Benjamin turns 1!!!

Benjamin is ONE!! 

What a great day we had as I spent the day with my mom getting ready for his party. He had his first cream cheese and apricot jelly sandwich. So fun to be back with family for his big day even if I was still a bit jetlagged! 


His birthday night we had a SPIDERMAN theme birthday! Spiderman masks, tshirt, plate and bowl, balloon, banner, table cloth.... you know the works( me and Grammy might have got a little carried away ;) 

The night was so fun since it was the first time my brothers and all our families were together since we got home from New Zealand. So wild to see our kids get to play together. 

Avery loves Benjamin!So sweet! 


He liked to opening presents... 

But not as much as the cupcake which he swiftly crammed straight into his mouth! 

A birthday well spent! 

Eat Ham, No Thank You Mam!

Ok bacon lovers don't freak out yet... 

While in New Zealand we lived next to a pig farmer or rather a cattle farmer who had pigs. One way that we partnered with him was by putting all of our food scraps into buckets that Farmer Dave would collect every day or two. 

After weeks of sending stinky, gross and sometimes moldy buckets of scraps I started to think about the ham, bacon and pork we were eating. If the pigs were eating that ^ then do I really want to put that into my body let alone the amount of fat and salt often found in pig meat. 

So my family is going off of pig!! Don't get me wrong I will make an occasional exception like when at people's houses, but for now we are sticking to healthier meats. 

A long awaited update.

As some of you know Rich and I are back in the States. 


Our time in New Zealand was amazing but was not short of complications and hardships. We came home after feeling as if we could not stay under the leadership that we had been working with. Our visions for the ministry at the Oakridge base were vastly different. As we tried and hoped to merge those visions over the past four  months we found that is was a constant and uphill battle, so we have gone our separate ways. 


 We greatly thank all of you who have walked along side us and supported us as we have reached for our dreams. We have made lasting relationships with the students and know that we went for a purpose and reason. If you have any further questions for Rich or I feel free to email us. 


As for right now  we are in Portland and trying to adjust to life back in America. We are soaking in time with family and friends as we put together the pieces of what we have learned. 

And they are off!!!

Then students have left the base. They are off to their outreach phase now. The couples school has a split outreach between Tasmania and Samoa. The adventure crew are headed to Cambodia.

It is hard to believe that we have already been here almost three months and although I have tried to keep updates on the blog I have recently come to realize that I had been talking about all our excursions and haven't begun to share of the life and growth here on base. So I will try to be better and catch you up.

Rich and I were able to connect and build friendships with the adventure group. We had a blast and laughed a lot but we also were able to talk through deep pain and brokenness. I love to bring light into the dark places and that is what a lot of our time was about. Bringing love and light to the life of our students. We went to lectures alongside them( I missed many due to a certain little boy :) So we learned so much as we just lived life with them. We are still in the process of transitioning. We miss them already and find that it is so quiet with them all gone...

Some of the group at a barndance. 

Rich with the whole group before they went caving. 

We have had our highs and lows here on base that is to be sure as we adjust to a new environment, new country, and a new way of life living with new people and a new schedule. Lots of "new"s. It only makes sense that there are days off at the beach that I can't believe I am looking at such a beauty and then come home to find a mouse in our house ( which I am told is normal... we haven't caught our little Stuart Little, but I will keep you posted.) We are so glad to have been a part of this school and we continue to pray as we take each day one at a time.

We are in the process of  putting an email update together so keep a look out for it.

Adventures of Benjiboy #4

I am getting so big and growing so fast. Mommy has to start buying me some new big boy clothes. She says it makes me look like a big boy. But that is because I am getting to be such a big boy.

 I can crawl up all of the stairs in my house now. I am getting closer and closer to walking but I am taking my time figuring it out. There is so much to look at that I tend to get distracted. I love to climb on things.

There is a room here that is big and empty except for a bunch of bean bags. I love it! I am figuring out my hands now too. I can use my fingers to pick things up. I clap now too.

Grammy and Auntie Andrea asked for pictures of my curly hair. These are right after my bath. Mamma squeals and kisses me so much. I think she likes me.

I  got to be going now. 

 *BENJIBOY*

My first Mother's Day!

So odd to have had mother's day not only away from my mom but then to have a little one to be a mom to! It was a very low key day. All the students were gone on their free weekend and so we have a quiet morning on base.  Benjamin was such a happy boy and gave me loves all day. Here are some pics from our little family playing in the field.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is the birthday of a man who means so much to me. Who is an incredible influence on the woman I have become today. Who continues to bless me and I am beyond thankful for!

So dad--- 51! You are the youngest 51 year old I know.

Multnomah Falls before I left for Africa

Cancun

Walking me down the aisle! 

4am after Benjamin was born!

Frozen pond trip to feed the ducks

Drinking Chocolate

You inspire me to stay fresh each day. 

To keep a young heart even in the chaos of life. 

To laugh. 

Eat good food :) 

And to love fully. 

I love you dad!
Your Megan Sweetie