Long weekend joys:

On Friday I had the privilege of spending the evening with an amazing couple and their handsome new baby boy! It was awesome sharing some grub and hanging out with you Corrie and Johan! You guys are such a blessing and I pray that you would have an amazing time watching your beautiful young man grow up!


On Saturday I went to a pig roast in the Bluemenort area. It was so great! The hospitality, friendliness, fun, community and conversations were fantastic! And the pig was amazing! Thank you Phil and Tricia!


On Sunday we celebrated my grandma's 75th birthday! It was great to be able to see her, wish her a happy birthday and chat with some family members. My grandma had a stroke about 4 years ago (ish) and her health seems to be steadily declining. I pray that she would learn much, rest much, know God more and enjoy herself, her family and her Maker until the day that she goes Home to be with Him. That will be a sad day for my mom, her siblings and myself...but a wonderful day for her!


On a lighter note, I had sushi for the first time last night. I really enjoyed myself! (Shane, I will definitely go for Sushi with you sometime!) The best and worst part of the whole scenario was the fact that we were laughing so hard (Christina and I specifically) as we were shoving mounds of rice, seaweed and raw fish mixed with flavors and such down our throats, that we swallowed more air than food and ended up feeling a little bit sick by the end of it.


Today I got an email from a friend of mine who's currently in Africa doing some mission work...she wrote about a church out there who fasts and prays every Tuesday from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. I love hearing that there are people across the world fasting and praying and seeking God on Tuesdays, too. What an encouragement!

We got the house!!

I found out a day after I handed in the applications and money that we officially have the house!! Woo hooo! We get position of this sweet residence on August the 1st. The landlord, Ted, seemed just as excited as myself...he's happy to have "such good tennants"...yea! This house has such a sweet layout. Every bedroom is at the opposite end of the house. One bedroom is at the very front - it's gorgeous with a french door, massive window looking into our beautiful front yard, stained glass, etc. The second bedroom is at the far back - it was an addition, it's a great size and away from the hustle and bustle (this one is mine) and the bedroom in the basement has a beautiful wood wall, 2 closets and a nice window. Did I mention our living room and dining room are gorgeous? We have some stained glass in our living room, a fire place that doesn't work but has a pretty sweet mantel and french doors. Our Dining room has a beautiful bay window with lots of sunlight pouring in and a french door, too. The Lord is so good! I'm so excited!!

*JOYSKA THERE IS DEFINITELY ROOM FOR YOU TO STAY WITH US!! COME ANYTIME!! I would love to have you!!*

Other news...I went to a gorgeous wedding last night. My friends 19 year old sister got married and it was incredible. Her dad, who's a pastor, married them and it was so sweet! These kids are going to have a great marriage and a great life together. I pray God's richest blessings over the lives, marriage and, someday, children. Yea!

My brother and his friend, Craig, did a fantastic job at their gig yesterday! I was so impressed. I was so proud seeing Shaun up on stage SINGING AND PLAYING GUITAR! It's so weird! Even one year ago that wasn't a possibility! Way to go Shaun! You guys did awesome!

I've been falling more and more in love with my guitar these days. I had to practice some good self control a few days ago to not leave work early and go home to play my guitar - it was weird! I'm not very good yet (yet being the key word) but I love playing...(alone in my room)...

Update

My brother got a job. And a gig. He's opening for some music fest thing tomorrow. I'm so proud of my little not-so-little brother! Yea Shaun!


Tomorrow I'm going to my friend Becki's sisters wedding. Lindsay and Kris are getting married and it's going to be so fun to participate in the celebration! She's 19...I'm 21....it's crazy! I can't imagine having been married for 2 years already... I pray God's richest blessings over the marriage and lives! I love the Bergen family! They're like...well...family!


On the house front - I handed in my application, deposit and three other amazing women's applications for a beautiful home!! And the rent is cheap! I'm really excited. I'm really praying that we get approved from this rental agency - I don't see why not - and that moving/transition goes great! These women are/seem (I don't know them all very well) really AWESOME! I'm very excited about getting to know them more. Once we move in (hee hee), I think a house warming party is in order!