WayfaringStrangers

Two Years

I cannot believe I am almost 13 weeks pregnant already! Being pregnant in Ukraine did cause some challenges, but overall it did not hinder the trip. It was nice that Jess and I had the same things going on and could talk about and enjoy this special time together. This week we had our first ultrasound. We are in awe of this little life, a life that we did not create, but that God created in His wisdom. The baby was so cute and energetic! I think it really set in for Behn, to see that little person on the screen. He can't stop talking about it and looking at the pictures. We are in love! The day I found out I was pregnant was a Sunday morning. We were in shock and disbelief that this actually may be happening, after so much prayer and wondering if this was going to happen for us. That morning in church we sang the beautiful hymn, "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty." This hymn will forever reflect God's goodness to us and remind of us how He worked in our lives to create...

Behn and I are back from Ukraine! Actually we got back late Sunday night, but were quickly accosted by returning to work and fighting jetlag. We're still a little off on the sleep schedule. We went to bed at 8:30 last night (a Friday) and were up at 6:15 this morning (Saturday). Anyway, Ukraine. The trip was amazing! Each day we learned more about the world and the special people in it. We were able to minister and serve, as well as to be served and ministered to. The wonderful, Christian family who hosted us are now fast friends. We love Ruslan, Archie and each of their amazing 12 children. How inspiring for us to live with a family who seeks to honor God through loving orphans! We got to spend a few days playing with the kids in orphanages. We briefly visited the shelter in the town where we were staying, but spent the majority of our time in Tulchyn. This orphanage is the one that Luke and Jess' church, Crossroads Presbyterian, has been particularly involved in. For Luke and...

Today Behn and I discovered the Rockbridge Farmer's Market. There is one on Wednesdays that we cannot go to because we are at work, but there is also one on Saturdays. It's at the Horse Center, and I am so glad to have found it! We bought fresh eggs, kale, and strawberry preserves and next time I think we will purchase some meat. Everything was cheaper and fresher than what you get in the store! A few weeks ago Behn and I climbed Wildcat Mountain in Natural Bridge. It was a great hike. We came upon several fallen trees and as Behn was climbing over one of them, a huge owl flew up from under the tree. It made both of us jump, but upon further inspection, we discovered that it was a mama owl who had been sitting on her nest of eggs. It was amazing to see up close, although of course we did not touch or disturb anything. She did not choose the best spot, since it's right on the trail, but hopefully it will be peaceful enough for her to raise her babies. On another note, Behn a...

Yesterday around 1:30 pm a young lad stumbled into the Buena Vista Public Library. He had a hiking pack and sleeping back on his shoulders, carried a walking stick, wore a bucket hat, and, interestingly enough, was also wearing a Scottish kilt. He was sweaty and tired, and asked about local movie times in the area. I inquired about his journey and he mentioned that he started his hike in Georgia and was working his way up to Maine. This would make him a Through-hiker (one who hikes the AT from end to end, south-north or vice-versa). I've heard rumors of hikers stopping in and even met a woman last year who was on her way south. This guy is the first hiker we've had stop in and I look forward to meeting more. He signed our guest book, used the internet to check movie times (he said it's been a while since he's seen a movie, and you don't find many theaters up in the mountains). I bade the bearded hiker farewell and checked what he wrote in the guestbook: h...

It is so lovely here in Virginia right now. The air just smells like flower blossoms. I am in love with the countryside. Behn and I went mountain biking on Sunday afternoon. It was intense! (Even though it was labeled an "easy trail." I guess we need to brush up on our biking.) Behn at the Lexington Resevior. It was beautiful there!

Hello there! Have you forgotten about us? If you have, it's our fault for not updating. We have been bust traveling here and there and spending lots of time in the fresh spring air. At the end of March, we drove up to Gettysburg, PA, to meet up with Seth and Emily. Oh man, we all had such a great time. Those two are so special to us. It was fabulous trekking around the battlefields, eating delicious food and catching up and laughing. We miss them so much! Then, a couple of weeks ago, we flew out to San Diego to visit James, Lydia and Ruby. What an amazing week! We did a lot of fun things (drove out to the Desert, had dinner downtown, and went to the beach of course) but especially enjoyed just talking, laughing and cooking together. We also spent a lot of time with our niece Ruby. She is such a joy! While we were out west, I got to visit my good friend Amber. We were suitemates at Cottey College and she is still one of my closest friends. We had a great day together and I am so gl...