Time to take a Deep Breath...

"I sure wish I blogged more."...*proceed laughing.

I realize that this blog has sort of become something I update when the notion strikes me. But then I guess it always was. Hope no one is too disappointed because that's probably never going to change. Few and far between, that's how I roll here in the blogosphere.

Yesterday I pressed the "save and turn in" button for the last time this semester. I can't remember ever feeling quite as relieved as I did in that moment. Finally. Done. Breathe. And it was a lovely moment, a don't even think about what I need to do for next semester kind of moment. Nice.

Since that moment approximately 24 hours ago, I have been thinking about what to do with my new found freedom. Browse pinterest for waaaay too long. Check. Stalk old and new friends on facebook. Check. Talk to Doug about how his hair looks fine for the 15 time today. Check. Read most of my new book with anxious anticipation and then force myself to stop and save some for tomorrow. Check.

Hmmmm.

So this led me to consider the deeper things I have been wrestling with lately.

What do I do with all of these textbooks that clutter my living room?

Should we make an offer on the house we super like but they are asking way to much for?

Why does it matter so much to Doug that I use a coaster for my tea?

How do I get the microwave to stop beeping SO LOUD?

What should I make for potluck on Sunday?

How do I get this smell out of this one couch cushion?

Should we rent or buy?

Should we pay this adoption agency or wait for the state to do our homestudy for free, in their time?

Deep stuff huh?

Nope.

So as I walked the halls of sleeping kids for the 7th or 20th time overnight, I considered this:

"Therefore, as you received Jesus Christ 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." -Col. 2:6

Am I walking in him?

Am I rooted in him?

Built up in him?

Am I established in the faith?

Am I abounding with thanksgiving?

That's better.

I breath easy because I have been received and receive Jesus Christ the Lord. Not because a semester is over or because my husband loves me enough to pay way too much for Christmas wrapping paper. 

Deep breath.

Moments...

I just had a moment where I realized that my 3,000 word paper isn't going to write itself. In that same moment I was both nervous and excited about the process that I know I am embarking on in my (seemingly) never ending journey with school. That moment made me think. Many years of practice, study, and guidance has brought me to a place in my life which I am able and willing to conquer an assignment such as a theology paper on Prolegomena, Revelation, Theology Proper, Providence, or Humanity...I get to choose.

Moments like these have been happening to me frequently as of late. Moments when I realize a bit of the meaning of past experiences in my life. Many life experiences have come and gone and left me wondering with expectation over what the purpose would be for going through so much. My life, like most people's, has been full of a great deal of good memories as well as a few not so good memories thrown in there for flavor.

Both the good and the bad have played a part in shaping me into the person I am today and in these moments I find myself in awe of the intricate careful hand of God on my life.

I am grateful, for the first time ever, for having experienced life as a student in a boarding school setting. Now that I am on staff at a boarding school, I appreciate the deeper level of understanding I naturally possess with the kids because of that experience. My compassion is greater, my patience is longer lasting, and I recognize the look of fear and excitement in their eyes only because I remember and can actually physically feel inside what their eyes subtly show. Moments of complete understanding and a caring spirit come from the gift of experience I would otherwise not have.

I'm thankful for these moments, moments that make up days, which meld into weeks, that eventually become years of memories, experiences, a life lived.

Logging on the Yukon...

First off, we already have fallen in love with the area and the Yukon River but we especially appreciated the Yukon and this barge for bringing our things to us so quickly!

 The other day a friend asked us to come and help bring in some drift wood from the river, here are some pictures from our day. We had fun helping pull logs in as he brought them to shore on his boat.

Doug and Martin

Doug and geared up

Getting logs from the river.

 Once we were done he took us out on the boat to enjoy the beauty of the Yukon and to see Galena from a different viewpoint.

 SO PRETTY!

Alaska...

We made it to Alaska! After a long trip from North Carolina, a lovely visit with family and friends in Washington and then a final short flight North...we are here!

 While we were in Fairbanks, we got to play tourist for a day and saw a part of the pipeline:)

 Here we are about to board our flight to Galena!

 This is a shot of the Yukon River as we flew over it...right before we landed in Galena!

This is a blog update.

I was reminded the other day that I have a blog. I don't update it much. Sorry about that, it has fallen quickly to the bottom of my list of to-dos over the last couple of years. Also, I spent a great deal of time over the last few years writing, and reading, and writing about what I read, and then reading more and writing more. Honestly after all of that reading and writing the last thing I wanted to do was sit down and write some more for a open forum diary of sorts.

So, for my four or five faithful readers...here is an update on our lives right now!

Update topic #1: School. I am fairly certain that I did post last December after graduation but just in case I dreamed that posting here is the info. I graduation from SEBTS in December with my BA in Christian Studies. It is a nice feeling, having that degree done. I didn't take much time to enjoy a break from school though and I am now working on my Masters in Intercultural Studies online at SEBTS.

Update topic #2: Location. Over the last few years we have been praying and listening and waiting for direction as to where we should hang our hats for the next phase of life. A few months ago we felt that we should pursue opportunity to live, work, and serve in a village in Alaska. Of course, God had worked out every single detail and we have been enjoying the pleasure that comes with moving to a place for no other reason than that God told us to.
Last month we were still in NC and right now we are in Washington enjoying time with family and friends. Come June 16, we will be headed north to Galena, Alaska and once we get there we will be able to share more with you about what we will be doing, where we will be living, etc...Nothing is a secret, we just have to get there and find out first then we can let you all know

Update topic #3: Adoption. Hands down, the most common question we have been getting about our move to Alaska is surrounding our plans to adopt. Let us clear up all (or at least some) of your questions and/or concerns. Yes, we are still adopting. Yes, we can adopt in Alaska. Yes, adoption takes time.

Graduated...

On Friday, I received my diploma for completing my BA at the College at Southeastern. I am so glad to be done with the work load and very grateful for the opportunity to learn at such a great school!
Enjoy pictures!

                                 Standing outside (it was cold) waiting to walk in!

                                Dad came to witness the end of my 12 year college journey!

                                  It's done! I am so grateful for support from this guy!

                                                         Shadow picture:)

                             ~Proof that it really is my name on that diploma!~

                                             

1,000 for 1

We have officially launched our 1,000 for 1 campaign. As we raise funds for our adoption, we want to involve as many people as we possibly can. Our desire is to be able to tell our child(ren) one day that thousands of people cared enough to help bring them home to us!

In order to do that, we need lots of help!

Here is the task:

Step 1. Say YES! Commit to complete the task within TEN DAYS!

Step 2. Think of 10 people.  (oh come on, you have way more friends/family than that! Think small groups/Sunday school from church, immediate or extended family, coworkers, or just give it all yourself on behalf of someone)

Step 3. Ask those 10 people for $10 each. (no biggie, cash, check or credit…we take them all) We also have a link where you can give online: Here

Step 4. Send us the $100 and the first names of each person who gave. (text, email, or snail mail…whichever you choose, let us know so we can ensure the funds get to us and to the correct account!)

Go ahead and complete step one now and let us know that you want to be one of the many who choose to care for our child right now!

With all our love and a huge amount of thankfulness,

Doug and Heidi