Oregon

From Arizona, we were on the move to the Pacific Northwest.

It was so wonderful to get to spend a week in Oregon with the Olsons.  This is some of the last traveling we will do before we stay grounded in Chicago to wait for baby's arrival.  We loved getting to celebrate another birthday, go apple picking, be with our wonderful siblings, hike along the coast, explore near the ocean, and have fun with our nieces and nephew!

The Oregon coast and the views from the Heceta Head Lighthouse were gorgeous.

Arizona

Because of some flight delays and problems on our way to Colorado in July, we received flight vouchers we needed to use by the end of the year.  So off we went!  Already this baby has covered some major ground and become well acquainted with airplanes and cross country travel... good preparation for the future!  

Our first stop was Phoenix, where we had a great week visiting the Shoemaker and Pemberton families.  It was refreshing and a blessing to get to catch up with them.  Roller skating, swimming, birthday celebrating, Sedona, a natural water slide, movie nights, wonderful food, and great conversation with people we love made for a lovely week.  

Slide Rock Park, Sedona, Arizona

Love & Anticipation

We got to see a wonderful glimpse of our little darling last week at our 20 week ultrasound.  It's amazing to think we are past the halfway point already.  It was such a blessing to hear and see that all is well with our sweet baby.  God is so gracious to us.  We simply could not be happier or more excited.  

Colorado Springs

We are having such a valuable time at our Orientation.  It has been a busy week and we're learning a lot.  We are excited about the ways God is working and preparing us.  We are here until Friday and are grateful for your continued prayers.

The Climb

Tomorrow we leave for HCJB Global's stateside headquarters in Colorado Springs to take part in The Climb, our time of Orientation and Training & Development as Missionary Appointees.  We will be there from July 19th through the 29th and would so appreciate your prayers.  During the time we are there, we will be trained in different aspects of support raising, presenting our ministry, connecting with our contacts, and preparation for the field.  We look forward to learning what God has for us during this stage.  Please pray for strength and that our minds and hearts would be prepared for the tasks ahead of us.  Please pray with us for wisdom, encouragement, and good ideas.  We're so grateful for the team that has come alongside us already.  Thank you.

Welcome

Hello family and friends!

We've created this blog as a way to keep you updated on the work God is doing in our lives currently and as we move ahead toward serving in Ecuador with HCJB Global.  We are incredibly blessed by God's goodness and his leading.  We are also blessed to have the community that we do.  We're thankful for your role in our lives.  As you journey along with our story, we hope you are encouraged and reminded of God's faithfulness to all of us.