Latest and Greatest

It officially has been an entire year since Rob left for Miami for what we thought was a three month stint. It is hard to believe that it has been that long and when we really get to thinking about it we are consumed with fear of what the transition back home is going to be like for us. Not to say we are aren't overjoyed that Rob will be returning home in the next month but at the same time we are very well aware that we will need time to readjust and get used to married life again.

We are both fiercely independent and have grown as individuals over the past year. And before I get to the many blessing of what the past year is going to be like I must ask for your prayer and support over the next couple months. On purpose I am not sharing a specific date of when Rob gets home. And for good reasons. We plan on taking time to just consume ourselves in one another and our relationship before getting back to normal life. It is an opportunity for us to get to know each other once again. An opportunity to build a stronger foundation for our marriage. An opportunity not provided to many and one we cherish. The way in which you, our family and friends, can support us is by understanding our need to be still in our own home for a period of time. Trust me, we will enter the real world again when the time is right.

During our precious time of reconnecting I ask that you celebrate in the many blessings that have been bestowed on us in the past year.

First and foremost the past year has allowed both Rob and I to grow spiritually.

Our relationship with family has been strengthened and in the most unexpected ways.

We have been humbled by the financial constraints that comes along with ministry and yet have never felt more free from materialism and consumerism.

A new job presented itself to me that I would have never have considered had it not allowed me to spend more time with Rob in Miami... and I couldn't be more grateful!

After almost a decade of wishing I could go back to school but never finding the right time I finally did it and by the time Rob gets back home I will have finished most of it (or my thesis at least!).

Rob answered the calling to minister to those most in need and has found a certain healing and peace by answering this calling.

So what is next you might be asking? Once Rob returns home he will remain working for LAM from Phoenix. He will continue traveling as he did before he left for Miami. In many ways we will be returning back to what we thought the past year held for us before it took a huge turn. An unexpected turn that brought a multitude of challenges and blessings and one that we don't question for a minute but are grateful is coming to an end.

And before I end this entry I want to thank you for your support and prayers. We are humbled by how you have impacted our life over the past year and know that we couldn't have survived without you!

Thank you and we love you!

February Update

Hello to our dear family and friends. I apologize for the past two months of silence (ok- almost three). The holidays are now behind us and the whirlwind of the New Year has begun. The work with Y has had me traveling much more than I anticipated. Since December I have been to D.C. at least once a month and in some cases two, Miami, Chicago, Tucson and of course my monthly trip to San Diego for school. Right now I average about one week a month home. This travel schedule will continue until July of this year. This next month I head back to D.C., San Diego, Kansas, Boston, New Orleans twice and Chicago. So family and friends please is patient with us as we try and remain connected while away.
On a high note we have a new niece in the family. Emily Ada (yes- Ada!). She was born in February and to celebrate this momentous occasion Rob met me in D.C. where Emily and her older sister Izzy reside.I included some pics Robby took during our trip. We spent time with the girls, Rob’s sister and brother in law (proud new parents) and mom Chaney. It was wonderful! Rob and I cherish our time as auntie and uncle. Rob also had an opportunity to meet and greet with my co-works and get familiar with my second home in D.C. This was such a blessing given I had the opportunity to get to know his home in Miami in December. Being able to share with each other what our lives are like when apart brings a sense of comfort and safety.
We also received news this past week that we have a nephew on the way. Sean and Cate are in the process of adopting a beautiful Haitian boy. In addition, our dear friends Shaleen and Sam adopted a baby girl this past year adding to our count of nieces. We are thrilled! Needless to say Rob and I feel so blessed by the children in our life. Frequently we are asked why we don’t have children and if we plan on having any. Our response is simple. We are surrounded by children and cherish being auntie and uncle to each and every one of them. My uncle Gordon did not have children of his own and because of it took on special role in his nieces and nephews lives. All of us have considered him a mentor and friend because of his special role- we could only hope to aspire to role he has played in my life as a favorite uncle.
I am officially half way through my masters program and in the midst of my thesis. With Rob living in Miami it just seemed to be a good time to dive into school work and make the most of my quiet time. I travel to San Diego and have been adopted by a wonderful couple who invite me into their home on Mission Bay every month. Rob was also able to accompany me on my first weekend of classes. He helped ease my fear of diving back into the world of academia… Another meaningful trip together.
I hope you are able to sense Rob and my desire and passion to maintain our relationship while living bi-coastally. We receive much support from family and friends. I have been encouraged by the many women in my life supporting my every step and easing the many fears. Thank you for your prayers.
More exciting news: Rob will be returning full time to Arizona at the end of April. We don’t know what his involvement with LAM will be thereafter so please be praying for us as we wade through these decisions. Rob’s focus for the remaining months in Miami is to create sustainable change in the office that can be transitioned over to existing staff members.
Thank you to everyone and once again my apologies for the silence. We cherish your prayers and support as we near the end of our separation or bi-coastal living.