Around the World

First Thing:
I have moving across the world this year.  

Lisa is moving to Bolivia for 9 months to teach 3rd grade with SAM (South America Missions).  We've taken countless mission trips together and I can't wait to see what God has in store for her while she's down there.

Jessica is moving to Mali for two years for her assignment for the Peace Corps.  Jessica and I have also taken many mission trips together.  Living in Mali is going to rock her world and I can't wait to hear about all of her adventures.  God will definitely be able to use her while she is there.

Mark is "living" in Afghanistan for the next year . . . with the Army.  Although this doesn't sound as glamorous or as fun but he was excited about it before he left (I'm sure it's slightly changed since then).  He'll be home May-ish of 2012.  But I hope he'll come visit us during his R&R this fall.

My heart longs to travel overseas (not necessarily with the military though).  I get a little sad and a teensy bit jealous when I think of all the possibilities.  I am thankful for the opportunities I have been presented in the past to travel and serve but I still long for more.  I will always long for more.  I don't think I'd feel so restless if I had opportunities now.  My life took a different path when I graduated from college and married Nate.  I either would have gone to grad school, overseas, or worked for a non-profit mission organization (assuming I would have received a job like that).  However, I married Nate, found a job at an awesome organization, and have been able to provide for myself and Nate and allow him to go to school.  Although my dreams of overseas missions are on hold for the present, Nate has the opportunity to fulfill his dreams of becoming a civil engineer.  I love my husband and I wouldn't trade where we are in our lives and what we're doing for anything.  In the future I know I'll have my chance to do what my heart truly desires to do.  For now, I have the chance to show my husband just how much he means to me and I know he truly appreciates it.

Second Thing:
The weather is much cooler by like 20 degrees.  That means fall is coming and that makes me excited.  Football on T.V. and pumpkin flavored desserts and open windows and sitting outside with a beverage of some sort.  Fall is coming quickly.  That also means I'll enter into my mid-twenties and celebrating a wedding and celebrate another three birthdays and visit family for Thanksgiving and attend the Nebraska v Iowa game.  There is so much to look forward to this season.  I can't wait!