We're engaged! It happened on December 15th at Snoqualmie Falls.

It was a complete surprise. Merry Christmas to me!

Tired

I think there is a good tired and a bad tired. Good tired is the tired that you get from having a busy but productive day. It's when you lay your head on the pillow and can sleep soundly because you feel good about what you got done. Tomorrow will be a fresh day where you can tackle new tasks. Bad tired is where you just pass out at the end of the day. Where you know that you may only get several hours (3-4) before you have to get up and do it all over again.



I just finished my last class this semester and I am tired. Exhausted really. I thought it would feel better than it did to be done, but I am just so worn out. This semester beat and battered me. It took al ot from me. I'm too tired to feel excited to be done. I don't feel like I have anything else to give, and alas we have to holiday season.



While I am thrilled to have some time off, thinking about the busyness of the holidays makes me more tired. I pray that time with family and friends will renew and refresh me. I pray that in three weeks I am able to pull my battered self together and start the spring semester

A love letter to Andrew and Aimee

I like love letters. They can convey so much. Writing can be easier than speaking feelings and emotions. I want to write several love letters, but my first is to my dear friends - headed to Africa.

Andrew and Aimee,

It's funny how you don't realize how much people mean to you until they are gone, or almost gone. I have been so blessed to know you over the past six (or so) years. You are honest and real with everyone. You welcome all into you lives and treat them like family. You share your family and yourselves freely. You are not scared to show your true self; be it silly, sad, tired, overwhelmed, happy, ext.

I have loved all the experiences we have had. Long days at PUMP, frustrating days at PSP, working at the dollar store with you Andrew. I remember our evenings with Brenda, Billy and Hershel talking about everything and nothing, watching the news or playing games or reminiscing after lifegroup.

It has been a blessing to walk alongside you over the past years. To talk about struggles, fears, wants and wishes. To pray with you and sit with you. I have seen you grow so much. I have seen God bless you, stretch and grow you. It is amazing to look back and see how God prepared you to be parents and to be missionaries. Each small task, struggle, and success preparing you to handle and do more.

As you have prepared to leave I have been able to see how many other lives you have touched. How hard it was for everyone (not just me) to say goodbye. I am so excited about the work you will do. I have no doubt in my mind that you will bless, strengthen and encourage so many people. I pray for those who will be saved by your lives testimony. I am eager to see Anaiah grow, learn and blossom. God is good and will continue to provide so much for you and those around you.

Andrew and Aimee, as you travel today I ask for special providence over you. Safe travels, extra measures of patience and energy. I ask that He keeps you in good health, protects Anaiah's little body, and gives you smooth traveling. In arriving may you settle easily and may the Cashs' help to make Uganda feel like home as quickly as possible. May God lift homesickness, fears and weariness. God provides what we need when we need it, may you remember that.

I love you guys, am proud of you and praying for you.