Sorry blog world. I have not disowned you. I just got busy with this little girl! Abigail Norah Pope. Which means, "Father's Joy". We love her so much. Thank Father for putting in her in our family...

I started a new Moleskin journal

Why? You ask. Well because I am currently writing to my Dear Little One. John and I are expecting a baby Pope in April 2012! My first ultrasound is Tuesday. I am so excited. I took two home pregnancy tests and one while my parents, or should I say grandparents-to-be were visiting us. I keep looking down at my belly and thinking really? God planned this Little One to be in our lives as early as 2012. I am so blessed. I am so thankful and even more perplexing to me was finding a doctor but He is faithful and I love the staff and doctor. So, boy or girl?

no looking back

Recently, I have transitioned from being a full time nurse to feeling unemployed in some ways. Another new adjustment is when John and I signed a lease for our rental downtown. In many ways there have been times where I have enjoyed this season and sometimes like yesterday, I had to tell John I was bored. Mind you I've done the usual things like get in the Word in the morning and then I even did a sewing project. I heard Beth Moore speak about being prepared by getting in these promises ingrained on my heart for those seasons of desert and spiritual battles. I desire the realness of knowing God like when I pray with John, there's a God who loves the people of Dayton more than we could ever love them. He can care much greater for their hearts and souls than we could ever imagine! God is using us for his purposes and we want to give Him our all. I love that TCC is an established church and it cares so much for it's members and right now I know that I cannot compare our new beginnings with something that God has started. He is at work, I will be going with Him. The members still remind us of His goodness from time to time and it is amazing to hear from them. True encouragement comes from the Father, and I pray I will run to His tender arms of mercy and run to His loving embrace. May my comfort always be seeking out my Savior and not the safer and the familiar things.

Refuge

John and Dave have worked really hard putting together a promotional video for Refuge City Church check it out.

Lake Lynn

 Our 1st apartment together. This is the road we live on. I cannot say I run very regularly on this lake but I love the chances when I do. Sometimes I found John with book in hand reading on the grassy areas.

 I usually make friends with the geese. Especially when I bring bread.  I often see turtles popping out their heads from the water or sun bathing. This was probably the first time I have seen a swan on the lake.

                        

The mile markers can either make you happy or discouraged as you jog around the lake. Instead I like finding my favorite memory spots as mile markers. One example is where John and I had a Cook-Out (fast food) picnic. This captures some of the great memories God has graced John and I with as a new married couple and I will say I will miss Lake Lynn very much when we move to Ohio. I guess I will learn to love another lake.  I guess I missed my monthly blog post. That's how much I blog.

I like my ring!

Too often I'm struck by the fact that women, (especially Doctors), have huge diamonds on their rings. I keep thinking - Did he buy your love too?

Asia Traveling take II

John and the Sylvesters about to enter the Blue Mosque. A picture of the Turkey flag. 

John and I about to enter the Mosque and he's trying to warm up his nose...

John loved playing with the kiddos, this is Naomi and I think we are at a restaurant.

Johnny and I on the ferry boat. It snowed and rained several days we were there.

Brrrrr. 

Our hotel view was awesome.

The marriage seminar was a great success. There was time for fellowship and intentional couple time.

John cared for the older three brothers of one of the workers. John taught them new card games, and enjoy the Word together. Julie W, myself, and the Sylvesters took turns watching the little ones and also had times to sit in on the marriage retreat sessions. The hotel/cabin we stayed at was on the border beach area and although it was windy we enjoyed God's creation.

We glanced at the life of the H's and it's not an easy task. They are in language studies for at least 15 hours a week. It has been a blessing to be around their family and see how one functions in a big city. They share a van with another worker one week at a time. Otherwise the bus is another option, or walking. Kindra does the grocery shopping at bazaars/markets and serves her husband by watching and teaching their children at home while learning the language too.

The H. family took us to some ancient caves near the Tigris River. 

Tigris River

Kenny's Turkish is great so far. Just wait 'til another visit.

Everyone enjoying the view!

Then we had coffee on a deck with another amazing view of the river.

Goats.

children in the village

group shot!