1. Plane tickets are purchased for our appointment with the IMB in November - we'll be in Winston Salem, NC and couldn't be more excited about it. Steve and I have both felt called to be a part of what the Lord is doing through the IMB for so long that it's often a little surreal to know that we're finally in the last steps of the process. Speaking of the board...this is their new logo -
I just love it...I love the emotions that it causes in my heart - this is what we desire to do - not just in Madagascar but right here in MS - to shatter the silence with the words of Christ.
2. Steve finished up his TempStaff job and is currently searching for a new job until we officially go on with the board in April (prayers please!!) I am enjoying teaching and think often how blessed I am to have the job that I do - it is perfect for what we need, including the flexibility that I will only be teaching until December!
3 We completed our childbirth classes this month - information overload is one way to put it! Ha - however, I know that we will indeed make it though!!
Ryleigh is growing and moving!! I can't adequately express how exciting it is to feel her move around all the time - it has not gotten old yet and now I'm just anxiously looking forward to the day I can hold her in my arms. I'm in the last week of my 6th month - CRAZY how fast time has passed!
4. Steve surprised me this past Thursday with an overnight getaway to New Orleans - so super sweet - I couldn't have asked for a better husband. It never ceases to amaze me that as much as I prayed for my future husband while growing up, there are so many things I never thought to pray for - and guess what?!? The Lord went above and beyond anyway...what a blessing. We enjoyed having no set schedule, a night away, and of course CAFE DU MONDE! It was also a different type of appreciation, as we realized this was probably the last time we'd be off somewhere together, just the 2 of us, for quite a while!!
5. I also just want to leave you with what the Lord has been reminding me of lately - from John 15:16 - we do not choose Him - for He chose us AND appointed us to go and bear fruit - and get this - not just fruit but fruit He promises will LAST. What a humbling, refreshing reminder to dwell on! It's not about me - it's about Him - I would be nothing unless He CHOSE to CHOOSE me...The Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, the Creator, the Savior, the Rock on which I stand - chose me - He chose us!! Then, He doesn't stop there, He appoints us to go and bear His fruit. He guarantees that this fruit will last - it's not for us to worry about! All we have to do is go forth...PRAISE HIM!!