All we need is just a little...

patience...

(You go girl...)

The cows...

are happy our cowboy is home after a week-long trip...

BUT not as much as we are.

I can't even begin to articulate how much we missed you...
It's so wonderful to have you home.
We love you!

It takes a big man....

to nap in pink pull-ups

(and make it look good!)

Yes, I accidentally bought the wrong ones...
Yes, I opened them before I looked..

Yes, pink has no business being in my house...
(Yes, he is a great sport ...:))

New...

...color
....cut
....mom

Ready for battle...
Ready to play outside

Edited to add: I vow not to post about my tresses every time I change it. That could end up rather insufferable ... :)

Better late than never...

Here are some pictures of our Christmas celebrations...

No silent nights here...

So thankful for family, friends and hope...

Sababu

Bambara word “Sababu.” Pronounced “sah-bah-boo.”

Back in the day, I worked for a ministry called Campus Life. While I enjoyed my job, it was a job where often times you wouldn't see much fruit. As someone who thought they were pretty neat in high school, I was daily humbled as I encountered high schooler's who thought I was pretty lame. In between my college classes and tennis practices, I would meet with students. I resolved that even if I saw no "fruits of my labor," I would still serve faithfully. Many times I saw none...

Then came Julia.

Julia was and is, one of the funnest people I know. We clicked almost immediately as she too likes to tell-it-like-it-is. She was a young freshman when I met her and was a part of a small group I was leading. (Even though most of the girls came because they had a crush on my younger brother, I'd like to think it was my sparkling personality that brought them...or maybe something bigger). I still count it an honor to know that girl, who God has grown into a women, a wife, and a sold out servant of the King. It was humbling to know that it was nothing I had done but it was God at work in her. And I was allowed to watch.

It's been amazing to watch her grow in her faith, to be challenged in ways she never thought imaginable. And in her we gained another friend. Her wonderful other half, Dusty.

Together they are answering a call to serve in Mali, Africa. Julia will be serving as a nurse while Dusty will be launching a business in Africa. They will be leaving in a few short days. Below is a video of our dear friends, sharing about what they will be doing:




Please take the time to lift them up in prayer, as well as check out their site.
http://sababu.wordpress.com

We are so excited to hear how God is using them in Africa.

We love you guys!

The perseverance of the saints...

(While picking up his toys)

Sam: Go.......away.........bad........attitude