Joy in the Journey . . .

It is nice to know we are missed when we disappear from the blog-o-sphere. Thanks for your comments and emails checking on us. I haven't been 'absent' for any reason in particular. We've had a lot of good times lately. 'REUNION' describes what has been going on mostly. We always enjoy good times with Doug and Cheryl Cox and Kent and Nancy Hartman in OKC (this year we were able to celebrate Australia Day together). We've climbed trees with the Howards in Georgia. I took a road trip to Oklahoma City with Rachel Woods where we reconnected with the Littlejohns and the Rossers. There aren't words to describe the joy and sweetness that comes when you pick up right where you left off after three and five years apart! That following week we had Jason's family in from Texas. Damien and Miranda Lawrie arrived the day they left. And Hayli Hartman and Kim McKenzie arrived by way of Australia and OKC the day that they left. We thoroughly enjoyed each of our visitors. It was sweet to reminisce and create new memories. Our most surprising reunion was with Charity and Freedom Chan. That was such a neat surprise...thanks for stopping by guys! I really feel blessed by my friends and by the opportunites to keep in touch throughout the years. It would be dishonest for me not to mention Facebook - the latest online addiction for me. I've enjoyed cyber-reunions with friends from around the world.

The bad thing about our busy life is that time flies. March is (already) almost over. Graduation is less than 2 months away. I will turn the big 3-0 just two months from now. We will be packing up our cinder-block mansion and leaving the safe haven that is the Harding Grad school on-campus community. There is a large element of grief and dread about this part of our journey. But...we didn't come to stay, right!? I don't know that makes it any easier. I am glad it is bittersweet to be leaving though, because that is a reminder of how rich our time here has been and how good God has been to us. We are undecided on where we will live from June on. If you have a spare bedroom...give us a call! :)

The fundraising process is kind of at a standstill. We are working on our team packet and once that is complete we will pick up the pace in that area. We are still in need of an overseeing congregation and all of our funds. Again...give us a call! :)

If you live in Memphis and haven't driven by the Botanical Gardens on Cherry Rd yet...do so this weekend! The Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom and are spectacular.

This week we enjoyed thier beauty Japan style by going 'hanami'...picnicing under the cherry trees with some good friends. For those of you who have lived in Japan and are wondering...we did so sober.
'Hanami' with the Woods, the Lewis and Joshua Kohlbacher


Hanging out with Hayli and Kim