious picture / meme ... which now you will understand the spandex waistband. ha ha!

A Little Update

Hi! Hi!

I'm just popping in to say hi and do a little update on what's been going on over here.

Dave has been working some intense work hours these past few months but this month, his schedule had a gap in it, so we headed to Colorado to do some camping and hiking. I went 5 days without showering. FIVE! All I have to say are two words: dry shampoo!

It was one of the most relaxed trips we have had together. Our trip down the west coast this past year was scenic but I was very stressed out coming back from Asia and not having a home to come home to. I'm super thankful for a home. It's so nice to see new sights but to be able to come home when we are done traveling.

I plan on sharing some more about our trip soon. I want to put a video together (thanks to Amanda for the inspiration) and our budget for this trip as well as share some pictures and places we stayed. 

This past month I interviewed for a different job. It was a great job as an Office Manager but it required 40-50 hours a week + some weekends, and that just isn't for me right now. I am staying at the Y and they are giving me some more office responsibilities like scheduling and helping coordinate the swim lesson program. It was stressful not knowing which direction I was supposed to go but I finally got on my knees and asked God for direction. That same afternoon the job I interviewed for called and told me it wouldn't work since I couldn't do full time. I was so thankful for an answer and I know God wants me at the Y. Something that I thought about over and over was that the Y is a place where I can interact with people more and will have more opportunities to minister to families and show them Christ's love. I'm thankful God opens and closes doors.

Is anyone else a bit sad the Olympics are over? I loved loved loved watching them. I wish you could see the disgusted look on my face right now as I type out the word - football. Come soon February. Can we just have Olympics from August - February instead of lameball?

Today the pool in our area had a fund rasier for the Kansas Humane Society. You could pay $10 and your dog could swim and swim. Static loves to swim so I took her. She enjoyed every aspect of it, except all the other dogs around. She acted like they were dead to her. It was funny.

Lastly, Dave and I went to Denver Botanical Gardens and there aren't enough heart eye emojis for the flower love. Seriously! Flowers, everywhere. It was great. So I leave you with a flower picture, unedited. God makes beautiful things.

How have you been?

Are you excited about fall? I am!

Life Lately #34 - Family Time, My Favorite Smoothie and I Backed my Car into a Pole

Helloooooooo!!!

My family was in town for 19 days and it was awesome! There was no way I was blogging during that time because family time is precious but now I'm back and want to check in with you all!

It's officially summer in Kansas. It has been in the 100's this past week and is super hot! I thought I'd do a little Life Lately round up today to fill you in on what has been going on in our lives these past few weeks.

1 - I've decided that friends that have matching shirts stay together. Right? ;) Actually a while ago we went to KC and were at the Gap Outlet. I found this shirt that I loved and my good friend tried it on too. Well, she took my shirt and purchased it for herself and I didn't realize until I got home. So the next time she was at the Gap Outlet she picked me up one and now we match. ha!

2 - My granny got to meet her great granddaughter. It was precious! I'm so thankful I still have my granny around. She is one neat lady.

3 - My doors were a burnt red and that color just wasn't me so I painted all three doors teal. They look lovely and I'm happy with how they turned out.

4 - 6 - My nephew and niece. Seriously! They melt my heart.

7 - I backed into a pole. There is not a feeling to describe how ridiculous and awful I felt for backing into a pole. It was 100% my fault too and I even have a camera and a dinger for when I get near something. There were several contributing factors but I was sending a text when I did this. Cone of shame moment that cost $300. =(

8 - Do you love smoothies? Then I have the best recipe for you: frozen blueberries, 1/2 & 1/2, yogurt and local lavender honey. Sooooo good! I've made this multiple times and love it. I can't tell you measurements because I just dump stuff in until it tastes good.

9 - VINES!!! I hate them! That little patch is behind our garage. Just a couple of months ago I could walk back there and then BAM! Vines! Everywhere. They are already growing up the back of our garage and are so hideous. I cut out all the vines behind and beside our house as well as the ones going up our neighbors fence and now I need to tackle this area in the back. Whoever planted vines here previously had a terrible terrible idea! Has anyone had any luck getting rid of vines?

Other than that we are figuring out what day to day life looks like for us. Dave's work schedule is all over the place, some days he works mornings and some days he works a weird 5pm - 3am shift, so that has been an adjustment. I'm starting to work in the morning and evening which puts me in the pool for about 5 hours, and lets just say I permanently smell like chlorine. 

Believe it or not we are still adjusting from moving back from Asia. Not so much cultural wise but just starting life over and to be honest it's been down right hard at times. For example, Dave's work offers health insurance. For him it is $23 per month (awesome!!!) and to add me on it goes up to $590 a month (not so awesome). So, I've been searching far and wide to find insurance for myself. Obamafail (also known as Obamacare) has made it extra difficult, don't even get met started. If anyone has any good insurance recommendations please do share. This past week we finally got our DL switched from OK to KS and now we need to get car titles and tags. Things do get done it has just been a longer process than what we expected. 

How has your summer been so far? What has been your favorite part?  Have you ever painted the doors in your house? If so, what color?

And please do share your favorite smoothie recipes! 

PS - IT'S ONE MONTH UNTIL MY BIRTHDAY!!! HOORAY! I do indeed have a birthday list started already =)

Life Lately #33 - We have a home!!!

Hi! I haven't done a little update on here in a while so I figured it was time to fill you all in on what is going on with our lives. 

First thing first - we are home owners! Hooooray!!!

God has been so good to us and He has gone before us each step of the way. Something I have prayed over and over and have asked God for is that He would go before us each step of the way, and He did, and continues to do so. 

God is so good because after I have seen Him answer that prayer of going before us time and time again I read in my Bible last night John 10:4 - "And he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice." I love that God put that verse in my Bible reading. 

We plan on moving in tomorrow and are so thankful for family and friends who will help us. 

Also, I had someone ask me where we are living and if you are wondering the same thing we are back in Wichita, KS. =) 

As far as Dave's job goes he is still waiting for paper work to go through. It is a little frustrating waiting on the state of Kansas to process paper work but there is not much we can do about it but keep waiting. 

Since we aren't working yet here are some things we have been doing with our free time:

Mountain Biking //  Okay, I know you can't really mountain bike in the flat land of Kansas but Wichita has a really fun biking trail. It goes through the trees and fields and is so pretty. It's around a 5 mile loop and definitely makes your legs burn. If you are in the area it is called Miller's Meadow. 

Cards // I'm trying to write more cards this year. Hopefully I'll be better about it once we have a place of our own but in the mean time I purchased these cute cards from Letter Me Loved. TJMaxx and The Dollar Tree also has some cute cards too!

Lavender Late // Okay, first I must tell you after visiting a lavender store in Whidbey Island I'm now hooked on all things lavender. I have a little necklace that has lavender EO and it is amazing. A couple of weeks ago some of my friends and I tried a new coffee shop, and although I was hesitant, the lavender latte was amazing. It was the perfect balance of lavender and coffee. 

Something lavender I do not like is lavender tea. I don't think I know how to make it properly. If anyone knows how to properly brew lavender tea please tell me because I tried and it was horrendous. 

Willow // This is Willow. She turned 4 this month so we took her out for hot chocolate. She loves loves loves Dave! Apparently everywhere she go she asks her Mom if Dave will be there because she wants to give him a hug. So cute! She also has kept asking me, "Do you have a house yet?" and when I would tell her not yet she would reply with "Well, we need to pray about this!" 

Static // Dave continues on with the balance series. ha ha! Static doesn't love our new home (yet)! She isn't a fan of wood floors and wood stairs terrify her. She goes up fine but coming down she needs major guidance and then the last 3 stairs she tries to run and just slides and falls right down them. So sad! She does like to guard the house and since we have 23 windows she has plenty of things to keep an eye on. 

I have some fun things planned for the blog next month. I have a couple of really neat companies to feature that will include a giveaway and I plan to share a little more about some of our travels. AND I'll be sharing more about our house. =)


Do you like lavender? Have you gone mountain biking? What is going on in your life lately? Where do you buy cards from? 

Coffee Date

Hi, everyone! 

Life has been full lately and I feel like a lot has happened. I'm never really sure how catch everyone up but I'll give it a go. 

Dave and I are officially back in Wichita. Although we don't have jobs or an official home of our own to live in it is nice to be back in our home town. 

We did a lot of traveling in the US. We made it all the from Canada down to San Diego, over to Albuquerque and then back to Kansas. It was a lot of driving but I'm thankful for safety along the way. 

We got to see a lot of things on our trip from beaches to the world's largest tree to elk and seals and more. It was really really neat. We also got to see some of our favorite people! Christmas was spent with family and then we were able to spend a few extra days in Whidbey Island where my brother and family live. I got to get in a lot of cuddling time with my two month old neice and that was so precious. 

A lot of people have asked us "What was your favorite place?" And to that I would say Rialto beach and seeing the world's largest trees. Both were amazing in their own way and I'll have to write a post for both of those places.  

The most "I'll never forget moment" was when we booked a stay at a hostel that turned out to be a hippies home where he threw in a few bunk beds and called it a hostel. His book shelf contained a Bible, CS Lewis books, ADD books, and how to grow marijuana and so much more weirdness. SO SO SO weird you guys. 

I got to meet my great Aunt on this trip. My grandma passed away when I was around 8 years old and seeing her sister was in a way reconnecting me to my grandma. It was just a really special time and I'm so thankful God allowed that to happen. 

We spent a day and a half with my brother in San Diego before he deployed. We had a lot of fun. We got to watch him fly out and I cheered really loud and cried all at the same time. He'll be gone for 7 months so say a prayer for him and his family if you think about it. 

We got to see my Dad's pastor and his wife in Albuquerque. They are pretty much our adopted grandparents. It was a blessing to spend time with them and to see them still actively pursuing a relationship with Christ and serving Him. 

Dave and I also got to spend a lot of time together. Sometimes we are together so much that it is easy to take that for granted. Someone last week, who has lost their spouse, reminded me that the greatest blessing of traveling is that we actually have each other to travel with. I'm glad we were able to see so many things together. Dave planned about 90% of this trip and he is really good at planning road trips. He'd plan the locations and things to do there and I'd figure out lodging and restaurants.

Our car was eventful this trip and not in a good way. The car died twice and had to be jumped and finally we got a new battery. It doesn't sound like a big deal but when you are on the road and your car won't start it's a big deal! 

We got back home last Monday night. Now, Dave is job hunting and has put his application in at a ER here in town. We are praying about that and hope to hear something soon. I've been looking at housing but we aren't going to do anything until a job is secured. 

In the mean time we are farm sitting! Random, right? When I lived in Korea I met a lady who, get this..... is from Kansas! We had never met before and she and her family were only 30 minutes away from where I live. They are out of town so we are watching their sheep, horses, cow, chickens, pigs, rabbits, cats and dogs. It's really peaceful out here and we are thankful for the quiet time. 

So I guess we can wrap it by saying that we are in transition still. It's honestly my least favorite place to be but it is where we are. Some days are easy and some are hard. I know God has a perfect plan and even if life is in 'transitional' right now I can still lean into Him. 

I hope you all are doing well! I'd love to hear how you are lately. Tomorrow I have a post about our time in Canada - what we loved and what we didn't (like our car window being smashed in....) =)

Life Lately #32 - Road Tripping in the Western USA + more

Hello from the PNW! 

Dave and I are currently on the road right now and I wanted to pop in and say hi and check in. 

Since we returned State side we have been really blessed to spend time with family and friends. Saying blessed doesn't properly recap how full my heart feels from seeing everyone but I'm sure you all understand. I'm especially thankful for meeting all the new babies that have been born! Between family and friends I have met 4 new babies and I still have 3 more to meet (Amanda and Kinzie I'm talking to you!). 

My siblings and I always get so so so excited to see each other but we always dread saying goodbye. It's never easy. Today we said goodbye to my brother and his family in Whidbey Island and it was sad. Our 3 year old nephew Elliot is finally getting what it means to say bye and he weeps and wails loudly. He is lucky he is 3 and gets to weep and wail loudly because it is what we are all feeling inside but to wail that loud simultaneously as adults would be awkward and funny.  

Currently Dave and I are in Port Angeles, Washington. We took a ferry from Whidbey Island to the Northern part of the Olympic Peninsula and our plan is to drive all the way from here back to Kansas. We decided that since we are on the west coast already we should make a road trip to home. We have all our camping gear and hope to camp where weather permits. 

So far we have visited Seattle, Vancouver and Whidbey Island. You all know I love Seattle and Vancouver was good but also interesting. Whidbey is where my brother and his family live and I just love that place. 

Some of the other places we plan to visit are: 

Oregon - Portland, Cannon Beach & Multnomah Falls. 

California - Sequoia National Park, Yosemite (f it isn't freezing), Red Wood National Park. My brother is deploying in two weeks from San Diego so we might go see him off. I also have a great Aunt I've never met so we hope to see her too. 

New Mexico - Albuquerque - to see my adopted grandparents and to consume an unhealthy amount of New Mexico Green Chilies. Nom Nom. 

Do any of you all live in these areas or have you traveled there? What places do you recommend to see? 

My Dad actually took me to California on deputation with him when I was 5 but all I remember are a few big rocks by the ocean, riding Dumbo at Disney and also riding the "It's a Small World After All" ride. ha! 

After all that we plan on going to Kansas where we have to be responsible adults again and find a place to live and work. ;)

Dave is going to job hunt again and he has to work on getting his PA license renewed. 

I'm ready to settle down and have a place of our own; to be in a consistent community where the roots and fellowship run deep. I also told Dave (when I was tired and emotional the other night) that it was hard because I don't even have a place where I consistently put my shampoo so I guess that will be nice, right? Yes, I do realize how ridiculous that is but sometimes tiredness + emotions = worries about the shampoo. ha! 

This past year has been packed with travel and I'm not one bit complaining, but I think my emotions and life are ready for some structure and stability. 

I do think about all the big things that are right around the corner, like jobs and finding a place to live and it stresses me out so I'm trying to take a step back, pray and realize that I need to live today and  not worry about tomorrow. I'm also trying to use this time to pray more and to ask God to help us in these next big life steps. God has been with us each step of the way and He will keep leading us. I need to keep reminding myself of that because my human self easily forgets. 

How has life been for you lately? 

What are you most looking forward to in 2016? 

PS - In a few days I'll be sharing about Seattle and Vancouver + I have my Daily Prayer Topics that I'll be sharing about along with what God has taught me about prayer this past year. Stay tuned!

Life Lately #31

Today you and I are going on a coffee date. Since I am still in Myanmar we would actually be going to get milk tea, which sounds gross, but it isn't because it is hot tea mixed with sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk and it is my favorite drink here in Myanmar. Sooo good!

I must warn you that I'm having a lot of mixed emotions right now so get yourself ready.

First off, I have to tell you that we finished our year here!!! Thursday was our last day at school.

Thursday morning a few of the teachers stopped by with hugs and gifts. Actually all week people have stopped by with a farewell gift and have showered us with love. I acquired a lot of new jade jewelry, some pink floral jewelry, tribal jewelry and handbags, all which I love! I had a hard time telling everyone bye. They thanked us for our year here and I was just so humbled because they are here long term and serve day in and day out and have been such a good example to Dave and I.

I thought I would be really emotional and weepy telling the kids goodbye but I wasn't. Major shocker! I did tear up a few times but I figured if I started crying really hard the kids would too so I didn't want that. I have also prepped them since August that I am leaving for good so both they and I would have time to process it.

Thursday in class we made a little memory book, did a craft, celebrated a birthday and Dave stopped by to play with the kids. We finished on a happy note and I'm really thankful for that.

I'm sad too though. I'm sad because saying goodbye to these kids is hard. I really love them and have a special bond with them and leaving is just difficult. I don't know how to put into words the sadness but I'm sure you understand.

Thursday night we went to dinner with our small group from church and had a lovely time. We had pizza and visited for a couple of hours. I'm so thankful for the support the body of Christ has been this year and our small group has been a point of strength during our time here.

Now! I have to admit to you that I'm really excited to leave Myanmar. I mean a roach crawled on my hand this week and a big large mouse was running on the sidewalk where I was walking so that really made me ready. I'm so grateful for our time here but I am also just so so ready! I'm ready to be somewhere quiet. To see wide open spaced. To see my family.

We don't actually fly out of Myanmar until Saturday evening so Friday we are going to eat at our our favorite Shan noodle restaurant one last time and then we will finish packing. Side note - packing is a travelers nightmare!

Saturday at 5:30pm (6am central USA time) we fly to Thailand! We will spend 2 days there and then are going to travel SE Asia. More about that trip will be coming your way on Monday.

Lastly, I want to say thank you. You and so many others have prayed us through this year. You have sent us cards, e-mails, have sent us packages, supplies and have lifted us up to The Father and that is a huge deal. Our year here in Myanmar is just as much yours as it is ours because it takes a whole team to send people out. I'm positive that you will have rewards in heaven for doing kingdom work here in Myanmar.

I still plan to share more on Myanmar over the next couple of months because I will have the time and internet.

In the mean time our ask us anything form is still up and running. You can ask a question by clicking on the button on the picture below. I thought people might have some more questions for us as our time here is closing. So, if you have a question ask away! I'll be reading them and answering them over the next few weeks.

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How have you been? 
How is the fall weather where you are at right now? 

I'm linking this post up with sweet Jenna's coffee date linkup.

Life Lately #30

Hi Friends!

I thought I'd pop in for a little life update post.

This is my 30th Life Lately post which means I've been writing these off and on since September of 2012!!! Kind of crazy to think how much life has happened in those three years.

Today we are in Thailand. 

We just got done packing up our bags and weighing, etc. I really don't like packing (who does though??) ...anyways it is done! 

In a few hours we will fly back to Myanmar with our parents. This is our last time to fly into Myanmar because when we leave next time it will be for good. I haven't fully processed all of this yet. 

Speaking of flying places, Dave and I bought our tickets home, as in home to America!

Let me give you a rundown of what the next few months will look like for us:

*9/4 - 9/13 - My parents will be in Myanmar with us!

*10 / 22 - Our official last day of teaching school in Myanmar

*10 / 24 - Fly from Myanmar to Bangkok

*10 / 24 - 11 / 30 - We will be touring South East Asia! We don't have details planned but our tentative schedule is to come and help more with the ministry in Thailand, see Angkor Wat in Cambodia,  and then visit Vietnam, Kuala Lumpur and we aren't sure where else.

* 11 / 30 - Travel for 33 hours from Bangkok to Wichita

I have a lot of mixed emotions about leaving.

I thought I was 100% ready to come home but as soon as we hit 'purchase' for our last big flight home my heart got sad.

Don't get me wrong, I'm super excited to see family and friends again (and to eat bagels and cheese). I've been looking forward to seeing everyone since we left home but at the same time our life is here. Our daily routines are here, our structure is here and a lot of people we love are here.

I'll miss our friends who have become like family. I'll miss the cute 4 year olds. I'll miss being a part of such an exciting ministry over here.

I guess the upcoming word will be transition! I'm not a fan of that word but I'm asking God to give me grace during the transition. Grace to trust Him and grace to be kind and gracious during the period of unknown.

And I know what question / questions you all have in your mind ... 

Where will you live when you get back? 

Where will you work? 

Will you be going back to Asia to serve full time? 

And guess what? Dave and I have those same exact questions.

The bottom line is we don't know but we know that God knows. 

We know He is guiding our steps and where He leads we want to follow. We are praying and are trusting Him to open and close doors for us. He has done it before and I know He will do it again. 

Until we know exactly what God wants we plan on seeing family, looking for jobs and Dave has to renew his PA license. 

So until October 24th when we fly out we plan to be plugged in 100% at Myanmar. We want to serve at school and at church and we want to continue building relationships until the day we leave. 

And let's not even talk about when I have to say bye to those kids.... waaaaaaaah! 

How are you doing? 

What helps you during periods of transition?