In March I traveled to Italy to visit my sister and her precious family. I spent 11 days in Milan and Spiazzi and while I missed my kids terribly I had a great time!
In May I temporarily (or so I thought) took over our Children's Ministry at church as our long-time Children's Pastor left for greener pastures in Kansas. Throughout the summer we hosted 2 VBS programs (one in house and one missional VBS at a not-so-nearby church) and I directed (with a co-director and lots of help!) our district summer camp again. We had a great but VERY busy summer and the time flew by with little to no fun time for my kids... SORRY GUYS!
In July I interviewed for, and in August received, the Children's Pastor position at my church. Totally undeserved, unexpected, and APPRECIATED! I am SO excited to be able to get to know these families better, to minister to their children, and to spend time every day finding ways to reach them on a deeper level for Christ. This is not something that 1 year ago I would have said would be my dream job... but it's so true - HIS plans are so much greater than our own. HE knows what's best and when you follow His lead - amazing things happen!
During camp (romance always begins at summer camp doesn't it?) Brian and I had many discussions about the possibility of a future for our "relationship"... let me just quote from our WEDDING page...
We started "dating" Wednesday, August 5th and became engaged Saturday, August 8th!
This journey actually began 5 years ago when we dated and became engaged the first time. The timing back then wasn't right so we decided not to get married. Throughout the last 5 years we have dated on and off but remained very close friends. We have always had an unexplainable connection no matter where we were in the cycle of friendship that we lived. Just play a game of Mafia with us and you can see our unspoken connection!
Camp is always a fun and special time for us (like kids in junior high!) and this year didn't disappoint! Brian finally understood I was seriously head over heels in love with him when I professed that undying love through the megaphone. :) If you know me well you understand that I do NOT like public displays of emotion! I also had most of the campground praying for us ;) I love Brian and I couldn't help but share it with the world!
Brian waited "patiently" for me for 5 years - and I am so thankful to God every day that he did. It's been a long road - but the time has come! We know this is God's Plan for our lives and we are so excited to begin the real journey together now!
I changed the title of our blog to more acurately describe our life... The reality that God has provided us really is so much better than anything we have ever dreamed for ourselves. I thank God every day for the blessings He is pouring on us. I am humbled daily in knowing that I have done nothing to deserve His grace and mercy and blessing... and I strive to walk in a manner that's worthy of the call He has given me.
