A New Year . . . and a little news

Here we are in 2008. With so much news to share already. Jason and I celebrated Christmas in Texas, and New Years in Missouri. We enjoyed time with family and friends. On January the 5th, we celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. I came home from work on the 4th to chilled sparkling grape juice and apple cider, flowers and cards. What a sweet and thoughtful husband! We then celebrated with dinner out, a night at the Hilton here in Memphis, and a lovely brunch on Saturday morning.

Many of you have received our Christmas letter. My mailouts are not complete. If you would like to receive one, and have not, leave me a message. I believe we ended our letter with something like '2008 promises to be an exciting year . . . ' What I did NOT know when writing this letter, (or when running that half marathon!) was that I was PREGNANT! Jason and I are thrilled to let the blog world know that our first child is on the way!!!!

We could not be happier! Our little one should arrive around August 10th. A friend advised me that if early, our baby's birth date could be 8/8/8. We'll do our best!

I don't know how many pregnancy tales I will feel compelled to share . . . but below is a picture of Jason shortly after he found out that we were expecting. I had found out in the morning when he was still at work. I did not want to tell him over the phone, so I waited all day and avoided his calls that came in throughout the day for fear I would spill the beans. (I wanted to tell him face to face). It took me two home tests, and one at the doctors office for me to really believe that I was indeed pregnant! In fact, after taking the first test, I took a picture of the result window, took the picture to work and asked my co-worker if she thought it was positive. She looked at me and said 'um...yeah!!!!!'

After work, I went and purchased a newborn onesie and a card. Jason was taking a shower, so I set on the table the onesie, the two hpts (I know...kind of gross...but apparantley this is what happens!) and a card that said on the front 'for the Dad to be'. Jason came into the living room and completely missed the display. I asked him to put dinner on the table. He did and it was then that he noticed these foreign items. He looked at them for a bit and later told me that he was thinking (panicking!) 'OK...someone has had a baby, and I am supposed to know who. She will be mad if I ask her 'who?'...so I will just think who it could be'. Then he said he thought 'that's strange...she did a card for this Dad'. I think it was the home pregnancy tests that finally tipped him off. Although he did still ask 'who's having a baby?' I don't remember but he says I responded, 'Who do you think????'



And then the joy was finally mutual! It was a good moment! I don't think I will ever forget it. We also won't forget hearing our baby's strong, fast heartbeat for the first time.

Many like to tell us how our lives are going to change. I should think so! We feel as 'ready' as first time parents-to-be could feel for such a life change. Truth be known, we know little to nothing. But we already love this little life that God has blessed us with. What a joy to pray for it and thank God for answering our prayers!

Signing out for 2007

Thought I would sneak in one last post for 2007. We just got back from Christmas in Texas. We enjoyed time with family in Austin and Abilene. Tomorrow we make one last road trip for the year to Fulton, MO to visit Derrick and Naomi. We really enjoy road trips - it is relaxing for us. And it is a good thing we like each other so much! :)
2007 has been a good year. We hope it has for you, too. 2008 is just around the corner! We'll be back in the new year with other pictures, news and going-ons.
Happy New Year!

Memphis St Jude Half Marathon

We ran the Memphis St Jude Half Marathon last Saturday, December 1st. Thankfully the weather was kind to us. It was chilly to start off, but perfect runnning weather by about mile three.
I ran my slowest ever half marathon. But given my lack of preparation :( ...it was expected. I ran in honor of Sullivan Faarar who is a sweet little boy fighting leukemia. Sully is receiving care at St. Jude's along with so many other precious children. We pray for his full recovery.
I'll share this one picture that was taken while we ran. This is on Beale Street...maybe mile two or three. I look happy!

The other picture I received was taken at mile 11 or 12. I look like I am about to fall over! At that point, many people were gathered on the side lines encouraging the runners. They yelled 'You're almost there! You're looking great!' I thought that was probably a lie. Now I know! I was NOT looking great!

World Missions Workshop 2007

At the end of October, we traveled to Oklahoma for the World Missions Workshop. It was being hosted by Oklahoma Christian this Year . . . Jason's alma mater. My dear friend Jenny traveled from Vancouver, Washington, to see her parents while we were in Oklahoma so we were able to meet her daughter Jasmine for the first time. Unfortunately we didn't take a bunch of pictures while we were together. But it was sweet to talk and laugh together. We have had some good times and good memories from Canada, Australia and Japan.
Meet Jasmine Kaori Ranum . . .

Our team was asked to present the story of our team formation process at the workshop. It was a lot of fun for us. A good way for us to reflect on how God has been forming us as individuals and as a team. We also reconnected with so many others from Australia, Japan and other places in the US. We heard many stories of how God is working and transforming people. It was an encouraging weekend.
Getting ready for the presentation . . .

Frank sharing about Australia . . .

Jason and Frank worked together at the Southwest church of Christ in Campbelltown, Australia . . .

Mum in Memphis

My mum did it! She traveled from Brisbane to Memphis . . . alone . . . and arrived safely! We are so glad. For the next few weeks we will enjoy having her meet our friends and family. We hope she enjoys our life in the US. FYI - we're really Japanese and we read right to left. :)

Las Vegas and beyond

My brave husband let me loose in Las Vegas this week with a girlfriend from church. The trip was complete with three nights in a hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, a 2008 mustang convertable, a trip to the Grand Canyon and a drive through Zion National Park in Utah. We covered some serious miles on this trip! All in the name of being 30.



Our hotel - the Excalibur


The Las Vegas Strip


We arrived in Vegas on Saturday morning, picked up the car and headed for the Strip. It is always strange to see with your own eyes places you have only seen on TV or in brochures. I sell a lot of Vegas, and while I am promise I am not trying to mask this trip as a 'work trip', it really was 'helpful' to see Vegas for myself.

As for my impression of Las Vegas. . . I was pretty much 'done' with it by the time we found our way into the hotel parking lot, walked through the smokey casino to the check in desk and up to our room. Probably not a fair judgement - but I am relatively intuitive. And my suspicions were confirmed that I am not much into what Vegas has to offer.

However, I greatly enjoyed going to see STOMP Out Loud, and the Medieval Dinner Show, Tournament of Kings, at our hotel.

But the true highlights were our day trips outside of Vegas. On Sunday we drove to Hoover Dam, one of the world's greatest engineering accomplishments. From there we drove to Kingman, Arizona and worshipped with the Desert church of Christ. They were a warm and welcoming congregation. Fellowship seems all the more sweet when you are away from home. And then we drove about 4 hours to the south rim of the Grand Canyon.





The Grand Canyon is beyond spectacular. Truly breathtaking. I found a great place to get off the trail and out on to a rock overhang. I had seen a couple out there and thought how proud my husband would be to have a picture of his wife out there (since I usually ruin his fun with 'babe...no...be careful...don't do that...) But alas, a group of Chinese tourists thwarted my (rare) attempt at bravery. They created quite a scene by yelling at me . . . first in Chinese, and then very sternly in English - 'NO!' 'DON'T DO IT' ' TOO DANGERGOUS'. As people stopped and gathered, and they continued to yell, I thought it best to abandon my mission. Sigh.

Below is what I was going for (the danger shot)


And here I am stopped in my tracks






In lieu of this, Kari got a great picture of me sitting very safely with my legs hanging over the Grand Canyon. (see above) And in hindsight - I feel like that was quite brave enough. Little did I know that just down the path a little was my real shot at bravery - a tarantula! For those who know me, you know that I am extremely arachnaphobic. But, wow . . . a wild tarantula! I followed it with my camera for a good five minutes trying to get a good picture of it. As it turns out, I think that me taking a picture of a live tarantula made Jason MUCH prouder than risking my life on the Canyon Rim for the sake of a good picture. Good times.



On Monday we set out for Zion National Park. Again - spectacular. Being at the base of these sandstone cliffs and rock formations is so different from gazing down into a canyon. No attempts at bravery here - unless almost running out of gas counts.









Our last night in Vegas Kari wanted to do something memorable. She is probably sorry she chose me as her travel companion because we ended up eating Cold Stone ice-cream in bed. I know . . . I am so wild.

(comments on bravery appreciated)

The tongue and the elbow

Weird human fact:
It is impossible for a human being to touch their elbow with their tongue.

I read this while waiting in a doctor's office. Thankfully - I caught myself just in time. I about had my elbow up and tongue out right there in the waiting room when I suddenly realized 'NO! You're in public!'

Once in private though . . . well . . . in my car (I just couldn't wait) . . . I gave it a go. I got pretty close. But I think they're right. I think it is impossible for a human to touch their elbow with their tongue! Who would have thought!

I know it is random. You find out a lot of strange and random things in waiting rooms. I know you're dying to test it out for yourself. Go for it!!!!

Family Vacation

Back in August, we traveled to Gatlinburg with Jason's family. We stayed in a beautiful mountain cabin outside of the Gatlinburg area. It was peaceful and beautiful. We enjoyed hiking, playing tennis and relaxing. We even saw a bear while hiking to Laurel Falls. That was a highlight for me. Enjoy the pics . . .

The view -


The cabin -




My favourite place to be -




Hiking to Laurel Falls -


The bear -


Husband's dream - to get wife on Appalachian Trail. Hopefully this will count -


The handiwork of God -

Laugh with me . . .

It has been a while. These made me laugh. I thought they were blog-worthy. I can not take credit for them . . . I don't know who took these pictures. But I hope they make you smile.


And I laugh extra with this one because I greatly appreciate what can be lost - or gained - in translation.

Japan - thoughts after 5 years

I hate to start out every post with 'time is flying'. But it is. August 2007 is almost over. August is the anniversary of our leaving Japan. August 4th 2002, we spent wrapping up our life in Japan. We paid and disconnected our utilities, dropped of our futons and blankets to be cleaned for the new teacher, and spent our last night in Nippon with a dear Japanese couple - the Yusas. We savored the our last bites of Japanese food, the smells of Japan and fellowship with these sweet people.

August 5th - our seven month wedding anniversary - was our departure day. Even after five years, recalling the faces of the people we farewelled that day and the many experiences we had in Japan, is emotional for me. Our last-this-and-that began at least a month before our departure, making for an emotionally draining time. Last day of school, last AET meeting, last worship service, last festival, last time to pay high toll roads (no tears on that one!), last time with so-and-so. Last English Bible Class. And so on. On that final Sunday - we said our last goodbyes to the AIM girls, surrendered our gaijin cards to the customs officials and before we knew it were taxiing away from the Narita terminal, bound for Sydney, Australia and later the USA. As the plane lifted off that night, there was no way for me to grasp all that had transpired from February of 1999 through August of 2002. Let alone comprehend the fact that these were now just 'memories' and not daily life. Our time in Japan was done.

My years in Japan were very formative and a time of challenges and growth. I experienced many of my 'firsts' as an adult. First job. First car. First time to live alone - just to name a few. Had the difficulties been laid out before me, I never would have accepted the challenge to live in Japan for three and a half years. Had the blessings and joys been laid out before me, I would never have believed they would be mine! What was difficult? Language learning and cross cultural communication. Lesson planning. Being homesick. Being sick in another country and culture. Being misunderstood. Making mistakes. Eating things I thought shouldn't be eaten! Leaving. What was a joy? Making progress in language learning. Success in cross cultural communications. Friends. Worshipping in another language or in two languages at one time. Being told I looked like Meg Ryan. :-) Friends. Dating and later marrying my husband. Friends. The relationship with my Japanese family from high school. Having Japanese food whenever I wanted it . . . I could go on all night.

I had hoped to visit Japan again before this long. But I will continue to wait patiently for that opportunity. I expect to feel some 'completeness' when that time comes. I hope that my Japanese skills can hold up until that time!

'O sewa ni narimashita' to all who were, and still are, a part of that wonderful chapter of my life!


(Nicole with Okaasan, Otoosan, and Tomomi. Tomomi stayed with my family in the 10th grade. I stayed with them in the 11th grade for one month. This family lived about 4 hours away by bullet train. But we visited them and they visited us. They constantly took care of me while I lived in Japan).

Early dating days - Kairakuen, Mito.

Hiking

Our kids

The Sasaki family - we used to babysit Seiya and Tomoya

Jason and his friend, Jun

Need I say more? :)

Chicago

I don't know where July went. August came very quickly and the first week of this month has been kind of crazy. It began with a trip to Chicago. Initially I had declined the offer to attend the National Carlson convention. I agreed to work Friday with a few of the other girls while most of the office attended. And then our family vacation to Gatlinburg was scheduled to begin on Saturday. After these plans had been made, Barbara came to my desk one day and said, 'you need to go to Chicago'. I was a little puzzled but am not one to turn down a trip of any kind. Fast forward though to Wednesday night before the trip and I am at work until 6:30pm on a Wednesday night, frantically trying to wrap things up and wondering why on earth I had agreed to such a quick trip. I even told Jason that I was considering writing Barbara a check for the cost of my plane ticket and not going to Chicago. I thought better of it though and made the trip.

It turns out that the reason I 'needed' to attend the convention was that I was honored as Carlson's 2007 Top Achiever. Needless to say I was completely surprised...and almost had a heart attack on stage. I am not kidding...I thought 'great this is going to be really embarrassing....people are thinking I barely look 18....and I am going to have a heart attack right here on the stage!' But I didn't...it was a fun trip...and there probably won't be too many cool Carlson stories to share in the next 10 months or so.

This job has been a huge blessing in many ways...I've shared some of those thoughts before. I work with GREAT people...and I have some great clients. That pretty much makes my part of the job easy.

Hmmmm . . . not Mmmmm

On a less serious note - the local grocery store is selling cakes made to look like a hamburger and french fries. Complete with 'ketchup' over the 'fries' and the 'hamburger' fixings spewing outside of the 'bun'. This struck me as really . . . gross. I mean, sure, it is July 4th and people eat lots of burgers and hot dogs and cake. But must we go so far? Can't we just let a cake be a cake and a hamburger a hamburger?
It just struck a nerve! Is this a little odd? Off? Strange? Am I alone in this???

Lessons learned through death

Three years ago, I attended a seminar at the Germantown Baptist church. At that time, I was a a relatively new travel agent . . . essentially an order taker, problem solver, dream fulfiller . . . My clients were simply 'clients'. I took information and payments, gave documents and gave them a welcome home call. End of story -- until they were ready for their next trip.

Today I sat again in these very pews - this time at a funeral, celebrating the life of a client who passed away this Monday evening. As I sat there today, in this time of sorrow and loss, I thanked God for my job and for the unexpected blessing of a handful of clients who I deal with so often that they have become friends.

Less than one week before this elderly man's passing, he and his family arrived in Memphis at a private airport and I was able to be there to welcome them home. This man traveled with his wife, children and grandchildren to pursue experimental treatment for his cancer. They returned with the news that he was too weak for the treatment. Two days later, he was on morphine and under hospice care. I am so thankful for my interactions with this family. I witnessed great care and concern. Love. Respect. Sorrow. Peace. It is indescribable, really. And these weren't just end-of-life emotions. For several years now I have witnessed the same care . . . concern . . . love . . . respect.

Two weeks ago today - this very family and their same company employees buried their dear friend. He was also a client of mine, one who I dealt with almost daily. He died in the arms of a co-worker. Unaware of his passing, I was leaving messages for both of these guys about 30 minutes after he was pronounced dead from a heart attack. Needless to say, the news of his death was shocking. Those words echoed in my mind for days. This man did not have 50 years of marriage, or grandchildren. He was 38 with a wife and two young children. He was a Dad who read Proverbs to his children every day before school.

My relationship with this family and their employees is unique. Such a bond is not formed with all clients . . . I honestly don't think I could handle that! And it hasn't been about favortism. I believe God allowed our paths to cross and these relationships to form. There have been lessons learned . . . I believe on both ends.

The deaths of these two special people have had a great effect on me. Death is alway a reminder that our lives are not really ours. It is a reminder to live each moment and love those around us. They are hard lessons to learn. Why do we need to be reminded? And why do we forget them to quickly? I've wondered 'why God' when I think of loved ones left behind and imagine their grief and pain. I've honestly asked myself, 'Nicole - do you believe this?' 'Do you believe in eternal life?' 'Do you believe life with God is better than life on earth?' Yes, even in grief and loss -- I do.

I am thankful for these clients -- my friends -- who have been great examples of faith and hope and strength in the Lord. I think the events of these two weeks are 'process items' that will continue to strengthen and shape me for some time.

Crusin the Bahamas

I just returned from a 'work trip'. A seminar at sea onboard Disney Cruise Line's the 'Disney Wonder'. We sailed to Nassau, Bahamas and Disney's private Bahamian island, 'Castaway Cay'. Since this was a 'work' trip, companions were not allowed. I missed Jason greatly, but it was a good time for Rebecca and I. This is our third trip to Disneyworld together, and our first time to cruise together. We travel well together, enjoy each others company, have a good track record of being upgraded to first class, and needless to say, we had a blast!!!

My faithful Disney travel partner!


Our cabin

Sail Away Party

Ready for work - I wish it looked like this EVERY day! :)

Meeting the Princesses - ths was part of the 'seminar'!

The weather was not the greatest but it was a small price to pay! Disney delivers an awesome cruise product. I think I would take kids on a cruise long before I trapsed them around the Disney parks. Theres definitely a time and place for that, though.
In Nassau we had a day pass to Sandals Royal Bahamian. We enjoyed their private island and a little sun. In Castaway Cay we did much of the same . . . laying on the beach again.

Sandals Royal Bahamian


Ready to enjoy Castaway Cay
It was good to come home, though. For now . . . it is ('real' - as in 'office') work until August. We are looking forward to our trip to Gatlinburg with Jason's family. In the fall we might go tropical together. It depends on our jobs and availability. My travel agent days are numbered - even with airfare, we can't seem to go anywhere state-side as cheap. These will be good times and good memories, especially once we hit our missionary days down under! Those will be good times, too, though.

Memphis Work Camp

I learned a lot during Memphis Work Camp. I learned the joy of service through our team of teens. Of generosity and thankfulness through our homeowner. Of JOY in the Lord during evening devos. I learned of patience through leadership.
It was fun to scrape and paint with the 'New20' team. Our lunch time devos were a highlight. I could listen to Alex, Becca, Michael, Stefan, Braden, Tyler, Christina, Colby, Leslie and Andrea talk about their faith all day, any day. Their love of God, their love to serve, their concern for others filled my cup. Thanks guys!