The Burns

My Resolve

2012-01-23T13:34:00.001-08:00

January was a good month. I really enjoyed all the time that Brandon and I took to reflect on 2011 and make plans for 2012--my alone time was just as convicting and full.
I read this the on the great Passionate Homemaking blog and I keep rereading it. I have made it my prayer for 2012:

In her book, Keep A Quiet Heart, Elisabeth Elliot encourages us to focus on the most important of New Year’s hopes:

“Will the young woman find a mate? Will the couple have a child? Maybe this year will be the year of desire fulfilled. Perhaps, on the other hand, it will be the year of desire radically transformed, the year of finding, as we have perhaps not yet truly found, Christ to be the All-Sufficient One, Christ the ‘deep sweet well of Love’” (page 49).

This year, let us ask God to dissolve all our hopes (however good they may be!) into a single hope: to know Christ and to be found in Him. May this be a year of desire radically transformed, a deeper, truer, knowing of Christ as our All-Sufficient One.

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:7-8a).

This encouragement continues to fill my Spirit, and it is my genuine desire. To attain this goal, I will need discipline and help from my husband, family, and my sisters in Christ. Please keep me (us) accountable to this.

Family Wall

2011-12-19T23:41:00.000-08:00

Our Family Wall is a project I have been wanting to do since we moved in, and I just got it up this weekend! I love the fact that we have a long hallway, so it, of course, has to be filled with family pictures!

Above the pictures is says, Family is forever.

The middle picture is one of our engagement pictures that people signed at our wedding, and on both sides are recent pictures of our families!

We love our wall, and we love seeing the faces of our beautiful family everyday!

We are so blessed with such amazing families! We love you all!

Special Friend, Special Gifts

2011-11-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

I am truly blessed with the most amazing girlfriends. I love how each of them have their own wonderful and unique qualities, and each of them bring something different and special to my life.

Jennae blesses me in more ways than one, two, three, or five! We met while serving the junior high group at our church in Clovis in 2004. Since then, even through me moving away, the Lord continues to draw us closer together as friends and sisters. One of the many gifts the Lord has blessed her with is gift giving. Every gift I receive from Jennae has meaning and purpose behind it. Her most recent gifts took the cake.

For my birthday (in September) she gave me 2 things. One was a journal where she wrote the sweetest message to Baby Burns, love Auntie Jennae. The second was a CD full of worship songs. They both were such an incredible blessing, and the Lord sure used them. While I was pregnant, I was so sick that I struggled reading in general, but I was really struggling with my bible reading, and I shared that with her. So she gave me the CD so I could relax and enjoy songs about the Lord while worshiping Him. The journal was so I could record all the events and emotions and thoughts throughout the pregnancy, and that I did.

(photo taken in Forest Falls)

What was really amazing was the way these gifts were used during and after the miscarriage.

I was SO thankful for both. When everything was happening and we could do nothing but cry, the CD brought great peace. One amazing song really hit me. It says, "He gives and takes away, for He knows what's good for us." The Lord knew how we need to grow through this experience, and I know He will will continue to show us His plans for this in the future.

The journal served as a great healing factor. It was really great to be able to write down all my thoughts from the beginning of the pregnancy to the end. I will cherish this journal forever. This baby will always be our first child, and I am thankful that I have these memories.

My dearest friend and sister, I can not thank you enough for all your love, care, prayers, and support. The Lord is using you mightily in my life and many others. I wish we lived closer, but even through distance you continue to be one of my closest friends. You are such a calming factor in my life. Thank you for always being a beautiful example of a woman of God. I love you!

Roots

2011-11-01T13:59:00.001-07:00

A couple days after we found out that we lost our baby, Brandon and I were able to get away and enjoy some time alone in the beautiful and fresh mountains of Forest Falls. We found a beautiful and quiet little area by some little waterfalls. Our time there was crucial to our personal healing and grieving. Right when we sat down, I immediately noticed this tree, and this is what I journaled . . .

In front of me is a tree whose roots are completely above ground. As I look at it more closely, I wonder how it is still standing--it must have strong roots underground. This makes me think about the truth and love of the Lord and how deep it runs. I feel like right now I have many roots that are sticking out and visible. Roots of fear, anxiety, doubt. Though, even still, I, we, are still standing, and though weak at times, we are standing strong. Through this sadness, we have not wavered in the truth of Christ and in the knowledge and trust of His goodness. So like this tree, we stand with roots of God's grace deep within our hearts as this tree's roots and deep within this soil, and for that my heart is thankful.

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Colossians 2:6-7

I know you are using this as a teaching time, Lord, and though right now I have to tell my heart to be grateful, I know I eventually will be. Father, please use this as a time where we may share your name and your goodness in time of sorrow--boldly. May we not waste this sadness.

---------------------------------------------

Our Star, Our Gift

2011-10-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of our Star. Brandon and I found it while we were enjoying some time away in Forest Falls this past Saturday. We decided it would be representative our our first baby.

These past 12 weeks (technically 8 since we have known) have been a beautiful gift from the Lord. Brandon and I have already learned amazing things about having a child, and we are so thankful for this short time.

We experienced the greatest joy when the doctor confirmed we were pregnant. And then even more joy when we got to share the news with our family and friends.

We experienced quite a change of pace in our normal routine of things as I was sick. Though so difficult then, I am so thankful for now. As hard as it was, it was a reminder that the baby was growing and alive, and it comforted me.

We experienced excitement as we started planning and adjusting life to prepare for our little one to come. (I was planning on not finishing the school year and staying home next year with the baby.)

Then we experienced such sadness and sorrow as we found out that the baby was no longer with us. News so unexpected is never easy to handle, especially when it is the loss of a child. You don't know what to do but just cry.

Then we felt uplifted as our church, family, and friends interceded for us and lifted us up in prayer. Constant texts, calls, and cards were beautiful reminders of the amazing people the Lord has blessed us with.

We finally experienced Peace. After several days of grieving, time in the Word, prayer, and time with family, God brought us such an amazing peace that surpasses all understanding. Our God is so good and gracious. Knowing the truth that this baby was not a mistake. Our Father created him/her, and the little one is now with Him in His arms. He knew this would be a trial that would test our faith and streghten us as a couple. What a gift.

Now we experience Hope. Hope for the future in what the Lord's plan for our family is.

The following verse (among MANY others) has calmed our hearts and has focused our minds:

"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again Rejoice . . . The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

This has always been one of my favorite verses, and it again has penetrated my heart.

Thank you so much for the many of you who have been praying for us! We ask that you continue to pray as we continue to learn to move forward.

We love you and we thank you.

More to come . . . we look forward to sharing more about what the Lord has taught us through this journey.

Party Weekend . . .

2011-10-18T21:32:00.000-07:00

The first weekend of October we had such a great time with a trip up to Clovis for a party weekend--double birthday party for Grandpa and Liz, and then Diana's babies shower!

It started with the birthday party on Saturday night which was a great time!

The babies shower for Diana--twin boys coming soon!--was Sunday afternoon. We had a great time throwing this shower and props to Holly and Mom for their creativity and awesome planning!

Here are some fun details and pic from the shower.

Giants theme was an easy choice!!

We tried to go for a more "classy" baseball theme. Here are the centerpieces.

Holly made the adorable pennant banners as well as the pennants in the centerpieces.

My mom thought to get baseball bats as a way for guests to sign in.

The adorable cake was made by a girl that Kristi lives with. Not only was it super cute, but it tasted amazing as well!

Diana may be the cutest mommy we have ever seen!

Me at 10 weeks & Diana at 27 weeks with twins! lol

We are SO thankful and excited to have our children close together. I grew up very close to David (Diana's husband) and his brother Clint. Our family as a whole is very close, especially all us cousins, and we pray that we will enjoy may fun and sweet times with our own children!

Diana's family

Aunt Debbie and Beth (missing Megan)

Holly, Katie, Aunt Maxine, and Heather

Kristi and Katie enjoying a rootbeer!

Beautiful quilt made by Aunt Maxine!

Amazing bedding hand-made by Holly.

Grandma Boogaard!

Diana and her sweet nieces!

It was truly a great weekend, and we are SO thrilled for you David and Diana!!

The News . . .

2011-10-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

Well the news is out and we couldn't be more thrilled!!

Yes, we were planning it! lol Didn't expect it to happen so fast, but we couldn't be more excited for this amazing blessing!

Here Baby Burns and I are at 11 weeks.
This means we are due April 27th!

Baby has already been blessed with many gifts. Here are some cute outfits from Nana and Papa, Auntie Kristin, and Uncle Kevin. :)

Grandma Boo and I went shopping for my birthday and bought some maternity clothes!!

Unfortunately, I've been pretty sick, but this last week was much better! Hopefully the end of this first trimester will continue to bring less sickness!

Brandon and I were able to get some good work done in the apartment this weekend. Fall is here, and we are excited for our new homey home!

We absolutely love our red kitchen!

We are very excited about our new bookshelf!We also a new curtain in our guest bathroom.

I am also taking these pictures with my new Nikon 3100 SLR camera that my amazing husband gave me for my birthday!! It is something we were wanting to have before we have kids, so the timing this year was perfect!!

This blog has taken us through engagement, our wedding and newly married life, 3 overseas trips, and 3 apartment and moves. Now, we will journey through pregnancy and the many experiences of having a child.

Our good Lord continues to teach and mold us through each step of this journey and we couldn't be more thrilled for this next chapter in our lives!

Thank you for journeying with us!!

For You created my innermost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." --Psalm 139:13-14

Blessings

2011-08-16T23:55:00.000-07:00

It has been an incredibly busy, but good summer, and we have lots to update!

The biggest news is that Brandon got a new job! He has been hoping to get this job for a couple years now, and the good Lord has provide the perfect time!

He is the new Residence Director for the married and graduate housing at CBU!

This means that we now live on campus again! We are blessed with a great 3 bedroom apartment! I will post some pictures when it is all set up!

Here he is today (Tuesday) on his first day of work! So handsome! I am so proud of him!

Our parking spot :) (The sun was bright, lol)

My wonderful mom and brother came down to help us move! It was so good to have my mom here helping us move in to our new apt this past Saturday. Moms just have that special touch, and we were so thankful to have her here!

We are so excited and thankful for the new adventure!

"Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth" Psalm 124:8

Leaving . . .

2011-07-09T09:24:00.000-07:00

It is 12:15am and we are to be ready at 5am to leave! AHHH!!

I wanted to write so much more tonight, but I just can't. My mind is too clouded and I'm (really the whole team) still trying to process my thoughts from the trip.

Definitely a bitter sweet good-bye. We leave with very heavy hearts for the people and things that we have experienced in the past 3 weeks. We are thankful for having our hands is so many different things and ministries--it allowed us to get a pretty good picture of how things work here in Manila.

The kids though . . . man . . . they sure stole our hearts. We visited the nursery where we got to love on 10 precious children from God. We would pack them all up and take them home with us if we could. It was SO hard to leave.

The 7 older kids have also been hard to leave and in a different way. We have been struggling with how to say good-bye and what this time should look like. Since they are older (around 13-14, and all orphaned) they have to deal with so many teams constantly coming and going, and probably asking them to pour out their hearts just like we did--and they did. The girls really opened up the past could weeks as we were going over all out testimonies. Each one has been a blessing to us girls in so many ways. They have been through more than anyone of us and are so self-efficient and love the Lord. Nikki brought up a great point and encouraged us to encourage them on the impact they made on us. We hope they understood. We hope they continue to share and be open so that they may continue to bless others. And hopefully we were to them as well.

Please pray for us as we are sorting out these feelings and all God has taught us and convicted of us with while we were here. It seems as though we were on emotion overload right now. We and so thankful for God's justice and grace, it's so overwhelming--this has been a daily focus for us.

We love you and can't wait to see you!!

Update-Week 2

2011-07-03T03:04:00.000-07:00

So much has happened this past week--great things; I'll try and wrap it up the best I can.

The majority of the week was spent working at the new Josie's Angels house. Us girls got to do a lot of detail painting throughout the house. Each room is a different color and we got to paint different scriptures in each room. We are really excited about the final outcome. The 24 girls movie in tonight (Sunday) and we will be over there shortly to help them settle in!

Chad has done a ton of video stuff and made the awesome pictures that we got to hand out in Tent City. Brandon got sick at the beginning of the week and was out for a couple of days which was a real bummer but we have our leader back and we are thankful for that! Many of us have not been feeling 100% this week, so prayers for strength as we finish this last week would be cherished!

Tent City again was a very impactful thing this week. Friday we went back and handed out the pictures we had taken and that Chad edited with scripture. The people were SO excited to receive them. As we handed out each picture, we explained that we would like to give them this gift because of the gift we have been given through Jesus Christ. The gospel was shared through each picture! On the pictures included contact information for a local pastor. We are praying that these pictures will be hung in their homes and that Christ would reign there.

As we were walking around and passing out pictures, my stomach was hurting because I did not have much of a breakfast. During this visit to Tent City, we were told that many Filipinos hair turns a bleached orangish color because of malnutrition. Knowing this, I noticed this day how many of their hairs have turned this color--I have actually been aware of this throughout the city now. This was just crushing to me, to us. The reality was that I was walking around with a stomach ache that I knew would last about an hour more because when we returned to our homebase lunch would be provided for us. The pain turned into a big knot in my stomach and a pain in my heart that has continued. Chad also made the comment today that he doesn't know how many more homes he can go into and videotape and walk away without doing more. (He has been given a few students of the school to "follow" as a part of the support video he is making.) So many needs here are just so great it's hard to grasp.

Chad also had a great conversation with a K.I.M. worker (a 19 year old guy) as we were outside the Josies Angel house painting a fence purple the other day. Our friend was telling us how he believes that America is such a better place because people aren't hungry. Brandon and Chad tried to explain to him that America is not really a better place--in fact, it can be worse off because people are too full and too rich that they don't have a "need" for anything or anyone, including Christ. Brandon brought up the verse where Jesus warns about the rich man being worse off. Our friend just could not grasp this idea because all he could think about is that most people in America are not hungry because most people in the Philippines are. He is a Christian and loves the Lord, but desires to be in America. We have heard this over and over here. It has been a hard thing to disuade people of. Yes there are great opportunities in America, but the people are not necessarily better off.

Saturday was our last full day with Meghan--so sad! We got to go to a beach with the ladies who work in the kitchen and the 6 of the 7 older orphans that we have spent time with! The beach that was suppose to take about 3 hours to get to turned in to a 5 hour trip! We got there about 1pm. Had a great time! It was absolutely beautiful! We used our experience from last year and made sure we all packed on the sunscreen!! Success!! No burns for the Burns!! :) lol We were also about to take a little boat to another island (just a 15 min boat ride) and that was neat. We left about 6pm, stopped for dinner and got home at midnight!! Long day, but fun!

Today and tomorrow we have more shifts at the nursery. I just love this time. These kids are just too precious. I got to bath and change the 3 one year olds this morning. Lord help me if I have triplets! Their sweet little voices calling us "tita" and "tito" (means like aunt or uncle that all kids call adults, even if they don't know you well) is just so sweet. We were exhausted at the end, but it was worth it!

We are off to see the girls settle in! This week we will be concentrated on them, and making sure they are adjusting well into their new home. Please pray for strength and focus for us! We love you all!!

Here are just a few of my favorite pictures that we passed out at Tent City. Chad made 50!!

Such a beautiful family!

Justice and Grace (Update)

2011-06-25T09:07:00.001-07:00

Hi!

We have finished out first week, and everything has been great!

This week we have . . .

· Bagged cement and hauled it up to the 4th floor of a new building that is being built here

· Have been getting to know the 7 “older kids” that live here. Their school got canceled on Friday because of the typhoon so we got to take them to the mall for some hang out time.

· Got to watch a Buhay Sports basketball game! Brandon got to gear up but it ended up not being a good game for him to play in. On the way home we got caught in a typhoon!! We had to trek through knee deep water in the city amidst the crazy rain and wind! My flip flops kept falling off so my amazing and strong husband carried me through it! Quite an experience to say the least—and incredibly humbling as well.
· Wet to a feeding in an area called Tent City. This was an area that got completely destroyed after a typhoon a couple years ago. The Red Cross came in and provided tents for about 500 families; these tents have now been turned in to houses. Two images will not leave my mind from this experience—(1) the sweet little boy, maybe 4, run up to the van as we drove up with his bowl in hand ready to get some hot food, shoeless and pulling his shorts up b/c they were too big, and full of smiles, (2) another sweet boy who was running away from the feeding station with his bowl empty b/c we ran out—he seemed fine, I don’t know maybe use to it, but I felt as though I could feel his true heart at that moment—completely crushing. This has probably been the most impactful thing for me so far. K.I.M (Kids International Ministries who we are with) does feedings there on Mondays and Fridays, and we are looking forward to returning. Some sweet girls invited a couple of us girls into their home and were so hospital, we look forward to following up with them next week.

· Organized and repacked 1,500 boxes that were donated—full of clothes, food, medical supplies, etc. in the pouring rain!

· Painted some rooms in a house that is being remodeled for Josie’s Angels. Josie has an incredible ministry—she has reached out to families in the local community and has “rescued” girls who have bad home lives. She has been blessed with a home to house them—25 of them! Through the blessings of supporters, these girls are provided safe living, food, clothing, and schooling. ($40 a month for anyone interested!!) It has been a blessing to us to be a part of preparing this home. Today, Nikki, Kelsey (an adopted teammate) got to return to the home and do some detailed painting. Nikki is painting an amazing mural in an entry way, and Kelsey and I got to work on some bibles verses that are being used as borders.

· They guys are having a “sleep over” with the 3 boys here tonight (Saturday)—hopefully that is going well!

· Tonight us girls—Nikki, Meghan, Kelsey, Julie, Jaine, and I (we have so enjoyed getting to know some other people who are serving here) got to go into the city for a girl’s night!

And many other things in-between, but I think that has been the main stuff! Our team time has been great and we have felt uplifted, humbled, and so thankful on a daily basis. God is working powerfully in each of us and in all different ways. We have been reminded of God’s justice and grace. It is hard to understand why so many people are unfortunate and lacking “things.” Here in the Philippines there is no real middle class. You either have money and live very comfortably or you live in some kind of shelter in areas called Squaters where you don’t own the small space you are inhabiting, so it can be taken from you at any time. We continue to struggle with understanding the living situation here and keeping in mind the real need. But, God is always just and faithful—this truth has different meaning now.

Chad thought of an amazing way to share the good news! Everyone around the community always wants their picture taken. So he thought that we should edit the photos of them with a bible verse on the picture and give it to them! Amazing! We have a pretty awesome team! You can be praying for that as we will be preparing those. We are going to do the same thing for many families in Tent City. Please lift this up in prayer!

We love and miss you all! Please keep praying for us!

Andrea, Brandon and the rest of Team Awesome!!

We're Here!

2011-06-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

We're here, and our time has been amazing so far!

Our flight and everything was smooth--PTL--my least fav part!

We got into K.I.M (our homebase) about 11pm Monday night, and crashed. Nikki and Chad had a hard time sleeping, but I took a special sleeping pill that made me crash, lol.

Our first day was nice and relaxed. We were able to get use to our new home and the neighborhood that surrounds it. We took our time and walked throughout the streets, and saw many things that really began to strike our hearts for this nation and its people. Deep poverty is all around. We saw houses made of metal and cardboard, kids running around in the street--some peeing naked lol, but actually really not funny--many dogs and cats with diseases, but beautiful people. We took many pictures and got to interact with the people--all very friendly and sweet. We got back and our herts we in the same place--feeling very conflicted. It is our initial thoughts to want to provide and pray that God would provide for them in physical needs, and without a doubt are these needed, but the hope in Christ must precede those things, because how necessary to living they are, they are still temporary. We are thankful we got to witness this so soon in our trip because it has changed the way we have been praying.

Day 2, today, was great. There are about 150 kids from a British school in Manila that have been doing community service work for the past 2 days here. We joined them today in a construction project. KIM in building a new 4 story building that will be used for several different things. Our job today was to shovel cement into bags and then the bags were being hauled by hands to the 4th floor. It was great having so many kids--they came in rotations--to help, but man was it work! We were thankful for the time to work together so closely as a team. Also, we got to have some great conversations with the students we were working with.

Our main focus for the next couple weeks will be with the older (high school) kids that are n the homes here. We will have opportunities for bible studies and discipleship. There is a home for the older girls that is in the process of being completed. We will get to help paint that tomorrow and then help the girls move in and get settled within the next couple weeks.

We are thrilled to be here and so thankful!

Please be praying:

- For continued strength as we are still adjusting to time

-Intentionality as we are hanging out with the students

-That the gospel would be the center of all we do and say

Thank you! We love you!

Philippines Update!

2011-06-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

Our team is fully funded!! Praise the Lord! We were all a bit apprehensive as we got started fundraising--not really sure where any of the funds were going to come from. As a team we really committed this process to prayer! God is always faithful, and we are thrilled! We are so thankful to the many of you who have donated and are supporting us! As we are preparing to leave, next Sunday, June 19th--Father's Day!--here are some things we'd love for you to pray for!

That our hearts would long for the people of the Philippines to some to know our Lord and Savior.

That this trip would not be about us, but about serving others and ultimately the Lord.

Safe travels.

Some prayer requests from Operation World:

a government that actively pursues justice and righteousness.

the end of corruption and greed in polity.

biblical truth.

leadership development amongst Filippinos.

the poor and those who minister to the poor.

Please help us in praying for these things!

We will continue to update you! Thank you!!

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."

Romans 12:9-11

A Special Birthday!

2011-06-02T21:34:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to a beautiful friend and most importantly sister who is SO loved and missed!!

I (we) cherish you so much!

I am so thankful for the way He has brought us closer the past couple years.

We are thankful for your beautiful heart that loves more than anyone I know

We've had so many laughs and cries! Each time has been so special!

We have also been so blessed by the many other friends that encourage and uplift us in the Lord!

You are one of my bestest! Can't wait for the next time we get to spend time together! We are thankful for where you are and where He has sent you! Your obedience and faithfulness is an encouragement!

Love you SASKIA our sister!

Hope you have a special day!!

Muah!!!

Because it's good for us . . .

2011-04-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

I have been so encouraged each week at our women's A&E (accountability and encouragement) night (actually every other week)! This past week was particularly humbling and thought provoking, so I wanted to share.

We have begun this wonderful book, Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes, and are discussing it each meeting. The first chapter was really an introduction to the book, discussing the purpose of discipline and such. Hughes discussed the difference between a legalistic heart, and a disciplined heart:

legalistic heart: self-centered, saying, "I will do this to gain merit with God"

disciplined heart: God-centered, saying, "I will do this because I love God and want to please Him."

How too easy, unfortunately, it is to read my chapter a day and check it off a list with the full motivation to earn favor from the Lord by doing so. We discussed how often we don't "feel" like getting in the Word and praying. But, Angela so wonderfully reminded us that we need to because we know that it is good for us. The goal is to be discipline and to live lives that are authentically driven, where we filter everything through a lens of pleasing the Lord, honoring Him, and knowing and loving Him more!

We answered the question, what hold us back from doing this? One of the most common answers was:

urgency- it is easy to make other things more "urgent," dishes, laundry, school work, etc.

Thus we must remember:

we need to train ourselves to do what is good for us

we need to protect time with the Lord, and guard it!

we must deny ourselves--we NEED Christ!

we make goals to reach the means--loving and knowing Christ more!

I am so thankful for this time and for the amazing women who are wiling to come and gather, share and recite memory verses, and love and pray. Thank you FBCN women for being such an integral part of my walk with the Lord!

Here are a few pictures of some of these wonderful women from our women's retreat!

"My heart and my flesh may fail. but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Pslam 73:26

Megan's Shower

2011-03-25T11:21:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago Kristi and I got to go home for the shower we put on for our wonderful cousin Megan! We had a great time and were especially excited to see lots of family and celebrate Megan's upcoming wedding! We had the shower at Diana's house and she decorated everything so well! I loved the details! Here are some pictures!
Dan+Megan
Diana's adorable centerpiece!
The centerpieces on the eating tables. These also doubled as the favors!Each guest got to take a flower home, and attached to it was a prayer request from Megan for this exciting time in her life! ( I got this idea from another shower and have been waiting to use it!)
Cousins!! Megan and her bridesmaids!
Sisters! (who are both engaged!)
The beautiful bride and her cake.

The Bride-to-Be opening presents! (The best part!)

We all love Grandpa Boogaard!

Megan is actually one of three cousins who are currently engaged! We will be celebrating Megan's wedding first, in April!! Can't wait!

Tired of Good-Byes

2011-03-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

This is such an exciting time of life for us, and we have been enjoying every minute. . . except for these. In this eventful young married stage, Brandon and I, along with our many and wonderful friends, are continuing to figure out where we are going to "settle" and are seeking more long term full time jobs. With that come moves that we don't like! And they have been frequent lately!

The first real hard one was Brandon's best friend from high school Tyler and his wonderful wife Tiffany. They moved to Washington! We have been living in the same apartment complex as them since last summer, and even though we didn't see one another as much as we'd like, it was SO nice knowing they were so close. Tyler got an awesome youth pastor position up there and we couldn't be happier for them! But still. . . a tough good-bye!

The second hard good-bye was one of our best friends- Saskia! This one, I (many of us) were not ready for! She is joining our other close friends over seas to teach English. Again, an amazing opportunity for her! I can not explain well in words what this sister means to me (us). As she is joining one of my other closest girlfriends, I am now really feeling something missing, even just after a short 5 days with her being gone. We have no doubt that her life is going to shine so bright where she will be, and we are thankful for that.

At her going away get-together.

One thing that makes these good-byes easier is knowing the ultimate purpose behind them. We have so many amazing friends that have sacrificed being close to family and friends to Serve the Lord and be a Light.

Ideally we would all live in the same place at the same time and be able to Live Life together, but we know that is not reality. So, we pray that we will remain close where ever we are and in whatever we are doing. We are so thankful for our friends and the Lord's love that binds us!

"In the same way, let your light shone before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

My Sweet Valentine

2011-02-18T09:09:00.001-08:00

My hubby did the sweetest thing for me this year for Valentine's Day. We first enjoyed a great night away in San Diego on Sunday night to Monday (we had it off from school!). Monday was a beautiful day down there, and we so enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing day away from the craziness.

So then we get to school on Tuesday and he had a great surprise! During my lunch Brandon has his creative writing class. So when I got back to my classroom, I found this!

All his creative writing students helped him and signed my board!

Brandon always finds a new way to fill me and show me his love. This one was so special because he said he wanted our students to see the love we have for one another and how he is willing to show that. I just love the thought and effort and time he put into it!
Me and my wonderful Valentine! Thank you love! You made my weekend!!

Thankful List

2011-02-10T21:16:00.000-08:00

I have been very blessed and challenged by the Passionate Homemaking blog. The creator and main author is an amazing woman with a heart after the Lord. She has a beautiful desire to serve the Lord and her husband and her children and is encouraging other women, like me, to do the same. I am excited to try new things from her blog, and this is one of them- an ongoing "What I'm Thankful for List."

I am really excited and thankful ;) for this because I have been having a hard time with the many "hats" I am currently wearing. But instead of being thankful to the Lord for blessing me (and Brandon) with these great opportunities, I have been negative. This has been a big attitude change for me and I really broke down one night and knew it had to change. Of course the first thing was making sure I was getting into God's Word daily- and this has so renewed my spirit.

Then I read this blog post and thought it'd be a great idea! I've been writing at least one or two things down every day and I can already see the change in my attitude and thoughts! I am now trying to think of what I can praise and thank God for throughout my day, and it's been great! My prayer is that God would continue to use this to focus my mind on Him more throughout the day.

Here are some of the things I've been thankful for the last couple of weeks:

The Passionate Homemaking Blog that encouraged me to make this list!
An extra day without students at school so I could work in my classroom and grade.
How the Lord broke me and revealed my sin.
Brandon, who is so encouraging in tough times, and how he always seeks to draw us closer to our Father.
A quiet night at home with Brandon.
Our wonderful friends at church who always encourage and uplift us (and make us laugh- a lot!)
Supportive parents at RCS.
My crock pot!!

You should give it a try!!

"You are my God, and I will give thanks to you;

you are my God; I will extol you.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

for His steadfast love endures forever!"

Psalm 118:28-29

Summer Missions

2011-01-26T20:58:00.001-08:00

We were greatly encouraged this past Sunday from a missionary who read to us 3 John 1:5-8.

"Beloved, it is a faithful thing that you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth."

This man came at a great time as the mission teams for FBCN have just been established and revealed. It has been so great to see how each summer, our connections and love for the world, and for those who do not know truth continues to grow. Our church is intentionally sending members back to the same countries in order to strengthen the relationships with the people there.

Brandon and I are so excited that we will be traveling back to the Philippines this summer!! This year we are leading the trip with about 9 other wonderful members from the church. We will be there for 3 weeks!

Last summer our time there was so short, but God really used that time to begin rooting our heart for the people and opportunities to serve there. We are especially excited that this year we will get to experience many new things there, as well as hopefully begin to grow some relationships with the nationals.

Please begin to pray for us and with us as we prepare ourselves and our team!

Some pictures from last summer:

This summer we will be spending more time in these areas, working and serving the people in the communities.

The view from Faith Academy. I hope that we can give some swim lessons at their pool!

Though this trip is not centered around a basketball ministry, Brandon, of course, hopes to play a little! ;)

Brandon's New Job!

2011-01-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to begin the new year with a new job opportunity for Brandon! He is the new Riverside Christian Middle School Bible Teacher and we couldn't be more thrilled!

Here is why we are excited:

Brandon was ready to move on from his old job (which we are so thankful for) and this is a position that will really move him forward with a career in ministry.
We are working on the same campus!
Brandon will have a great opportunity to widen his teaching range.
This will probably open many more doors for him in the future!

Our prayer is that the Lord will use us in a unique way on this campus, that we would be a good example for our students and that He will open our eyes to their needs.

God had always been and will always be so faithful to provide perfectly to our needs, for He knows them and our desires more than us. We have faith that God has placed Brandon in this position for His purpose to spread His name and we are excited for this new challenge!

Here are some of Brandon's first day of school pictures! :)

He made a really cute PowerPoint to introduce himself to the kids.
He looked so handsome!

He had a really great first day and I am confident that he is going to rock these kids' socks off!!

He has such a beautiful heart for these kids to come to know and love the Lord, and I know they will respond well to him!

We are 2 very happy teachers!!

Thank you, Lord!

"I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;

I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

I will be glad and exult in you;

I will sing and praise to you name,

O Most High!"

Psalm 9:1,2

Dinner Party!

2010-12-31T00:40:00.001-08:00

I was so excited to try our families special ronies and sauce this week since my mom gave me a new pot for Christmas to make it in! Since it takes all day to make, I decided to make a fun dinner party out of it! I never have time to do these things, so I was really excited to have fun with it! My mom is an amazing cook and host and I want to get some good practice in so I can be just like her and provide and serve for my family and friends.

Here was my table and little encouragement cards that I made for each guest.
The sauce!! Soo good!! It cooked all day and made our apartment smell amazing!
My beautiful guests!

My sister even came and joined us!

Twinkie friends!

It was a really enjoyable evening topped off with a great new cheescake I made as well! I love these girls and so many more that attend our church and was happy it all went well!

I hope we get to do it again soon!

Happy Birthday Ashley!

2010-12-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

Happy, Happy Birthday to our dear sister Ashley!!

We are so sad that we could not be with you and your family to celebrate your birthday and Christmas, but we still wanted you to know how much we love you!

You are an amazing mother and it has been so neat watching you raise your beautiful boys. I (Andrea) learned so much from you this summer and I pray that a time will come in the future that we can raise our families together.

Love ya sis! Happy Birthday!! Miss ya a ton and wish we could be celebrating with ya! But I hope you got my message and I am really thankful for you! God really blessed me with a great big sis who always cared for me and taught me what it looked like to live out my faith in Christ! To that I thank you always!! Hope all is well with the fam! See ya soon, hopefully!

We always enjoy our times with just the 4 of us. Though these times and far and few these days, we pray the Lord's will on all our future ministries and we would be thrilled if He lead us to the same place someday!!

Your faithfulness as an older sister I've never had has meant more to me than you know. This is probably one of the biggest reasons I miss you so much. This is a selfish thought but you know that we wouldn't want you guys to be doing anything other than what you are doing now! But i do always look forward to our times together. I will never forget those time we had lunch at CBU and when you had me over for dinner so that you could get to know me more when Brandon and I were just dating. Your intentionality showed what a great sister you were (and are :)) and I am thankful for that time that drew us closer together. Thank you!

Now that Brandon will have the summer off we are praying that it will work out to come and spend time with you and your family this summer!

We hope you had a great day!

Love you!!

Brandon and Andrea

Don't you wonder . . .

2010-11-30T22:37:00.000-08:00

. . . what your pets do while you're gone during the day?

Well last week when I was home for Thanksgiving break I got to see what our little Punkin does all day! Since it's been colder in the mornings, she has been cuddling up beside us underneath the covers! So cute!

Can you see the little bump? lol Well, since i got to sleep in that week, I got to see how long she stays underneath the covers! One morning I woke up around 10am, and she stayed under there until 2:30pm! And that was only after I realized that I hadn't seen her all morning! So I went and found her a took a picture. Then she finally got out!

What a silly kitty!
But such a cute one! She is always making us laugh, and I'm so glad we have her! :)

Psalm 36

2010-11-24T11:58:00.000-08:00

"Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;

your judgments are like the great deep;

man and beast you save, O Lord."

Psalm 36: 5,6

This verse brought me peace this morning. Our God is so great--he is above all things--he alone has the power to save. Thank you Lord, for taking all my wretched sin away. Thank you for cleansing me with your love and amazing undeserving grace.

The Giver

2010-11-20T13:23:00.001-08:00

I have begun reading The Giver with my 7th graders. This is the first time I have taught this book but am really excited about it. We are taking it very slow because this group if students have not read through a class book like this and because it is filled with so many great things to discuss. Though we started reading it this last Monday, I already have a handful of students who finished the book! (This is very exciting to a teacher :) )

If you are not familiar with the novel, it is about a community that is totally controlled by a group of people and they have ridiculous rules that everyone must follow. My students and I have already had some great conversations as to what those rules and orders would look like in our communities and homes today. One of the rules is that each "family unit" must share their feelings of the day with one another. The family then calmly talked through each feeling and made their best effort to resolve issue and make that person feel better, or to encourage if things were going well that day. So, I encouraged my students to go home and try it.

I realized in order for them to attempt this "rule" that would mean their family would have to first, be sitting around the table having dinner together- herein the first issue. SO little of my students have this time with their families each night. I can't tell you how many students responded with- "we never eat dinner together," or "I have to get my own dinner every night," or "we never talk like that." Ouch! My heart sank. Even with the business that I grew up with, my mom did her best to sit us together for dinner. This is so not a priority in so many families today.

But, there were the small handful of students that do partake in family meals and decided to try the "rule," and those responses were great! One girl said when she asked her mom has she was feeling, that her mom talked for an hour! Another girl said that she felt it really drew her family closer that night and that the next morning, her and her sister were much friendlier and had fun in the car to school together. One girl is one of 8 children and she went down the line and told us what each sibling said- so sweet! Several students said they wanted to try it again.

I am so glad I challenged the students with this. I learned a lot from it, and it was so interesting to hear their responses. Though, I am continually saddened by how many broken families we have at out little "private Christian school." I realized this week, i can not assume any longer that their families are whole. This breaks my heart but also stirs me to continue to pray for these students.

Praying that God would restore families and that my students' hearts would be opened to the gospel and have the opportunity to see what God hopes for a healthy "family unit" centered around Him.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-11T23:34:00.000-08:00

I know this is a bit late, but I think they are really cute pictures so I still wanted to share. For Halloween this year, each of our small groups got together in several neighborhoods in Riverside and Norco. Our group was in Norco. Unfortunately, we didn't get any trick-or-treaters but we enjoyed time together. Brandon and I went as Peter Pan and Wendy!

And here's one of my besties Saskia and she was a Lost Girl!

Pocahontas and John Smith!

Ariel and Prince Eric!

Brandon and Little Conan the Tiger!

Our good friends Scott and Stephanie who were in a different who decided to go with the Peter Pan theme as well!

Pan off!

The gang! (minus Brendon)

My girls!

The beautiful Sarah!

A fun and enjoyable night!

Reading for Instruction

2010-11-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

Our church has begun a series on Ephesians. Pastor Jeff says we will be in this book for for a couple years! This is exciting because after a few weeks I already feel like I am understanding the book so much better. As we have been reading through this great book, I keep stopping at these passages written by Paul:

"14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Ephesians 3:14-20

This has continued to remind me that my knowledge and love for Christ is so much smaller than I desire it to be. God is so infinitely powerful and strong-everything is done according to His will, and He has allowed us to be a part of it. I have been in awe this week of His awesome power and love.

Pastor Jeff also taught the other week that we need to be reading the word on a daily basis for instruction of living NOT simply a daily devotion. The devotions we read each day need to give us more than a little "pick-me-up." Really, they should remind us of our unrighteousness and ability to do anything good without the Lord, and thus challenge us to live for Him, and rely on Him, trusting Him in ALL we do and say. The Bible is here for instruction of living. These commands do not simply apply when they are convenient in our lives--they are meant to be lived out daily and consistently. This often means that we have to make hard decisions, but they are ultimately decisions that are good and honoring to our Lord which should always be our goal.

I am thankful for all that I, as well as what Brandon and I are learning together through this series. Meeting Wednesday night with our house group has been just an enjoyable and edifying as we flush out these truths.

Our Special Place

2010-10-30T22:58:00.000-07:00

Brandon surprised me with a very special get away for our 2 year wedding anniversary! (Yes, like 3 weeks ago!) It was a much needed get away! We went to Palm Springs! This is where we honeymooned and we haven't been there since. These are actually the only 2 times I've been to Palm Springs. This is a special place for us and we enjoyed an incredible weekend of rest and quality time together!

This is right by the time share we stayed at on our honeymoon.

Brandon was so wonderful in planning everything! He even made reservations to a great restaurant right in downtown called Matchbox. It was a place we wanted to go to when we were on our honeymoon but we needed reservations so we couldn't go. So we went and it was great!

This is us in Palm Spring on our honeymoon!

We love celebrating our wedding anniversary! It is always a great time to look back on our past and reestablish our goals.

Being married to this man continues to be a great blessing. He loves and leads me towards Christ continually. I'm excited for our next year together!

Girlfriends, like gold!

2010-09-23T20:17:00.001-07:00

This summer we were blessed with spending some great time with some very special friends. At one point this summer, my 4 closest girlfriends (the ones that in in Riverside) were all out of the country at the same time! So when they came back, we spent as much time together as we could! The girlfriends I have met down here have been priceless, purer than gold, and it has been so special to experience this time of life together. This is me, Kat, Dayna, Staci, and Saskia at Dayna and Cesar's wedding!
Staci and I with the beautiful pregnant Emily and sweet Whitney!

Us with the bride and groom!

At Dayna's shower!

My bestest friend Jennae came and visited! This girl is hard to be away from!

The boys being manly!

This was suppose to be a good-bye party for the Hunts and welcome home for the Rendels, but it's 2 weeks later, and the Hunts are still here! But we're not complaining!

The Hunts are waiting to go back to teach in the Middle East, and the Rendels were in Africa with their family for 4 months this summer!

Welcoming home Saskia, who was gone for 3 months this summer in North Africa!

It's both exciting and hard to think that there will come a time, probably soon, where we will all be separated, hopefully serving over seas and attempting to reach the lost, but we will probably be apart. But this time of building our marriages and faith and trust in the Lord together has been so encouraging and essential for us. We are so thankful for these friends and the many more that we get to live life with!

Thank you Lord for blessings us with people who love you and desire to serve and make much of you! Please be with us as we all seek to fulfill your will.

The Philippines :: Boracay

2010-08-19T17:45:00.001-07:00

At the end of our trip we were able to rest up from the busy week for a couple nights at the amazing and beautiful Boracay island!!

Brandon and I have never been to an island like this, so it was really exciting for us!

On our way!!

Our room with the neat towel display!
When we walked out of our hotel and around the corner this is what we saw! Amazing!

This was built everyday.

The beautiful white sand and clear blue water!! And it felt amazing!

It was officially perfect when we found the Starbucks, and, right on the beach!

Brandon and I enjoyed an amazing walk along this beach our first morning there, and with Starbucks of course!

And then off to snorkeling!

We went to 2 different snorkeling sights. Brandon had been a couple times before but this was my first!

It was perfect conditions!

We're ready to go!

Our favorite thing we found was a Nemo fish! It was exactly as the movie portrayed!

We took a little boat around the whole island!

The mango shakes were the best in the world in Boracay! Thanks Jonas shakes!

Leaving Boracay . . . a bitter-sweet feeling for us Burns' cause we got BURNT!!

That snorkeling got us good! Man the sun there is strong! We applied sun screen twice before 10am and this is what we get!!

It took a good 3 weeks until our backs we fully healed! It was quite an awful, long plane flight back!

These were the neat boats called bonkas.

We saw some amazing views on our way home.

This is the top part of the island!

I was just playing with our camera here, but I thought it was a cool shot :)

We had an amazing time, and it was so neat to see the beautiful island that our Lord created! We would love to go back there too! (But this time with more powerful sunscreen!)

"O Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!"

Psalm 8:1

The Philippines :: Buhay Sports Basketball

2010-08-19T16:40:00.001-07:00

The basketball ministry we worked with is called Buhay Sports. Buhay means life in tagolog (the language in the Philippines). The ministry runs by short term teams that come and play exhibition games with teams all throughout the country. Basketball is the main sport in the Philippines! Everyone plays! There are basketball courts where there in not even running water. Since everyone loves basketball so much, whenever there is a game going people from all over come out to watch. So, during half time a member from the Buhay team says a short testimony to the crowd followed by a recap and the gospel again by a local pastor in tagolog. Then the team passes out tracts and asks the crowd to respond by filling out their information. A local pastor then sends them a bible and literature. Receiving mail is a rare thing so when someone gets mail, they take the time to read it! It's a really neat ministry! We were disappointed that we didn't get to see the latter end of the deal, but it was a real blessing to be able to share in this way.

So for 4 days of our trip the guys played 2 games a day with teams in provinces and even a college team. Buhay won most of their games which was an added plus!

Here is Brandon sharing his testimony during the last game. He did such a great job and it was a great way to end the basketball part of the trip.
This was the court of the last game they played. Most of the courts we went to were outside but covered.

We all loved our matching jerseys!

This little guy was a baller!

We had both purple and black jerseys!

We Had our first names on the jerseys so that is was easier for people to remember our names.

Go Team Buhay!!

This is out in one of the provinces, probably one of the prettiest places we went. But half way through the game it started to pour and water got on the court so we had to leave, but the gospel was shared!

The team always gave kids what they called "baller bands." They loved them!

Team prayer before the game.

This was probably the biggest crowd that came. It was at a college, and they screamed when their team not only scored but had the ball!

This court, among the others, was so slippery that they sprinkled Coke on it so that it was sticky!

The team being introduced before their first game.

This was my favorite baller!!!

Ya, look at that dunk!!

We loved being there to support and cheer on our husbands!

This is the team with some local fire fighters who wanted a picture :)

So after half time, us girls went around and collected the response cards. This is me doing so at our last game.

This is a ministry that is really effective in the Philippines, but it wouldn't seem like it unless you knew the culture and the people and what they do and love. Though one of many opportunities to share, we would love to be able to participate in this ministry in the future. Our team was amazing, and this is something anyone can do!

"Shout for joy to God, all the earth;

sing the glory of his name;

give to him glorious praise!"

Pslam 66:1-2

The Philippines :: Manila

2010-08-19T16:10:00.001-07:00

So Manila was the main city that we stayed in the Philippines. We stayed in the Kids International Ministry's guest house. The ministries here that Brandon and I could be involved in are amazing. There are teaching possibilities and opportunities to work with kids and teenagers who are living in their children's home. Though the majority of our time was spent playing basketball, we got a really neat tour of all the ministries.

These are some really cute kids that we met in the surrounding neighborhood. The poverty there was great, and these precious faces lived among it. It was heartbreaking to witness the way they lived, and yet so joyful.
This is what a typical neighborhood looks like. The houses are very small and stacked on top of one another.
This is an outside kitchen where people make food for the kids that go to the school that is next to KIM.
Another neighborhood in the middle of the city.

This is a typical transportation vehicle-- a Jeepey.

This is a view of the city from Faith Academy which a school where missionary kids can attend. It's a really neat school where I'd love to teach someday!

Faith Academy is where Darren went to school and graduated!

And this is the amazing swim complex that the owner from Forever 21 completely donated!

Teaching at Faith would be a really neat opportunity some day, and it's just one of many opportunities that would allow Brandon and I to serve here.

"The Lord is a string hold for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of trouble.

And those who know your name put their trust in you,

for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."

Psalm 9:9-10

Philippines Update

2010-07-22T05:51:00.000-07:00

Hey!! I only have time for a short update, but ti sum things up, everything is going amazing! We have loved every minute here-the people, the country, and one another! Our team is working so well together and we are laughing constantly and the guys played really well together on the court. We just finished up the basketball part of this trip. The guys played 2 games a day Monday-Thursday. The played in some very hot and hard conditions. The courts were outside, but covered, and were normally very slippery which made things difficult at times. We joined a team of high school MK boys from all over, mainly from Taiwan which gave our guys some nice breaks during the games. All the guys on our team got an opportunity to share their testimonies at at least one of the half times. They were very powerful and the gospel was definitely spoken. We had some great responses at many of the games and are praying that once they get connected with churches around them that their faith will continue to be strengthened. Us wives decided to stay with the guys since all days we traveled about an hour from Manila and we wanted to see as much of the country as we could. We also got to talk with the people-the many people- who came out to watch the games and follow up after the testimonies were shared.

Tomorrow early morning we head out for Boracay-an amazing beach here- that we are so excited about! It will be a great time to relax-especially for the guys- and enjoy the most beautiful part of the Philippines from what we hear.

God has been teaching Brandon and I some really neat things and we can't wait to come home and continue to digest everything we have learned and seen and see where the Lord will take us. I can tell you that we will be very anxious to come back!

Can't wait to post picture when we return!
Thank you for your prayers. We are so thankful that we have all stayed healthy and safe-especially the guys with no injuries!!
Thank you! We love you!

Headin' Out

2010-07-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

Well we are off to the Philippines! We are taking off in a couple hours and will return Monday night July 26th. We are incredible excited for many reasons. One is that this is the first overseas trip we have taken as a married couple, and another is that this our means of witnessing is different than what we have done before. The guys will be playing basketball which couldn't be more perfect for Brandon! The guys on out team will be playing several basketball games a day against teams from the country. During half time one of the guys from our team will share their testimony with hopes that God will use it to teach something new and that His truth will be known. Us girls have several options during the day including tutoring children, working in the nursery, and giving swim lessons! We can't wait to get started!

Please be praying for:

health and safety
that the Lord will greatly use our testimonies to share His truth and grace
that relationships will be formed and deep conversations will be had
strength for the guys as they will be playing basketball daily

Thank you for lifting us up!

We will try to update our blog a couple times!

Love you all!

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it

is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. . ."

Romans 1:16

Kristi's Homecoming Weekend!

2010-07-13T12:45:00.001-07:00

Kristi came home from her 6 week study abroad program in South Africa this weekend! She thought that Brandon and I were picking her up from the airport but really Mom and Kevin were there too!! So, since she didn't come in until Sunday, we (Mom, Kevin, Brandon, and I) decided to make a little vacation and have some fun during the weekend!

It started with a fun filled day with our good friend Salem in Hollywood! This was Kevin's first trip to Hollywood so we were excited to show him all the cool sights. Unfortunately Brandon had to work so he was not able to join us this day.

This is Kevin looking cool as he looks over downtown LA and Hollywood.
We were at this awesome place called Greystone Mansion.
We had an amazing lunch at a restaurant called Toast!
We enjoyed lounging on some couches as we ate.

Then on Saturday we went to Corona Del Mar with Blake and Chase and the Varcie family!

Rylan got buried!

Uncles and Carsten!

Unfortunately is was cloudy all day! But we still had fun!

I always love when my hubby and I get to spend an entire day together!

Rylan bonded well with Mom over their fun game of share the sucker!

Then on Sunday we went and got Kristi!!

Surprise!! They both cried like babies!

Kristi was deprived without a Starbucks for 6 weeks so we of course had to stop there!

Kristi was so generous and brought us all home some really neat gifts! We especially loved this African painting to hang in out culture room!

We enjoyed such great time as a family. It is rare that we get to be together with one another for extended times like this. Kristi had an amazing trip and had so many neat stories to share. We are so happy to have her home but so glad she had such an incredible experience in S. Africa!

"Sing to the Lord, bless his name;

tell of his salvation from day to day.

Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous works among all the peoples!

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;

he is to be feared above all gods."

Psalm 96:3-4

Summer. . . ahh. . .Yosemite!!

2010-07-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

One of the many things that got me through the last couple weeks of the school year was knowing that our family trip to Yosemite was coming up! I haven't been to Yosemite in years and couldn't wait for some quality time with Brandon and the Burns family, especially Brandon's sister Ashley and her family who are only here for a short summer, and some fresh air!

We got there late Sunday evening, and spent Monday just settling in and enjoying our surroundings. Then on Tuesday we took an incredible 14 mile hike! Neither Brandon or I have done a hike like this before. We climbed 3200 f. in 4 miles. If I would have known what this hike really was I probably would have said no to it, but I am SO glad I went. I definitely struggled through it but it was so great for Brandon and I to be able to complete it together; he was so encouraging.

We have never experienced God's beauty like we did there. Realizing that His hand created everything we saw was truly breath taking. What an amazing God we serve!

Here are some pictures of the beautiful views!

This was at the top of Nevada Falls.

Ya that was the mountain we hiked up!

A stream along the way.

Tough mountain men. Jeff was with us too!
This is the top of Glacier point, which was one of the tops of the hike. It was an incredible view of the valley!

Can you see the rainbow?! This was one of my favorite spots.

Yosemite Falls is what we faced going up the mountain. It was amazing! We even saw hang-gliders!

We hiked to the top of both of those waterfalls!

We also had the opportunity to float down the river! We all did this a couple time. We enjoyed a great view the whole time!

Even little Ry enjoyed a couple boat rides!

This time with family was precious. All 9 of us -including the babies- fit in the trailor! I am so thankful that I can now call this family mine and that we get to enjoy so many great times with them!
These 2 just stole our hearts the whole time. Our time with the Varcie family was especially special because we don't get to see them often!

Brandon and I decided that a trip to Yosemite needs to be an annual thing. And our next goal. . . Half Dome!!!

"Give thanks to the Lord of Lords,