Joy in the Journey . . .

This past week I was blessed by the opportunity to see my family in Brisbane before attending the Come Before Winter retreat on the Gold Coast. You can learn more about this renewal at I still don't really have the words for all that I experienced and the blessings received during this week. I am so thankful though to have had the opportunity to be with these 12 women, and the 39 other participants from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Our time was spent in Psalm 103. In the afternoon until the end of each day's activities, Ella was taken care of by a babysitter. Leaving her was rough but I am proud of how well she did. It is good for her to learn to be secure in the care of other people. And I appreciated the break so that I could better "land" and participate.

The women who blessed us during this renewal


The beautiful view I could enjoy each morning


Below are some recent pictures of Ella . . . now 10 months old. Her rapid growth is a little easier knowing that another little one will soon be in our arms. I'm finding this first year of life to be so amazing and precious. Of course there are challenges but so much joy, too. Ella has definitely connected "Mama" with me, but everything else has become "Ba"...from birds, to dogs, to baby, to bath. She can clap on command and still dances to anything. The shaking of the head "no" might now be connected with the sentiment, too. Sweet thing though shakes her head for "yes" and "no" right now. She loves to pull up on the ottoman, sofa, and bookshelf. Its a whole new world.

These two are definitely related. Like father like daughter. I love it!



Lots of personality





A good traveler - educating herself on the emergency procedures


Family time in Brisbane




Bath time with cousin Benjamin