O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Tonight was the big night...we put up the Christmas tree! Dusty finally let me put it up...probably because he was tired of my constant questioning "if he was ready yet". I would celebrate Christmas 365 days a year if everyone would let me! When Mom came to visit in October, we popped in Elf and drank hot chocolate. I just love it!

I decorated most of the mantle and then began the joyous event of putting up the tree. Of course, I popped in some Christmas music as we fluffed the tree. Dusty carefully strung the lights. Then we put on the ornaments only to find out that the colored lights did not look so good with our ornaments of gold, green, and red. I didn't think it was possible for any Christmas tree to look bad but we had achieved just that. All that hard work for nothing! Oh well, tomorrow is another day and we shall try again! This time with white lights. Here are some pics of our unfinished mantle and our attempt at a good-looking Christmas tree.

Life is good

I feel like it has been forever since I last posted...well probably because it has been! I am finally starting to feel like we are settling into our new apartment. With school, weddings, and traveling, life has been kind of hectic. As life continues to fly by, I try my best to catch up with it. I realized last night that I only have three weeks of school left and I will be done FOREVER! I cannot wait! Dusty's last day of class for the semester was today. That's a relief! No more getting him up at 4:30 AM on Monday mornings! Hopefully, I will be able to keep updated with my blog. I have done a poor job so far but maybe once things slow down a bit I will be able to catch my breath and blog!

Since the return...

It has been a while since I have posted. I decided to share what God has been doing in my life since I returned. It's amazing to look back at the time that was spent in Peru and see just how far I've come. I had the most amazing teammates in Peru I could have ever asked for. Not only did we get along wonderfully, but they taught me so much. They taught me how to minister to those around me, whether it be teaching a lesson or just letting people know that we cared. That experience has changed my heart forever. My dad tells me that I have been smiling ever since I got back. Missions has always been an interest but now it holds a special place in my heart. I understand now the urgency to share the gospel with people everywhere. I don't know where the Lord will lead in years to come but I do know that I will make every effort to participate in future missions opportunities. I truly believe that traveling halfway around the country is worth giving up everything you have.

The Lord has blessed me tremendously since I've gotten back...way more than I deserve! I'm learning more about Him everyday. When you are where God wants you, it is amazing the things that seem to fall into place. I never in a million years would have guessed that I would meet my future husband in Bella Union, Peru. I sure never thought that I would end up in Kentucky. It definitely was God that led us to meet. Through a series of circumstances and changed plans, we met and the rest is history! :) How is that for a blessing?! I couldn't have asked for anything better! He encourages me daily and is my reminder of God's blessings!