Sunday, June 10, 2007

Fun at Boys Town

We are finished with our first week of training and it flew by! This is by far, the most intense training we have ever experienced, but we are SO thankful that we are learning how to do our job to the best of our abilities! Every day, we are more and more impressed by the Boys and Girls Town organization. They have a heart for hurting kids and faith in God. We are excited to be a part of their team.

Yesterday afternoon, we went to the Taste of Omaha festival in downtown Omaha. It was lots of fun--we ate good food, heard good music, and even meet up with some of our friends from training. This morning, Matt & I attended the Protestant church service at Boys Town. It was a wonderful experience to worship with some 500 children and youth that live at Boys Town. We're spending the rest of the day relaxing and preparing for the week ahead. We have a test tomorrow morning on Corrective Teaching and Crisis Teaching. We're looking forward to another week of training and then heading back to Rock Hill for a few days before we move to New Orleans.

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. We can feel God moving in our lives and are so blessed to have this opportunity!

Here are some pictures from Boys Town & the Taste of Omaha festival...

*If you want to see all of our pictures, go here: http://winthrop.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2037133&l=4dec4&id=45500189



















Wednesday, June 06, 2007

We're in Omaha!

Here we are--at the home campus of the Girls and Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska. We arrived on Sunday evening and have been non-stop since then. We have training every day from 8-5 and then have homework to do for the next day. We are learning SO much about how to care for the at-risk youth we will be working with. And the campus is beautiful! We took a short bus tour of the campus on Monday, but haven't had the chance to get out and walk around yet between seminars & studying. We should get the chance to do that this weekend. We don't have internet access where we are staying--we drove to Panera tonight to check our e-mail and study for our test tomorrow. Hopefully we'll get the chance to update at least once more during our stay here.

Here are some pictures of this beautiful campus:

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Leaving on a jet plane

Matt & I leave in a little over the hour to go to the airport to catch our flight to Chicago and then Omaha. We'll be in Nebraska until June 15th doing intensive training for our new job. I'm not sure if we'll have internet access, but hopefully I'll be able to update at least once or twice during our trip. Once we're back in Rock Hill on the 15th, we'll go see our nephew Will (who will be induced on the 11th if he isn't born by then) for a couple days and then pack up and begin the move to New Orleans on the 19th. The whirlwind of our life will continue for a little while longer. :) We'll try to keep this as updated as possible.

In other news, Matt & I bought a car last night! We traded in the Sentra and got a 2006 Hyundai Sante Fe. It is beautiful! We are also giving back the Lumina to Matt's parents because Michael (Matt's brother) needs a new car since his truck is eating up gas! In other words, we have one family car now--our Santa Fe. We actually will only need one car in New Orleans since we'll be working together and will be provided with a 15 passenger van for our girls. We are pretty excited the Santa Fe. It will be a great famliy car when we get ready to have kids!

Okay--I need to go finish packing and get ready to head to the airport. Once again, thanks for all of your prayers and support. We know we are greatly loved. Please continue to pray for us over this trip to Nebraska and the move to New Orleans.

Thursday, May 31, 2007

Whirlwind of Life!

Yesterday definitely felt like a whirlwind of a day--being in airplanes for 8 hours, 4 airports, 4 states, and being in New Orleans for 5 hours. It was an exciting day and Matt & I got the job at the Boys and Girls Town! We will head out Sunday for training in Nebraska for two weeks. Then we will be back in Rock Hill for a few days and move June 19th/20th. We are SO excited and can't believe this is all actually happening! When we were in New Orleans yesterday we were able to meet some of "our girls" and a bunch of the staff we will be working with. We were very impressed by everyone and are excited to join their team.

Keep us in your prayers while we are in training/packing/moving. I'll be sure to keep the blog updated as much as I can!

Oh, and when we returned to the airport last night, Kelly, Paul, & Grant met us there with signs and balloons! It was so sweet! We have such good friends.

And I can't forget to write about my heaven in the airport. Matt & I are rushing through the Cincinnati airport yesterday (we had less than 30 minutes to get to our next gate adn we had to eat) and Matt tells me to "Look!". I turn around and see an entire Vera Bradley store! Oh it looked like heaven to my eyes! Unfortunately, we were in such a hurry we didn't have time to go in, but it sure looked glorious! We did get a picture of me in front of it though--I'll post it later.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Going Home

In less than 24 hours I will be in the city I already call home. My heart is there and my spirit is there. And in a few more weeks, my dream will come true and I will be living there. I know I say this a lot, but it's true...God is good.

I'll update either tomorrow night or Thursday morning about the details of our job.

Memorial Day Weekend

Here are a few pictures from our random memorial day weekend fun! If you want to see more: http://winthrop.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2036361&l=996ef&id=45500189








Sunday, May 27, 2007

Less than 3 days and we'll be in New Orleans. I love the thought of it!

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Welcome to the world!





Welcoming baby Logan Alexander Beasley to the world!

Born at 7:30 am on Friday, May 25th, 2007.

Weighing in at 10 lbs, 7 oz.

Measuring 21 1/2 inches long.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Happy Birthday, Daddy!


In honor of my Dad's birthday tomorrow (Friday).

Because you're my dad, I am a social worker.

Because you're my dad, I am a people lover.

Because you're my dad, I love music and can't spend a day (or even an hour) without it.

Because you're my dad, I am a technology junkie.

Because you're my dad, I will always and forever love Strossners cakes with orange cream filling and will share that love with my family.

Because you're my dad, I will always have wonderful memories of 103 Gilstrap Drive.

Because you're my dad, I know that just spending time with children makes a difference in their lives.

Because you're my dad, when I have my own office, I will have to have starburst jellybeans there for anyone who enters the door.

Because you're my dad, I will continue to have a love for books and always remember your library (literally) of an office at Epworth.

Because you're my dad, I will always cherish those father/daughter dates we had when I was growing up.

Because you're my dad, I have a special place in my heart for Garden City Chapel.

Because you're my dad, I will remember those exhausting "Take Your Daughter to Work Days" that lasted until 10 pm (the joys of social work).

Because you're my dad, I know that social workers are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and I will take great pride and joy in the work that I do.

Because you're my dad, I know that no matter what, God can and will pull us though our tough times.

Because you're my dad, I know that a father's love is irreplaceable.


Thank you for being the best Dad I could possibly ask for. I love you!

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

New Orleans, here we come!



7 days until Matt & I are in New Orleans for our final interview!

Our flight out of Charlotte is leaving at 6 am on Wednesday (the 30th) and we will arrive in New Orleans at 9:37 am (with a layover in Atlanta). We will have our interview and get the tour of two of the girls homes and meet the girls. And then our flight leaves at 3:40 pm and we'll arrive back in Charlotte at 9:00 pm (after a layover in Cincinnati).

If we are offered the job, we will fly out the next Sunday (June 3rd) to Nebraska for training for two weeks.

My dream is coming true!

God is good!

craziness

The last few days have been craziness in our job process. First, they told us they would fly us down for our final interview. Then we got a call and they said they didn't have time to fly us down because they had to make a decision by today. So, we had a third phone interview yesterday. It was a quite intimidating and tough interview. A few minutes after our interview, Matt got a call back and they said that they ARE going to fly us down for a final interview. So--we will find out by today at 5:30 pm when we will be flying down for the final interview. All this is waiting is nerve racking! I'll let you all know when we'll be going down and all that good stuff!

This week is my last week at the daycare and Matt's last week of school. I'm gonna miss my cute kids!

Sunday, May 20, 2007

6 mile paddle

Matt & I went on our first kayaking adventure of the year. Last year we always went from under the I-77 bridge to River Park, which is 3 miles. Today we decided to go from the Lake Wylie dam to River Park, which is 6.48 miles! Whew! It was a trek! We saw lots of beautiful wildlife (turtles, ducks, spiders, herrings, lots of other birds). Matt even saw a badger! I'm exhausted now, but it was totally worth it. It was a perfect Sunday afternoon on the Catawba river.

Friday, May 18, 2007

We got the call!

Well, kind of...Matt called the guy back and he finally answered. He said they were very impressed with us and we were very qualified for the position. He said he would call us by Wednesday to let us know exactly when they will fly us down to New Orleans for our final interview! Woo hoo! We're making progress! :)

Thursday, May 17, 2007

heavy hearted

I have been on the verge of tears for the entire evening. My heart is heavy for two reasons.

One, for the loss of DeAndre. Though i did not know him, he made an impact on everyone who ever saw him (both on and off the court). He had such a passion for life (and including with that passion was a huge smile and abounding energy). The funeral is Monday in Atlanta. I wish we could go, but I don't think we'll be able to because of work. There will be a memorial service at Winthrop sometime next week after the funeral. We will be sure to be there.

Another reason my heart is heavy is because we still haven't gotten a call back from the program director about the job we interviewed for. We have left him two messages and keep waiting. I'm quite frustrated and starting to think we didn't get the job. I put in my resume to two more places last night. I'm glad God knows what's best for his people, because I sure don't at this point. Once again, it's that trusting in Him thing that is hard for me.

God said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12.9-10

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

DeAndre--you will be greatly missed





*taken from www.winthropeagles.com*

—Junior point guard De’Andre Adams passed away this morning in the Atlanta Medical Center from head injuries he suffered last Saturday morning in a one-car accident near his home in Austell, GA. Funeral arrangements for the 20-year-old Adams are incomplete and will be announced on Thursday.

Adams was injured critically when he swerved the car he was driving to avoid a tree that had fallen on the road during a thunder storm. His car flipped and rolled before crashing into a tree. He was returning home after playing basketball in an Atlanta area pick-up game at the Run-And-Shoot. He had been in a drug-induced coma and on a ventilator during the past four days. His condition appeared to have stabilized on Tuesday although he remained in critical condition. However, during the night he took a turn for the worst.

As a key reserve for the Eagles, he helped lead Winthrop to two Big South Conference titles and two appearances in the NCAA Championship Tournament. He played in all 65 Winthrop games during the past two seasons and averaged 2.1 points and 2.8 assists in 2006-07.

PREPARED STATEMENT FROM HEAD COACH RANDY PEELE

This is a very sad day for Winthrop University basketball. We are deeply saddened by the loss of DeAndre Adams. DeAndre was a fan favorite of the Winthrop University faculty and students. He had a vibrant personality and he lived his life with great passion and enthusiasm. We will miss DeAndre a great deal. Our lives have been blessed because of having DeAndre Adams as part of our basketball family. We extend our thanks and prayers to his family. He will always have a special place in the Winthrop University community. His memory will be cherished and the spirit and energy he brought to the basketball court will be remembered always. He wore No. 24 on his jersey, but he was No. 1 in our hearts.

PREPARED STATEMENT FROM PRESIDENT ANTHONY DIGIORGIO

This is a sad day for the Winthrop University family and that is certainly the way we felt about DeAndre Adams. I often get to know the student-athletes personally and that was the case with DeAndre. I knew him as an energetic, lively, dedicated and bright young man. We will miss all of that and the University community will miss the light that he shined upon us. He and his family will be forever in our thoughts.


*DeAndre was one of Matt's and my favorite players. He had so much life and energy to him and was a great guy. He will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and teammates.*

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

The call

We got the call about the job...and I didn't hear my phone ring. Stupid Sarah. He left a message and we called him back. He didn't answer. We then left him a message. So now we're still waiting. Gaaahhh!

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Happy Mothers Day!


Because you're my mother, I know I am loved.

Because you're my mother, I know the power of prayer.

Because you're my mother, I know God.

Because you're my mother, I know that forgetting to put the lid on the blender and ending up with cranberry salad all over the kitchen does not ruin Christmas.

Because you're my mother, I know that children are a blessing.

Because you're my mother, I know the importance of studying the Word.

Because you're my mother, I know that watching golf, football, basketball, and baseball is not just a "guy thing".

Because you're my mother, I know that cooking for family is important (even if it is quite frustrating at times).

Because you're my mother, I know that we all need to step out of our comfort zone.

Because you're my mother, I will always love the books "Go Dog Go" and "Love You Forever".

Because you're my mother, I will always love ham rolls, potato soup, breakfast casserole, and sausage balls.

Because you're my mother, I have felt your unconditional love and support, even when I thought I didn't want it.

Because you're my mother, I enjoy scrap booking.

Because you're my mother, I will always remember the Nibble Nook.

Because you're my mother, I know the importance of having a few good girl friends.

Because you're my mother, I know that marriage and family require daily sacrifice.

Because you're my mother, I understand what a mother's love is all about.

Thank you for your love. I love you, Mom.

*I stole this idea from Amanda Moore*

Friday, May 11, 2007

wow

Just watched this video about the sweet testimony of a family and their baby with Trisomy 18...check it out...it will make you cry.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

And we're waiting...and waiting...and waiting.

We had our second interview on Tuesday evening. Matt & I both feel pretty confident that it went well. This was the most intense interview I have ever had (and may ever have) since they really need to know about me & Matt because we will be the parents to 6 teenage girls. Hopefully we have one more interview to go. They said they would call in the next 5 days to let us know the next step and that gives them until Monday. So here we are waiting on the key decision to living out our dreams in New Orleans.

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

very quick update

I have to leave for work in 5 minutes so here's what you need to know...

*Matt & I felt confident in our first interview for the Girls and Boys Town teaching parent position. We are having a second interview today at 5:30 pm (4:30 pm NO time). If this interview goes well, we will head down for a final interview. Please be praying! We really feel like this might be the right fit for us.

*Matt & I went to a Family Life Weekend to Remember marraige conference last weekend and it was fabulous! I would totally recommend it to anyone who is engaged or married. We learned a lot and are trying to apply it to our lives and our marraige. Michael and Amy (Matt's brother and our sister-in-law) came were there too so it was great to spend time with them. The next time we see them they will have Baby Will in tow! We can't wait to be Uncle Matt & Aunt Sarah!

*My sweet friend (and my maid of honor), Jocelyn got engaged to her beau Watson! I'm so excited for them and can't wait until their wedding! Congrats to them!

Thursday, May 03, 2007

National Day of Prayer


Today, May 3rd, is the National Day of Prayer.

I am so thankful that we live in a country that has leaders that still stand on the foundation of our Lord and acknowledge this day.

I am thankful that God is so personal that even me, a sinful soul, can speak to him and He listens.

I am thankful for the power of prayer.

Some stand on tiptoe trying to reach God to talk to him - you try too hard, friend - drop to your knees and listen to him, he'll hear you better that way. ~Ever Garrison

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

I want to go to work!

The school & daycare are closed again tomorrow b/c of the water problem. At first it was kind of nice, but I need to work--I need a paycheck! They are letting in come in for a little while and work on our rooms and stuff though so at least we'll get paid a little bit.

So far my fitness routine has been going well this week.

Monday I ran. Tuesday I worked out at the gym and ran. Today I worked out at the gym and walked. And I have been sticking to Weight Watchers faithfully this week. Let's see if I can keep it up!

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

I forgot...

Forgot to add that Matt & I have a huge job possibility in New Orleans as teaching parents in a girls home for Girls and Boys Town. We will have a phone interview next week and then go to NO for another interview. *IF* we get offered this position, we will go to training (in Omaha, Nebraska) the second week in June and start work after that! That's a little sooner than we had planned to move, but they only offer these trainings once a month so we would have to do it then. This job seems quite promising, but who knows what God has in store. I'll keep you all updated.

Who needs water?

We have had quite an exciting day, so I felt the need to blog about it.

I got to work this morning and was told that we didn't have water at the school & daycare. There were some guys working on the water tank and they said it was fixable, so we thought there was no way we would be closing down. A little while later we got word that the office needed the names of all the kids there today that they were closing and calling parents to come pick up the kids! This was about 10 am and they told the parents they had to pick up the kids by 1 pm. It was an interesting morning--my two year olds going potty and us having to tell them not to flush the toilet. Haha. One by one our kids started leaving and by 1 pm I had one child left in my class (all the other two year olds were gone). Poor kid, they couldn't get in touch with his parents, but finally got in touch with his grandparents. I was the last teacher to leave at 1:30 pm. It was so great to leave early and have the entire afternoon to get things done! I went to the gym, the tanning bed, Panera for lunch with Matt, and the grocery store...all before 4 pm! I also had an appointment to get my hair cut at 5:45 pm. It was a very busy, productive day! AND we just got the call that the school & daycare are closed tomorrow too! Holla! Here are some pics of my new haircut.


Sunday, April 29, 2007

another weekend full of fun!

We had another fun-filled busy weekend.

Friday night, Matt & I went with one of our co-teachers at Catawba, her husband and three kids (and another couple & their kids) to the drive-in movie in Belmont. This was my first drive-in experience and it was fabulous! We saw Meet the Robinsons and it was quite cute. They will be playing Shrek 3 there this summer and I can't wait to go see it!

Saturday morning, Matt, Paul, Kelly, & I got up fairly early to go to the Herald's yard sale. It was SO worth it! We found lots of good stuff including three disc golf discs for only $7, a cell phone case for $7, a SC Native license plate for $1, some sponge paints for 25 cents, and a candy machine for $35. Let me tell you about this cool candy machine that we got. We saw it and Matt was like "I want it" so I told him to go ahead and get it. It still had old runts in it but also had money in it. The lady had lost the key and never bothered to get another one/get someone to open it. We instantly thought the candy machine would be a fun purchase and Matt could put it in his classroom. So, we bought the candy machine. Once we got home we figured out that there is no way to get another key for that lock, so we called a locksmith. We took it over to this locksmiths house (he works out of his van) and he drilled the lock off for $5. At this point we have invested $40 in this machine. Matt & I then head home to count the money. Matt was driving and I was holding the machine in my lap. Well, the top of the machine kept falling off (because the lock was drilled) and then the bottom kept coming off because it was all unscrewed. Needless to say, we had old, nasty runts flying out off the top of the machine and quarters flying out of the bottom. I was trying my best to hold it all in but I didn't do so well. I wish I had a picture of that! Anyway, we get home and count the money and there was $43 in the machine! So, we made a profit of $3 and got an awesome candy machine! Woot woot!

Later that afternoon Kelly's friend from high school, Julie and her baby Jade came to visit. We had a blast loving on her!

That night, we all went to see Merry Pranksters put on their play "Guess Who's Not Coming to Dinner". We had a blast and laughed a lot!

Needless to say, we had an eventful weekend.

Here are some pictures that pretty much sum it all up.


I got into grad school!


Matt's candy machine


Loving on baby Jade

What cuties!

Merry Pranksters (that's our friend Tim as the king)

Saturday, April 28, 2007

good news!

Got the letter today...I got accepted to grad school (Southern University of New Orleans)! Another step towards moving to New Orleans! Masters in Social Work here I come!

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Hump Day Update

Day two of running is done. It feels SO good to run and I just feel so much more energetic the rest of the day. I am so lucky that I don't have to go to work until 9:30 am. I had been sleeping in and just getting up in time to get ready for work. Now I am waking up at 6:30-7 am and running and spending time getting other things done before I have to get ready for work. As much as I love sleeping, this is a major accomplishment for me. It makes me feel like I get so much more accomplished during the day. Let's hope I keep it up!

Matt & I have some good news...we finally got health insurance. We've been without for a while because Catawba doesn't offer it. Matt's mom has a coworker whose husband sells insurance, so she gave him our phone number to contact us. We met with him last night and worked out a short term insurance deal that will be affordable to us yet cover the things we need it to. The awesome thing is that this man is a Christian and was so interested in hearing about Matt & my plans to move to New Orleans and our passion for the people there. He even prayed for us--for our future goals and dreams. It was an amazing experience because he truly cared about us and was not just trying to sell us some product. So, our insurance will start by the end of the week. Praise God!

We are progressing in our plans to move. We are setting up job interviews for the first week of June, when we'll head back to New Orleans. I am excited about that trip because my parents are going to come with us! We are about 90% sure that we'll be moving the first week in July. I can't believe that it's all coming together!

God is good and He knows what is best for His people.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Let's get this started!

As of this morning, I am hardcore getting back into my weight loss/fitness regimen. I was doing so great until Thanksgiving/Christmas and then I just slacked off. I have decided that I want to take up running. I went running this morning and it felt great! My plan is to run 3 times a week as well as go to the gym 3 times a week. And I am starting back on Weight Watchers. I really need to discipline this as a lifestyle and not just "if i lose weight i can eat what i want" kind of thing. Matt & I have two months until we move and I would like to lose at least 10 pounds by then. I want you guys to keep on me about it--I need accountability and support.

I had a wonderful weekend. Friday night I hosted a Pure Romance party (www.pureromance.com) which was SO fun! Many of my old friends/roommates came and it was great to see everyone. Saturday morning I left for Clemson for Amy (my sister in law)'s baby shower. I met up with Matt's mom and both of his grandmothers there. We had a great time at the shower and spending some time with Amy. I cannot wait until June 15th when baby Will arrives! After the shower we headed up to Black Mountain, where all the guys from the family were hanging out. We spent the night at Mimi & Papa's and then went to church with them on Sunday at Montreat. All together, it was a great weekend of fun and fellowship with family and friends.

As I sit here, Peaches (our cat) is attacking Charlie (the rabbit) through his cage. Poor Charlie is running around his cage faster than I've ever seen! And Peaches just keeps at him. Our animals are so active and fun!

I also want to say Happy Birthday to my dear brother, Stephen! He's 25 today (wow, we're getting old).

Monday, April 16, 2007

Tragedy

I know that all of you know about the tragedy at Virginia Tech by now. I just felt burdened to post. My heart truly hurts for all those effected by this. As I sit here writing this (and watching the news), my eyes are filled with tears. Oh how our country needs the Savior and God that I know and love.

"But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant and save the son of your maidservant. Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me" (Psalm 86:15-17).

Friday, April 13, 2007

We're home!

Home, sweet, Rock Hill...for the next couple months atleast...soon it will be Home, sweet, New Orleans! We made the drive in 12 hours. It is only supposed to be 11 hours, but we hit that crazy Friday afternoon Atlanta traffic. It took us almost 2 hours to get through Atlanta. Oh well, we're home and that's all that matters.

Tomorrow Kelly & I are throwing our good friend Jen a baby shower (she's due May 25th). And then my parents will be stopping thru Rock Hill on their way home from Columbia.

It's going to be a busy weekend.

Matt & I are definitely still on the "New Orleans buzz"...googling everything about New Orleans and reading up on all that we can. I'll leave you with this quote Matt just found. It's quite moving to me--I embraces the compassion and urgency I hvae for the city of New Orleans. New Orleans is truly something that I live for.

"Everytime I close my eyes blowing that trumpet of mine--I look right into the heart of good old New Orleans--it has given me something to live for." ~Louis Armstrong

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Last Day in New Orleans


Matt & I enjoyed our last day in New Orleans, but we are sad to leave. It is very bittersweet as we are excited to go home to our cats, friends, and jobs, but we cannot wait to be back in New Orleans.

We slept in this morning and then went to lunch with Kay, Karina and the other staff/missionaries from the Friendship House. We went to an Italian restaurant and I got pasta jambalaya. It was delicious. After lunch Matt & I said goodbye to Kay and Karina (one of the hardest parts of leaving) and headed back out to Cypress Creek Apartments (one of the apartments in The Creeks that we saw on Monday). After seeing all we saw this week, we came back to this one...we would love to live there. So, we took a look at the apartments again and got applications. It feels good to have found a beautiful, safe place to live that is pretty affordable.

Then we went back to the hotel and took a nap (the joys of being on vacation!). We got up and headed back down to the French Quarter and got cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde. We then walked on the riverfront some more hoping to take the ferry across just to see the city at night but the ferry wasn't running. We went in a few more shops and then headed back to our hotel.

We're pretty much packed up and ready to make the long drive home tomorrow. Pray for our safety and that we will stay awake and alert as we drive. Thank you all for your prayers and support in the beginning of this journey that awaits us. It means a lot to us that we have you all to support us. We are truly blessed to have wonderful friends and family!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

The Road to New Orleans: Day 5


Matt & I just got back from our interview in Metaire. It went really well, but is not quite what we want. It is a great opportunity--we would be working in the Boys Home and they currently only have 3 boys living there. It is a pretty good salary considering it includes living expenses (we would be live in). The thing is, Matt & I would not have the same days off. It would be a 5 days on/2 days off schedule and we would each have to work one weekend day. So, it's a start and definitely something to fall back on if we need to. We're going to keep searching though. We also look at a couple apartments in Metaire. I really liked the area, but not the apartments we looked at. The first ones were not in a gated community and don't allow pets. The second ones were relatively cheaper but the square footage is much less. I keep going back to the apartments we looked at on Monday in The Creeks. I really liked them and think it could be a good place for us. We've just got to make sure we have jobs that pay enough so we could live there. We're making lots of progress and checking out many different avenues for jobs and places to live. Keep praying that God will give us direction in this journey.

One thing we have noticed in New Orleans is that they have an abundance of Winn Dixies! We thought the whole chain had closed, but apparently not, as we have seen tons of them driving around. We were excited about that, because we like Winn Dixie and they are cheap! We have also found out that non of the Wal-Marts around here are 24 hours. Most of them close at 10 or 12 pm. You would think it would be opposite in a city this size, but it is because of a lack of workers.

We are learning lots and lots about the city and loving it more and more. I cannot explain it, but I truly have a peace here and feel like it is already my home. God truly works in mysterious ways!

We're not sure what we'll be doing this afternoon/tonight. It is finally sunny outside, so we will probably drive around checking out some different areas and might head to Audobon Park for a while. Tomorrow we will be going to lunch with Karina and Kay (my other friend who is the director of the Baptist Friendship House). We have pretty much gotten everything done that we wanted to while we are here, so now it's "play time". :)

*Oh, I just remembered something interested that we saw yesterday. Every time we come to New Orleans we see people walking around the French Quarter with their pets...and these are not your everyday cat and dog here. Last time we saw a lady walking around with a goat. Yesterday we saw a man walking around with his miniture pony. It was so funny! He was just walking down Bourbon Street talking to people and went into a bar. Haha. Quite eccentric people that live here!

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

The Road to New Orleans: Day 4


I am quite tired and a little tipsy from that Hurricane I just had at Pat O'Briens, but I want to update for you all.

Matt & I went out to Slidell this morning and looked at two apartments there. The second one we looked at are *really* nice and a little cheaper than the ones we saw yesterday, but it was like a 45 minute drive and that was when the traffic was good. We will just have to see where our job is and stuff.

Then we went to see my friend, Karina at the Friendship House. We hung out there for quite a while and just had fun talking with everyone there.

We then headed down to the French Quarter and ate dinner at Margaritaville. We both got a Cheeseburger in Paradise. They were yummy. Then we walked around some more--down Bourbon Street and then we went to Pat O's for a Hurricane. This was the first time Matt & I had not shared one hurricane and they are huge--so we are both feeling pretty tipsy now. They are yummy though. Definitely a classic thing to do when you're in New Orleans.

We then navigated our way back to our hotel after missing a turn, but we are learning the city quite well. Now it's time to get in our pj's and head to bed. We have our meeting tomorrow morning at 9 am in Metarie, so we will leave the hotel about 8 am.

I'm too tired to post pictures now, I'll post them tomorrow.

Monday, April 09, 2007

The Road to New Orleans: Day 3



Matt & I had a quite busy morning/early afternoon looking for apartments. We first went to this apartment community called The Creeks. This community includes five different apartment complexes within it's gated community. As soon as we saw it, we were impressed. We went to four out of the five complexes and looked at their apartments and got their rates. They are all very nice--lots of space, huge closets, some have garden tubs (now *that* would be nice!) and the landscaping is absolutely beautiful with creeks and fountains in each complex. If we are able to afford it, we would love to live here. It seems very safe and has a strong sense of community.

We then drove to Gretna and looked at a couple apartment complexes there. The first one had an extremely tiny master bedroom and only allows one pet, so that is out. We went to another complex which seemed okay, but nothing out of the ordinary. It's still a possibility.

By then it was 3 pm and we stopped by Wal-Mart to buy some food and stuff and then we headed back to our hotel. We were exhausted from our apartment hunting and crashed. We planned to nap for an hour and then get up but by the time I got up we had slept for 2 1/2 hours! I woke Matt up and now here I am in the lobby updating. Matt wants to stay in tonight because Prison Break is on tv. We'll save some money and eat PB & J for dinner and head out to the city tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning we'll head to Slidell to look at some apartments there and then we're going to stop by the Friendship House and see my sweet sweet friend Karina. Karina is a friend of mine that has known me since I was in 7th grade and she was going to school at CIU. She was my Sunday School teacher and turned into my mentor and best friend. We have kept in contact since then and she is a missionary at the Baptist Friendship House and has been living in New Orleans for about 7 years. Karina is the one who gave me the opportunity to come to NO for the first time and she shares my passion for the city and its people. I cannot wait to see her. She is one of those friends who you only get to see every couple years but every time we are together it's like nothing has changed.

I'm posting my pictures on my facebook account..here's the links. Sorry I can't hyperlink them right now so you will have to cut & paste.

Day 1: http://winthrop.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2033117&l=8390c&id=45500189

Day 2 & 3: http://winthrop.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2033281&l=520ff&id=45500189

N'Awlins funny

I'm sitting here in the lobby cafe area drinking my coffee and checking my e-mail. A man just walked up and got some coffee and is talking to himself. I have no idea what he is saying, he's just mumbling. Then he walks over to me and proceeds to push some buttons on my macbook. He said "you have to push this to turn the sound on". I said "hi" to him and then he walked away and started playing with a suitcase nearby as well as some tv wires on the wall. He is now sitting at a table nearby and continuing to talk to himself. This is why I love N'awlins...I want to know his story...who he is and why he's here. The people of N'awlins are truly diverse and I love learning about them.

Sunday, April 08, 2007

The Road to New Orleans: Day 2

Here I am, sitting on our bed in our hotel in New Orleans. But let me recap what has happened since my last post.

After the incident at our hotel yesterday (see my last post), it got worse. Matt & I awoke at 5 am with a man unlocking the door to our hotel room and opening the door. Fortunately, we had the bolt on so he could only open the door a few inches. He said, "Hello?" and we both said "Hello" back. At that point he closed the door and we hear him say to his friend "They put us in a room that already has people in it!" Kinda scary. But we went back to sleep. When Matt went in to check out today, he found out that we were put in the wrong room and that really was those other guys room. And our room was supposed to have a fridge and the internet (we just got it sporadically in the room we were in). Oh well, life goes on. I was so glad to get out of that motel hotel though!

After checking out of our hotel, we headed back into the city of Atlanta to go to church. We ended up at this church called "Midtown Gathering". This church is a simulcast of Buckhead Church (a branch of North Point Church) and was held in a really nice movie theater. Basically the service from Buckhead Church is put on the movie screen. They call it a "cinematic spiritual experience". I really enjoyed it. They had two movie theaters full of people and everyone was very involved in singing, clapping, brought their Bibles, etc. I was very impressed. After church we stopped at a coffee shop across the street and I got a Mocha Latte. Yum.

We then began our long journey from Atlanta to New Orleans. We made quite a few stops along the way so it took us about 8 hours to get here (instead of the 6 hours it should have taken). We stopped in Auburn, Alabama and went to an Old Navy and took some pictures with a couple tiger statues. We made lots of gas station stops because we didn't plan well. We should have gone to the bathroom and gotten gas at the same time, but no, we didn't. The drive was quite pretty once we got down to MississipIpi...lots of wetlands and marshes.

As we were driving into New Orleans on I-10, we remembered the devastation of the east side of New Orleans that we had seen last July when we were here. Nine months later, this side of town pretty much looks the same. There are still tons of abandoned buildings-- homes, apartments, hotels, restaurants, etc. There are still apartment buildings that have "Help" written on the roofs. Hurricane Katrina hit over 1 1/2 years ago and some things still remain the same. It is a reminder of what so many people suffered through...losing loved ones and their homes. Please continue to pray for those still rebuilding their lives from Katrina...it is a long journey.

Matt & I checked into our hotel and were pleased to have found it a beautiful hotel with a huge room including a refrigerator, dressing room, couch, etc. This may be the nicest hotel I have ever stayed at (and it wasn't that expensive). After getting all of our stuff in our room, we headed out for dinner. We decided to walk to this barbecue place right down the street from our hotel. The name of this restaraunt is "Igor's Barbecue Mama". Haha. I thought that was a funny name but they sure did have some good food! We ate pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans and fries. Yum.

We have no clue what we're doing tomorrow. We have lots of apartments to look at and we will just plan to visit different areas of town on different days. There are many adventures to come!

Saturday, April 07, 2007

The Road To New Orleans: Day 1 (Atlanta)

Matt & I got up this morning and Matt headed to Goodyear to get the oil changed in my car while I finished packing. After all of our final stops in Rock Hill (the Post Office, CVS, McDonald's) we ended up leaving about 10 am. We had a nice drive and got to Atlanta somewhere between 2-3 pm. While we were driving, we decided we would try and go to the Georgia Aquarium. We made our way downtown and found parking after a few minutes of driving around. We found out that tickets to the aquarium were sold out until 5 pm and in order to get tickets for 5 pm you had to get there at 4 pm. So, we had some time to kill. We walked around the Olympic Centinnial Park and took and then headed to the CNN center and walked around there. Eventually we made it back to the aquarium and there were still TONS of people there. And then we saw the sign that said tickets for adults were $24.00. That ended our adventure at the aquarium. We decided that was too much money to spend when it was so crowded. We'll go back another time. We then drove around trying to find Underground Atlanta...we were unsuccessful even though we had a map. So we decided to head to our hotel. This begins the next part of our adventure...

We get to our hotel (a Days Inn) and it looks kind of sketchy. We walk in and have to wait for a few minutes because the desk staff was cleaning rooms (apparently they were running late with the cleaning schedule). We get our room and start bringing our stuff up to the room. Matt went back down to the car to get my bag and I stayed in the room. I then stepped out the door to tell Matt that the curtain was broken and we needed to change rooms. As soon as Matt saw me step out of the door he told me "Get back in the room" in quite a stern voice. At that point, I knew something dangerous was going on. Matt then continues to tell me that there is a man with a gun downstairs. Turns out that two of the staff (a male and female) were fighting over their job duties and being worked too hard. The man then starts threatening the girl saying "I'm going to blow your head off with my gun" (I've left out a few choice words). Another man nearby was trying to calm him down and the lady got out her phone and was calling the police. We don't really know what happened after that. We stayed in our room and never saw the police. We're not sure if the man really had a gun or if he was just threatening her. Matt went downstairs later and the girl was gone but the guy was still there working. Guess he calmed down. That was quite scary though. We definitely contemplated going to another hotel. Good thing were only staying here one night!

We were planning on going to church tomorrow for Easter but the churches we were thinking about (Perimeter or North Point) are both 50 minutes away from where we're staying. We're googleing churches in the area now. We'll be heading to New Orleans after church (if we can find one to go to).

Friday, April 06, 2007

Life is good!

I got a new computer today...a Macbook Pro...I love it! And to make things even better, Matt & I are leaving for New Orleans TOMORROW! AND...Matt & I have a meeting on Wednesday with the director and programs supervisor for a children's home in New Orleans about a possible job. :) We'll be updating from the road!

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Spring is in the air!


Oh, how I love Spring! It is without a doubt, my favorite season and I thank God that I do not have allergies. As I see the dogwoods, bradford pears, and forsynthia in bloom I am reminded of how blessed I am to haves a Savior who has given me new life and continues to renew my soul. I am so thankful to know the God that shows himself through His creation.

Healthwise, I am feeling much better. I ended up having to go back to the doctor to get a stronger antibiotic, which worked miracles on my ear infections. I feel better now than I have felt since January. I feel like I have been given a breath of fresh air.

A week from now, Matt and I will be headed to New Orleans (with a pit stop in the ATL). The anticipation continues to build in me as we are going to go look for a place to live there. My dream is coming true. I cannot wait to see how God continues to work out the details in this great adventure. We have a few job leads with some children's homes/group homes as residential counselors. Just to think that in less than four months Matt & I will be living in New Orleans truly makes my heart sing. I am truly blessed!

It was quite a crazy week at the daycare. The kids were just out of control and we had picture day on Thursday which was pure madness. My kids were so precious though and total hams. I cannot wait to see their pictures. When I have children, I am going to be such a sucker for school pictures. I am going to want to buy every pose.

That's a recap on my life. Life is good. :)

Monday, March 19, 2007

update

I couldn't go back to sleep. My ears hurt too bad, so I decided to go to Riverview and see the doctor. I have ear infections in both ears. This is so not fun!

Life goes on.

Why am I awake and posting a blog at 3:45 am, you ask? I'm sick. My ears hurt so bad and have so much fluid in them that I feel as if I am under water. I have decided that I'm going to take today off from work and go to the doctor (for the 2nd time this month). Sure does suck not having health insurance and having to pay a whole freakin lot for a doctors visit and meds! I'll update on my health status later.

Winthrop lost against Oregon. Stupid Ducks! We didn't play our best game though, couldn't make any shots. I know the boys tried their best and played their hearts out. I am proud of them!

With all this said, life goes on.

Friday, March 16, 2007

NCAA Pot of Gold








Check this article out (from the espn.com front page): Winthrop grabs luck of the Irish in first-round win

Let's go Eagles!




WE WON OUR FIRST NCAA TOURNAMENT GAME! GO EAGLES!!! *If* we win on Sunday, Matt, Kelly, Paul, & I might go to St. Louis!

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

ONE




ONE--this organization has been in the public eye a lot lately as a lot of celebrities are supporting them. This campaign is one that not only celebreties should support, but each of us should stand behind. There are so many living in poverty and with hiv/aids in this world. I encourage you to go to www.one.org and check out this organization--we can truly make a difference in the world.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

exhausted

I am incredibly exhausted, but I feel like posting. Here's what has been happening around our world lately...

*I was pretty sick with a sinus infection but now am thankfully better.

*Matt was sick with a sinus infection & an ear infection and yesterday got a horrible stomach bug. Please keep him in your prayers--he is incredibly weak and cannot get up for more than a few minutes at a time. Pray that his body will heal quickly and that I can be an encouragement to him (his emotions have been worn thin through all this sickness).

*Winthrop won the Big South Championships and are heading to the Big Dance! We are actually ranked #22 in USA Today/ESPN coaches poll and #24 in the AP poll. Top 25 in the nation baby! I'm so proud to be a Winthrop alum right now!

*I am still going through Beth Moore's Bible study on Daniel and it gets more and more incredible each week. It is so amazing to see the prophecies written out in Daniel as they have played out in time. God is so sovereign and I continue to be astounded at His glory!

*I realized today that God-willing, Matt & I only have 4 1/2 months left in Rock Hill until we move to New Orleans. Time sure has flown by! I am ecstatic about the move, but I now it will be hard to leave our family and friends here.

*I am hosting a Pure Romance party on Friday, April 20th. If anyone wants to come, just let me know. It's going to be a fun girls night!

Friday, March 02, 2007

I'm not who I was

If you have a minute, check out this video. It's so true to our lives.

I'm not who I was

(Thanks for posting this Erin so I could steal it)

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Winthrop in USA Today



I found it pretty exciting that on the front page of the sports section in today's USA Today is a great article about Winthrop's basketball team. And the pic above is included...check out my hubby in the top righthand corner. Very exciting! The Eagles are gonna make it to the Big Dance again this year! I'm a proud alumni. Here's a link to the article if you're interested (they have a different pic on the internet than the one in print): Winthrop set to make noise

Sunday, February 25, 2007

quick update

Thought I'd write a quick update before we head to church.

*Matt & I are still sick...Matt has a sinus infection & an ear infection and after one round of antibiotics (that cost $300!) he's still not better. And who knows what I have. I probably need to go to the doctor but don't want to spend the money.

*Just finished up my third week working at the daycare and I'm still loving it! The kids can be pretty whiney and bratty but atleast they're cute! It's definitely not a job I could do for the rest of my life, but it'll keep me busy until we move.

*I've got the baby bug. So many people around us are having babies and I can't stand it! I know that if I get pregnant now we can't move though, so...I've got to be patient and wait for God's timing. It's hard though!

*Matt & I reserved our hotel room in New Orleans for spring break (April9-13th). I can't wait to be back there! And we're staying in the Garden District this time so that will be nice.

*Matt's laptop is broken. Boo! And the Geeksquad said there was nothing wrong with it (stu-pid)! So, we may be looking into getting a new laptop--I'm hoping for a Mac this time! :)

That's it for now. Gotta go praise some Jesus!

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Rock Hill man indicted in money laundering case

Rock Hill man indicted in money laundering case

*this man is a member of the church who's daycare I work at and one of his kids goes to daycare there. Very sad--sad that his family is being torn apart because of greed.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Viva La Louisane!

Here are a few more interesting facts about the Bayou State...

Just in case Hurricane Katrina causing the levees to break in New Orleans is the only thing you know about Louisiana, here are a fewmore interesting facts about the Bayou State:

Louisiana has the tallest state capitol building in the nation at 450 feet.

The Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans is the largest enclosed stadium in the world.

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is the longest over-water bridge in the world at 23.87 miles.

Louisiana 's 6.5 million acres of wetlands are the greatest wetland area in America.

The oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase Territory is Natchitoches,Louisiana founded in 1714.

The first bottler of Coca-Cola, Joseph Biedenharn, lived in Monroe, Louisiana.

Delta Airlines got its start in Monroe , Louisiana (But before it was named Delta, it was Chicago & Southern.)

Southern University in Baton Rouge , Louisiana is the largest predominantly black university in America.

Baton Rouge was the site of the only American Revolution battle outside the original 13 colonies.

The formal transfer of the Louisiana Purchase was made at the Cabildo building in New Orleans on December 20, 1803.

The staircase at Chrétien Point, in Sunset, Louisiana was copied for Tara in "Gone with the Wind."

Louisiana is the No. 1 producer of crawfish, alligators and shallots in America.

Louisiana produces 24 percent of the nation's salt, the most in America.

Much of the world's food, coffee and oil pass through the Port of New Orleans.

Tabasco , a Louisiana product, holds the second oldest food trademark in the U.S. Patent Office.

Steen's Syrup Mill is the world's largest syrup plant producing sugar cane syrup.

America 's oldest rice mill is in New Iberia , Louisiana at KONRIKO Co.

The International Joke Telling Contest is held annually in Opelousas,Louisiana.

LSU "The Ole War Skule" in Baton Rouge has the distinction of contributing the most officers to WW II after the U.S. militaryacademies.

The Louisiana Hayride radio show helped Hank Williams, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash achieve stardom. It was broadcast from KWKH Radio in Shreveport , Louisiana from 1948 to 1960.

The term Uncle Sam was coined on the wharfs of New Orleans before Louisiana was a U.S. territory as goods labeled U.S. were from "Uncle Sam."

The game of craps was invented in New Orleans in 1813 as betting was common activity on the wharves.

When states had their own currency, the Louisiana Dix (French for ten) was a favored currency for trade. English speakers called them Dixies and coined the term Dixieland.

New Orleans is the home of the oldest pharmacy in America at 514 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. These early medical mixtures became known as cocktails (guess they were good for what ails ya?) coining yet another term.

New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz the only true American art form.Jazz gave birth to the Blues and Rock and Roll music.

Viva La Louisane!!!

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

i have no voice

Literally, I have no voice. I'm still sick and lost my voice yesterday. It's kinda hard to yell at kids when I have no voice, but I'm making due. Pray that I will get better soon. I'm tired of whispering.

I am absolutely loving my new job at the daycare. I'm working with two year olds and they are a crazy hot mess but I love them. It's lots of fun and I get to hang out with some awesome people and see my hubby sometimes. :)

I found out today that my mom has hurt her back. She's in a lot of pain. Please be praying for her as well. If she doesn't start feeling better soon, she'll definitely end up at the doctor.

Matt & I are going to have an exciting weekend this weekend. For Matt's Valentine's present, I got us a room at the Courtyard Marriott in Ballantyne and the best part is we have a whirlpool in our room. Heck yes I am excited! And Saturday is homecoming for Winthrop so that'll for sure be a fun day.

That's all for now.

Sunday, February 04, 2007

If You say go

*I've been loving this song lately...and truly trying to make it true in my life*

If You say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water
And they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on You and we will come

Your ways are higher than our ways
And the plans that You have laid
Are good and true
If You call us to the fire
You will not withdraw Your hand
We'll gaze into the flames and look for You

tomorrow!

I start my new job tomorrow. I'm working at Catawba Baptist Child Development Center and will be a preschool teacher. I'm excited--just to have a steady job and income. Plus, I love working with kids!

In other news, Matt & I have been sick for the past few days. We've been sleeping a lot and drugging ourselves up with Nyquil and Dayquil. I'm feeling better tonight...hopefully we'll kick this sickness soon.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

IT'S SNOWING!!!

Wanted everyone to know that IT'S SNOWING in Rock Hill!!!! YAY!!!

Guess I won't be going to my job interview today--maybe not to my appointment in Lancaster either.

Look out the window, it's so pretty!