Weekend in Galveston

i am getting back into the swing of things after a weekend away serving in Galveston. it was really nice to get away and do some hard work for someone in need. we (Emanda, Dinah, Tammica, Frank and I and some Houston church members) served by gutting the home of a man and wife who have not only lost most of their earthly possessions, but were also dealing with the husband's lung cancer. it was so amazing how impacted and encouraged the family was by our service...i was just thinking that even once we leave they still have such a long way to go! i can't imagine being in that position. i am praying that things really go smoothly from here for them. they have a long road ahead of them.
some of our groups cleaned out garages, tore up floors and even folded laundry! it was so refreshing to be serving with disciples. we were able to stay together and have meals and evenings playing cards and singing and talking. it was incredible! i made some new friends (which was my goal) and left really feeling refreshed and ready to do all that God has for me to do.
matt did well with eli. he had support available, but made it ok with him and one of the single brothers, Ben. it was so good for him to be mommy for a minute! especially since i will be leaving on a cruise at the beginning of december and he will be here alone with him for a few days. SCARY!

Little Monster

halloween was great. we ended up having a going away event for a friend, nikki. we enjoyed pumpkin pie, candied apples and witches brew! it was wonderful. eli dressed up as karate kid (bc that was his first movie). he was adorable.
our life is changing. in the blink of an eye, eli is almost 5 months. between teething and growing he is almost always needing something. i am more than busy to say the least.
we are just now returning from a quick trip to florida to visit and say goodbye to some friends/family (graham and christine parker) as they are being relocated (again). it was a bitter, sweet affair...saying goodbye is never fun, but they are really moving to a better place and we are so excited to see what God has in store for them! eli so enjoyed spending time with their son and daughter. he got gagged by a halloween toy and enjoyed some cracker while we weren't looking. it was a very eventful time for him! :o)
matt and i are pushing through our own life challenges. satan is always on the prowl...looking to devour us all (I Pe 5:8). but we are fighting and "running the race" with all our might.