Guatemala & the homefront

We had a big event in our home the last week-ish. I left for 8 straight days. Since returning from Ethiopia with Simeon, and having Anna the next July, I haven't been away from my kiddos for more than 2 nights! Wow. And outside of leaving Madeline to go to Ethiopia I really hadn't left her for more than maybe 3 nights. So me leaving was big-time. Mostly more for me than anyone else :)! Anyway, here's the deal...

My Potter's House gals are seniors and we packed up with about 20 people and headed to Mama Carmen's farm in Guatemala for spring break. We had two purposes: help build a concrete drying area for the coffee beans and do activities with kids after school. It was such a full full week of working hard, laughing lots, attempting my never used Spanish, hugging sweet little Guatemalan girlies, and seeing God more for who He truly is.

I am so thankful I got to go with my girls group and experience it all with them. And on the homefront, as always, Andrew was incredible. I came home to happy children, a clean van, no laundry, and lots of joy at being all together again!

More to come on my God moments in Guatemala but for now, some pics!

family photos...which to frame?

A quick little photo shoot one Sunday gave us these and I was shocked to find we had actually taken a picture in which everyone is looking and everyone that understands smiling on command is doing just that. And p.s. I love that Madeline & Simeon are holding hands. Happy.

This is probably more true to our personalities & daily life!

baby...I mean, toddler dedication

Last Sunday we had Anna's baby dedication at church. Although she is 20 months. Oops. I felt a little badly that we'd waited so long but it turned out rather nice in my opinion. Over the weekend I spent some time just reflecting on my sweet surprise girly and praying for her life. She brings me so much joy and I am continually amazed at God and how His timing is perfect and His love and goodness so beautifully abound in my life. We picked this verse to pray for Anna before she was born.

"He will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in You."

Isaiah 26:3

Don't you just want to scoop her up and hug her sweet little cutie-pie self?! I certainly do!

I mean, seriously...she is one of my fav's for sure. And she truly is as cheery and happy as she looks!

18

Cyrenthia,

Today you are 18. So so so much in life is unexpected and surprising. I think back to meeting you, you were 14. You were an unexpected and surprising blessing entering into my life. You've grown these years in beautifully deep ways. I am blessed to say I have watched you fall in love with your Savior. I have had the privilege of baptizing you, teaching you, praying for and with you, crying with you, being broken over sin with you, and loving you through a vast array of the unexpected and surprising.

Sweet Ren, you are dramatic and passionate. You are sincere and full. You are a beautiful daughter of the Most High God and He loves you beyond your comprehension! You are accepted, significant, and secure through the love of Christ.

You are 18 now and I pray for many more years of beautiful, unexpected, and surprising paths that are Christ-centered and God-glorifying!

Love you.