The
year began with Preston and me going to GUATEMALA with a fun group of
adventurous folks from Community Church in TN. We worked with Mike and
Kambria Robertson in their ministry to widows and children. It was a
blessed time. Check out youtube video - if you would like (at end of
blog).
In Guatemala with the kiddos!
Laura and Shay and the kids
The
weather in the mountains of Guatemala apparently remains a pleasant 70
degrees or so year round, which was wonderful to experience in the
middle of January. Coming back to Chicago after the trip, we jumped
back into the cold winter that persisted stubbornly until recently.
To have a little fun in the middle of winter, we
went downtown to see a live recording of the NPR quiz show "Wait Wait
Don't tell Me" in the Chase Auditorium. Some of the humor was a little
off color for our taste, but overall the experience was enjoyable. Plus
it makes you feel smart when you catch some of the subtle political
jokes :) Preston also got to travel down South for a quick trip to see
his family and spend some time with his friend, Andy. He spent many
hours behind the wheel that weekend, but I know that he really enjoyed
seeing everyone.
At the end of March we celebrated after I passed the
Licensing exam for Social Work. That was a big relief for me. Preston
has since become part of a study group preparing for the big psychology
licensing exam, which he will take at the end of June. The three ladies
in the study group come to our house once a week for a few hours. It's a
joy to have them and we pray their studying pays off.
Master's Social Work License
Casey C., Suzanna Z., Lea K., and Preston V.
We
continue to be blessed with the body of Christ here in Chicago. New
Life church has been a great fit for both of us. Preston and another
lady take turns leading the music on Sunday mornings. I teach Sunday
school on a rotating schedule and have joined the church's new choir,
where my guitar lessons are being put to use! The church was just
started up about six months ago. It's great to see the church growing
and to be able to serve in our community.
Friends: Michael and Laura, Stephen and Amy, Dave and Noelle (and me)
My friend Amy!
Noelle, Dave, Me and Preston
Recently,
we spent some time in Indiana visiting with my parents. We were able
to meet them about halfway between our home and theirs, so the trip was
only 4 hours getting there. It was great to see them in person (rather
than via Gmail chat). While we were there, Preston and I went on a huge
Zip line!
Getting ready for the Zip Line!
Even more recently Preston and I participated in a
nighttime 5k. It was a GLOW IN THE DARK run with a "Rave" theme. It
was really hectic getting to the run because of public transportation
problems, so we decided to just walk home after the race. We got plenty
of steps in that day, and I could feel it for about a week! Here are
some photos of our evening:
At the glow in the dark race with our glow in the dark glasses. Yay!
Saw some kids and gave them our glow in the dark gear.
For
his work, Preston and several co-workers got to travel to a conference
in Atlanta that focuses on Christian healthcare. He and our good
friend, Casey, presented a workshop together about how to work with
patients that do not comply with treatment plans. Everyone seemed to
have a great time.
Preston at the CNN Building in Atlanta, GA
We feel very grateful
for the friends, jobs, and home the Lord has provided. Chicago is a
beautiful city and 2013 has been a wonderful year so far.
We look forward to the rest of the year, especially now that it is getting warmer!
Blessings,
Preston and Krystal "Embracing
what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don't
become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without
even thinking." - Romans 12 (The Message)
Can't forget Mello...just chillin'...as usual
Excited to find sugar free chocolate syrup. I know it's still not good for you...but going a whole year sugar free, gotta give myself a treat some times. ☺
