Changing diapers, Changing homes, Changing languages

So much has happen in our lives since Renee last wrote! I am excited not only to officially write something for the first time, but to also write about all that has been going on.

Yes, the diapers continue to need changing as Gracie continues to cram down the cheese chunks, oatmeal, crackers and random things from our plates - things like Abondigas, lamb meat, and piping hot salsa! Just kidding. Gracie is taking steps now too - 3 here, 3 there with some near miss falls and lots of laughter that follows. She is a joy!

About two weeks ago Renee and I packed up some stuff and drove it across town to my parents house. We moved in. They knew of course. But yes, we moved in with my amazing parents - so generous and loving they are. We were following through on plans that had been in the making for some time - moving here was just the first step of trusting God for the next many steps in the coming months and years.

We moved in to save money as we prepare to get move to Guadalajara, Mexico for 15 weeks (at least initially) in response to God's stirring up our passions to fluency in Spanish and pursuit of using that Spanish to possibly live in Latin America somewhere in the near future! Crazy, we are quitting our jobs, storing our stuff, and saying good-bye to our parents, siblings, and friends. It is bitter sweet, but there is so much sweet as Renee and I say yes to this passion we've had before even knowing each other existed.

Over the last months and years, when we allowed ourselves to sit back and dream about where we could see ourselves in the future, what made our hearts beat the fastest, and what we truly felt God had placed us on this earth for it always came back to:

Living somewhere in Latin America.....and knowing Spanish - fluently
Giving ourselves to love the children who are orphaned, abandoned, without love, and on the street

We love what we do now and feel God had called us to that for this time. But we know that God has called us to something more - and so we will go - obediently, excitedly, expectantly.

We do not know what will happen after our initial 15 weeks except joyfully support her sister, Lisa (and fiance Craig) get married.

We don't know what God will do, but we know it will be good. We are asked to trust Him. We are given the example by Jesus, and Jesus is our standard for living life.

We get on a plane at the end of April and land in Guadalajara - home of the Sombrero and Mariachi music. God offers a full life not a wishful one. We are doing our best to say yes to the best life God has for us believing that this is how we're made.