in laws

The word in-law often carries with it scary thoughts. Standards, expectations, the endless "suggestions". But as we move closer to our wedding I'm excited to become a part of Wes' family. We've been praying for his brother and sister-in-law for a while. Yesterday, we found out (ok I found out because Wes knew for a while, but wanted to keep it a surprise) that they will be moving to Chicago!!! We couldn't be more excited. Now when the boys are playing video games, or chatting on-line, Linds and I can go shopping or do other girly things. Maybe we'll even go on some motorcyle rides! We're excited to have family coming soon! Yeah!!! Now if only we can find a place to live in order to host them.

pregnant ceilings and a spectrum of colors

Two weeks ago, Wes and I sat with our realtor for the first time, the same day that interest rates were slashed. So for the past two weekends, we've been spending out time invading homes, opening cupboards, walking into closets and checking out the view from multiple windows. White continues to be the popular color of choice for homes that have been deserted, though the faux paint (a really bad attempt at partially covering a wall) and five layered sponge paint (give it up people) made it easy for us to scream paint. Orange, Red, Yellow, and a smokey house with a very poofy cat, just turned us off. It's hard to decide. At first I thought, ok we need to find a house and settle (with it, then in it). However, seeing more and more homes has caused us to realize we do in fact have choices... or realistically stressful decisions to make. Finding a house you like let alone love is not always easy, especially in the rich suburbs of Illinios, a place where my grandmother's Michigan house would go for well over $325,000!!! But in the end we praise God for the fact that we do and will have shelter, whatever that may look like.

One's perspective on what a house needs changes when your roommate calls with distressing news, the ceiling is pregnant and leaking! Yes the shower, which has always been backwards (hot is cold and cold is hot, despite the indications on the nossle) was leaking! So, after much inspection, banging and tearing apart, we were left with a completely gutted bathroom, floors, mirrors, toilet, sink...you name it and it's gone! So I've been playing the musical showers game, "visiting" friends in order to bathe. And as we stare at the new bathroom decor sitting so obnoixoiusly in our living room, I'm reminded that finding a place with two full bathrooms is not at all a bad idea.

Neverending Celebration

It all started out with the left side of the room. Dr. Pierson knows who I'm talking about. She would have been one of us, if she were in our TESOL graduate group. I'm proud to say that I was able to start with one of the greatest groups that his the BGC campus. I say BGC because none of us really know what the other buildings are for. For many of us returning from work abroad, the intercultural program offered a place of comfort where so many could share in the paths God sent us all on. Laughter, tears, food, projects, parties and road trips, brought us all together, not just as friends, but as sisters and brother (sorry Lumumba, there was just one of you) in Christ. As many await, with much trust in the Lord, their next paths in life, I praise our true father and comforter for bringing us all together. Surrounded by so many wonderful people, surely has shown me that God does love us in ways we cannot imagine. God is present, he does take care of us, and he has blessed us with the friendship that brings us joy.