Moving Day

Today was the day. We moved into our home and began to get settled for the next three months. We unpacked all of the stuff that we sent down on the trailer (which happened to get rolled while being unloaded off the truck...lots of smashed stuff - good thing it's just stuff). It was a bit like Christmas as we had forgotten a lot of the things we had packed back in October. The house is starting to look a bit like a home, rather than a dorm. Zion loves his new room. I am especially excited about being in our home and getting on some kind of routine.
We are blessed. We have always had so much to be thankful for. Our boys, especially have just been blowing us away. Zion has been so much fun and incredibly well behaved (lots of "please" and "thank you's"). Ezra has been passed around and loved on by so many people. Today, the women at the church decided that he looks like a plastic doll (I'm assuming becuase of his white, smooth skin). I was also made aware of how great Nate and I work together. We are a good team. :) The move and unpacking were actually really enjoyable.
Please pray that as we are getting our land legs in Boquete, we are aware of what God wants us to do, and where he wants us to invest our time. We are so aware, as we have slowed down to think, that this is only possible because of the prayer and support that you all have lavished on us. THANK YOU.

Our new home

We made it! After a full day of travelling, we made it to Boquete, Panama around 7 p.m. The boys travelled WONDERFULLY. Thanks for the prayers! Zion took a great nap on the plane and Ezra was just awesome. I'm not sure if Zion enjoyed the plane ride or the taxi ride more! We have had a nice relaxing and rest as we catch up from the travelling.

Our home is currently occupied by a team of eye doctors who have done over 100 eye surgeries in the clinic. We move in tomorrow and in the meantime have been staying with my grandparents. It has been so nice to see them and spend some time at their house.

We will be updating soon, but wanted to let everyone know that we are here!

Testing, testing...

Early tomorrow morning we will be on an airplane headed for Panama. We are ready. Everything in our home is squished into Ezra's room (this process was a bit more emotional than I anticipated). The snacks for the plane are packed and ready to be snarfed by a hungry two year old. Our passports are sitting out, along with our itinerary. The ipods are loaded with music. All of our hand-me-downs that we were blessed to have have been shipped and are waiting in our Panamanian home.

Not only are we physically ready, but we are mentally ready. We have witnessed God's provision more over the last few months as we have been preparing than we have throughout our entire marriage. God is good. Do you know that? He is. We have seen major medical bills completely forgiven, been to doctor appointments where the person seeing us has chosen not to charge at all and have received financial and prayer support from more people than we could have ever imagined. We have some amazing people living in our home and watching over it. Ezra was sick this past weekend and is now completely better. Thank you Jesus.

Tomorrow we begin a temporary new life (I guess, really, it's all temporary). We are so excited and a little nervous about what exactly it will look like. How will Ezra do on the plane? Will Zion make new friends? How will our marriage grow/change while we are away from some of our biggest cheerleaders and supporters?

Before I go to bed, I will leave you with two quotes that I read recently that have resonated in my heart:

"If one person sees the love of Christ in me, it is worth every minute. In fact, it is worth spending my life for."

"I am much more terrified of living a comfortable life in a self-serving society and failing to follow Jesus than I am of any illness or tragedy."

- Kisses from Katie

"

Happy Friday.

I have finally put some recent pictures onto our computer! Here's a little glimpse into our lives over the past month or so...

I love his expressions.

There is nothing more attractive to me.
He is a ticklish little guy...

...with squishy cheeks!

That is one cute kid, and sexy man (if I do say so myself).

*one of my favorites*

I am so blessed.

Takin' a bath in the sink!

Eating beets - yum.

Nate's early father's day gift.

I just love him.

Dumpy Mc Dumperson.

*Notice the progression of the next pictures*

I was meant to have boys...

I realized this last night as I was sitting on the floor of Zi's room, smashing his stuffed lion and zebra together - sound effects in full swing. "ARGGGGGG" "PHHHHHHT" "PSHT PSHT PSHT (punching noises)."

I love my boy.

Crazy Love

What I'm reading right now: Crazy Love by Francis Chan.

I was challenged to read this book, when the person recommending it said that I might not like it because it's pretty intense. That's all I needed to hear. I went and got a copy and read the first chapter last night. It's good. Really good. I have a feeling this won't be an easy read. It will take a lot of stopping to examine myself, my motives and my view of God. I'm excited to be challenged.

"We don't get to decide who God is (page 31)." (In Exodus 3:14 God tells Moses, 'I am who I am.') This hit me hard. I have never been a supporter of the thought that God wears different hats and is different things to different people. God "already has a name, an identity (page 31)." I can tell you though, that I am guilty of making God who I want Him to be at any given time. I was convicted of how my view of God is so incredibly limited. Needless to say, I am questioning my view of who God is and praying for a biblical, true and more clear view of His character.

"Can you worship a God who isn't obligated to explain His actions to you? Could it be your arrogance that makes you think that God owes you an explanation?" Ouch. Colossians 1:16 says that all of creation was created by God and for God. How often do we live (and pray and act...) as though He was created for us?

I have a feeling that reading this book will be the beginning of a rewarding and painful journey.