Journey to Israel

       On October 23rd, we traveled to Chicago to start our journey to Israel. With a couple long flights ahead of us, we laughed and joked and prepared our hearts for what was to come. After arriving, we met our new group of friends, people that we would be seeing day in and day out for 2 whole weeks. Our group leaders, Dennis and Tirtzah, greeted us and we spoke shortly of what was to come for our trip. I went to sleep that night with great expectation and an empty camera card! The days started to fill up with amazing sights and Bible courses spoken in German. I enjoyed learning a new culture, but there was still something missing. After a couple conversations with group members, I came into a new light about Jesus, Jews, and Gentiles and how they come together. It's still something I need to learn more of, but there is no longer a big question mark in my heart when I think about Israel. A few of the trips we went on while in Israel: 

                                                                     

                                              Jerusalem

                        

  The Western Wall (The Wailing Wall):                        

                    Sea of Galilee

                                                                                                                                                         

                                                      The Jordan River

                                                                                                            Mediterannean Sea:

Caesarea:

Our fondest memory of Israel, was finding out that we are pregnant! God truly gave us an amazing gift and feel so blessed to have found out while on the trip! This picture is the day we told the group the great news. We had traveled to Mt. Carmel (which means "Fruitful") that morning and the group lifted us in prayer and declared life and protection over the baby on top of the mountain! We are so excited and will thank Him each day for this amazing opportunity! 

God Bless you, Friends and Family! We are so blessed by your prayers and encouraging advice! :)

Annabella

Let me tell you about a little girl I got to meet a couple weekends ago...Annabella. Anna means "Favor of God" and Bella means "Easy to love". She had dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, cute little button nose, and the cutest little smile you ever did see. Something about her resembled what I imagine our little Miracle to look like. Just beautiful, sweet, innocent...

The moment I saw her little face, I felt a warmth in my heart that brought me to tears. I got to hold her for a short time and even though my unpracticed arms fell asleep, I could almost not bear to hand her back to her beautiful mother. I heard the still small voice of God say,"Please don't be sad, keep your eyes on me, I love you..." 

I've managed to be strong and trust in Him through this whole chapter, but I have days that I remember Miracle and the journey that only just started when we lost her and it makes me sad. But I am hopeful and am clinging to His promises, that He is good. And just. And makes all things new. 

Annabella, thank you for giving me that moment to hear from the Lord and relish in His love for me. You are truly a blessing to everyone you come into contact with and God uses you, even now, as an infant! Mommy, please give her a squeeze for me...love you!

Be encouraged today that God has big plans and that He has great love for you!

Empty, but simple

It doesn't seem like very long ago we were saying goodbye to Iowa. But we are back and I must admit, it feels great to be home! A friend in California told me that we'd get home and have this new perspective on how we live life in Iowa...and as we get further along in time, I am seeing this to be true! 

We have been waiting for our moving truck to arrive with all our belongings today, it has been forever since I've seen my possessions and slept on my bed (although we have been able to sleep on a comfy air mattress- thank you Lynn's!) 

We've come to live simply the last couple weeks and after some conversation on the matter, we both agree it's been nice. (I see a garage sale in the near future!) Empty walls have been a little depressing at times, so I'm looking forward to filling them with some new photos. And I think mostly we are excited to house people in need of a roof over their head. We have the room and the Lord has really put it in our hearts! 

God has also been speaking to us about our finances and to let Him be creative in where we work and how He provides for us. We believe in supernatural favor and are trying to walk in faith to receive all that God has for us! We have felt like this is a new chapter for us and are looking forward to being apart of something very great! 

This summer I am going to learn how to can veggies and fruits and I'm looking forward to spending as much time as I can in my families gardens, earning all those veggies that I'll be canning! I've been searching high and low for shelving that people are not using anymore or getting rid of. I'm also checking Craigslist many times a day for "treasures" that are being given away! Currently we are looking for a desk for DJ, 2-3 wooden bookshelves, living room furniture (chairs and ottomans), a full size or queen bed for our guest room, a queen bed frame, metal shelving for my potential, growing pantry, and chairs for our dining room table! We had to leave so many things in California when we left that we are kind of starting fresh and believing for the Lord to provide! Spread the word! :)

If I can find the time this summer, I'll be posting my canning adventures---should be a lot of fun learning!!

God Bless and THANKS for reading!!

Let the packing begin!

As I sit with my windows open, watching the palm trees lean back and forth in the warm, California breeze, I begin to think of all that we've accomplished here and were able to enjoy on this part of our journey! I remember in the times of loneliness, God brought us lifelong friends. I remember in the times of sadness, God brought peace and joyfulness. I remember in the times of plenty, God showed us to give as freely as we have received (and were blessed!). I remember all the times of laughter and learning we had and what great memories were created!  We have been so blessed to come along side and collaborate with some of the most generous, loving, and supporting people and organizations. They have welcomed us with open arms and even though it's hard to leave, they are letting us go, expecting our visits aren't too far and few between! (I agree gladly to visit ANY time!) 

Some of our favorite times have been welcoming Iowa family and friends into our home and showing them the beaches and downtown Hollywood, driving up and down the Pacific Coast Highway, being able to visit with my aunt (she gave DJ the great adventure of kayaking on the Pacific Ocean, which he loved!) camping on Thornhill Beach with my father, seeing our favorite comedian, Brian Reegan, live in San Diego, riding the carousel on the Santa Monica Pier, and living in the foothills of beautiful mountains! There were SO MANY great memories made and lots of pictures to look back at! We've also met some amazing people of God, whom we foresee running along side in this fight against human trafficking for years to come!

We are looking forward to moving back to Iowa for many reasons! Other than the most important of being around our family and friends more, we look forward to living in our house again (also repairing, "renovating", and updating the house!), starting new jobs, seeing the ground breaking and opening of the National Training Center at the Midwest Prayer Center, and so, so many other things! We have great expectation of what the Lord will do and can't wait to see His promises come to fruition!

We will keep you posted on the who's, what's, and when's...until then, please keep praying for our safe travels home, CRTEC (Center to Restore Trafficked and Exploited Children) and all that's ahead for the organization, and us on our journey to become pregnant again. We are so thankful for your prayers, love, and support! God Bless!