Good-byes

As much as we love what we do and as much as we are excited to be in Germany- the hardest part of it all is the good-byes. They hurt. We thought that it would get easier as time went on but tears still flow freely each time we have to say good-bye.

Today was our last day in Lubbock. We are all packed up and ready to head to Dallas. We will spend New Year's with Marcus' sisters and their husbands, celebrate Carson's early birthday on Saturday and then leave the USA on Wednesday, Jan. 6th.

As we say good-bye, we can't help but think back upon our time in the States. We've had a wonderful time reconnecting with family. We are so thankful that we've had time to spend with both our families- Carson adores his grand-parents! We've loved that they have had so much time to get to know and love on our Little Man. It's been such a blessing to celebrate the holidays with our family. We've treasured all the memories we've made with our family- we are so blessed to have supportive families who understand why we do what we do- but still miss and love us like crazy.

Our time with our friends has blessed us so much. We've got to spend time with old friends and have been so blessed to have had the chance to make new deep friendships. These relationships have refreshed our souls as we've had great conversations over coffee, laughed with each other, and cried at times too, studied the Scriptures together, and done life together. We've been overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends as they have taken care of us while we've been home and provided for our needs and wants as we prepare for our big move. We missed our American friends so much while we were in East Asia and this time in the States has been so good for us.

As we look back over our last few months, we have been reminded of Father's faithfulness in our lives. As we get ready to enter into a new culture, enter into the all the unknowns, we take great comfort in knowing that God is FAITHFUL and will provide for all our needs... physically, emotionally, relationally.

Honestly- during these last days we ask ourselves several times if it's all worth it? Is the stress up packing up all our bags for the 20th time in a year worth it? Is the pain of leaving parents, grandparents, sisters, in-laws, and cousins worth it? Is knowing that there will only days where we will miss our friends so much worth it?

Did all of heaven cry the day Jesus left heaven and was born as a baby? Did God's father heart ache when he sent his son to the earth to save us from our sins? We take comfort when we remember as we celebrated Christmas that God/Jesus considered a reconciled relationship with him worth it.
So we go to Germany, to the nations, because we believe that the reward will be worth it- we go to speak truth and love and the message of reconciliation.

Will you pray for us as we say good-bye? Pray for our families and the loss we all feel as the distance will soon separate us. Pray that the cost will be worth it.

Father's Day

I feel so incredible blessed to have two wonderful men in my life. The first being my Father. I am and have always been a daddy's girl. Some of my favorite children memories were times spent with my dad. I remember riding motorcycles with him when I was just a toddler, countless hours practicing softball and volleyball, and helping him put all the checks in order when it came time to balance the checkbook each month.Yes- I am the daughter of an Accountant. I cherish these times we spent together.

My Father is not a man of many words but his actions speak so loud. He is a giver- I've learned what it means to be generous with my money by watching him give to those in need over and over again. My Father is also a very wise man. I am thankful that I have a counselor and helper in my life when it's come to making big decisions. His insight and wisdom has helped me make many good decisions down life's path. My dad is also a man of integrity. I am so thankful for a father who has been a good representation of my Heavenly Father to me. So much of how I see my Heavenly Father is because of the way my earthly daddy has treated and loved me. I know I am so blessed in this area.


I have loved watching my dad love on my son. It's been such a treasure to listen to my dad sing to Carson, get on the floor and play with him, and rock him to sleep. I can't wait for my son to grow up and get to know the greatest man I've ever known. Happy Father's Day Dad. I love you THIS MUCH!


I am also so undeserving to have an amazing husband and that Carson has an incredible father. Marcus you are an amazing dad. I always knew you would be, even before we began dating. You are so good with kids and you are amazing with Carson. I love the way our Little Man lights up when he sees you and the way you can make him laugh in delight. Thank you for all your help over these past 4 ½ months. You have made being a mom so easy.


I am thankful that like my own father, Carson will also have a good representation of what God looks like. Your love for God and for others will inspire Carson to glorify God and live a life of integrity. As you and Carson have Dad and Dude Time he will learn how to be a godly man from you. This draws me to my knees in thanksgiving. I am so blessed to have you as my best friend, husband, helper, partner in the ministry, and as a father to my child. Enjoy your first Father's Day- I hope it's a special one for you. I love you!

Mother's Day

This Mother's Day I want to pay tribute to my mom and the godly influence she's had in my life. When I think back to my childhood I always remember Christian music playing... Salty, Sandy Patty, Twila Paris. Even when she was walking through her valleys there was always Christian music on to help lift her soul. I know the music and the Message helped to comfort her but it also played a part in preparing my heart to love Father. To this day, music has been a very important aspect of my relationship with Father.

I also remember memorizing Scripture with my mom and listening to her tell me bedtime stories from the Bible. I am thankful that she helped me see the importance of storing God's word in my heart. One of my favorite childhood memories is climbing into my mom's bed and listening to her tell me the story of the 10 lepers and the one who returned to thank Jesus. From childhood, I've wanted to be the "one" who constantly returns to God to give Him thanks and praise for healing me and for all His blessings in my life.

Another huge part of my childhood was attending GA's, having my mom help me write letters to those who served overseas, and witnessing my parents love for different people groups. My love for foreign lands and missions began at an early age. I am where I am today because of the foundation that was set before me as a child. On the days when my mom wishes I was still living at home she needs to remember that she helped prepare my heart to be an M.


This Mother's Day, I praise Father for a mother who trusts in Father, lives out her faith, and spends so much time and energy praying, supporting and encouraging me. Mom, you have impacted my spiritual walk and I hope that Carson will one day be able to say the same about me. I love you mom!


This year I am blessed to celebrate my First Mother's Day. Here are a few things I love about being a mom:

-Being able to identify my baby's cry and knowing what each cry means.
-The huge smile my Little Man gives me when he sees me and the way his eyes light up. He loves his Momma!
-The instant love I felt for him on the day he was born and the way I fall in love with him more each day.
-Boy clothes- they are super cute now days! I was hoping to have a girl but I am pretty partial to boys now!
-Holding Carson while he sleeps. (Getting him to sleep some nights is a different story.) He smiles at me right before he drifts off to sleep which melts my heart.
-His coos- and the way he almost laughs... He wants to laugh, will even open his mouth to laugh, but no sound yet! Hopefully soon.

-Watching him sleep with his hands up by his head, hands clinched in a fist. He looks so peaceful and content when he sleeps. His dreams must be good.
-The way he places his hand on my chest or holds onto my finger when he is eating.
- Watching his dad hold, play, love on, and talk to Carson. One of the joys of being a mom is getting to see my husband as a father. I'm so blessed to have a wonderful husband and that Carson has a godly daddy.
-I love my son's soft skin, his baby smell, and his tiny features- I know these won't stay that way forever.
-I love praying that he will grow into a man after God's own heart and impact the world by impacting eternity.

2 Months Shots

Our little traveler had his Well Baby Checkup and 2 month shots last week. We went to the capital of our province once again for his check-up. Even though he didn't like getting his shots a few minutes later all was forgotten and then mom and dad got to enjoy Western Food and Starbucks.

He is in the 25 percentile for his weight and 90 percentile for his height. He is talking a lot, smiling when he sees us, and even began rolling over from his stomach to his back last week. We love our Little Man and thank Father for Him everday.

Momma, Papa & Baby Bucks


Just My Size Coffee Cup

Both Mom and Carson need their coffee.