Been awhile but most of you see what going on in our life through myspace or facebook.  It's a rainy Sunday afternoon here in Glassboro.  Martin's sleeping on the purple couch and I just finished catching up on my shows on nbc.com and abc.com.  The Eagles are winning against Miami so Martin will be happy when he wakes up.  We had our young married get together last night.  There were some cancelations at the last minute and ended up having two other couples.  Martin and I weren't able to get to the WOL Superbowl in Philly on Friday.  I know we missed a lot of people but thankfully Tim and Kim Carter came and spent the night at our house that night. 

I'm having Thanksgiving at my house this year.  I am very nervous but I think it's like a right of passage for a woman to host a major holiday their house!  I was getting all kinds of tips from the ladies at work.  One even brought me in a roasting bag the next day because she said I had to do the turkey in it.  I have to admit, doing dinners like this are expensive!  I have a new appreciation for big dinners now. 

Martin is almost finished with this semester of school.  I can't wait because that will mean he only has three more semesters until he is finished!  We still talk about moving back to TN once he finishes.  We will see what God wants.  I can say that I am perfectly content with staying here for the rest of our lives but like I said, we'll see.

Our house is always open for anyone who wants to come visit! 

Can you believe it's almost August?  Our summer has been crazy busy.  Since May, my parents have come to visit, we went to Hungary, my older brother Clint came to visit and I took him to NYC and Atlantic City, my younger brother Aaron and his wife Sonya came up to see us, my roommate from WOLBI, Olivia and her husband came to visit, we went to Tennessee for three days to visit for my Grandfather's 80th birthday, my sister, mom, niece, and nephew came last week, and the second week of August my baby brother Daniel is coming to visit.  What a summer.  To end it all, Martin and I celebrate our five year anniversary at the end of August and I turn a very ugly number that begins with a "3."  We're taking a vacation during the happy yet sad week (happy anniversary, sad birthday time) a few days in Lancaster and then up to Word of Life for a couple of days.

I think everything has finally caught up with me.  Last  Monday I had a very sore throat and it got worse on Tuesday, really bad on Wednesday, still bad on Thursday so I went to the doctor and by that time the infection had spread to my ears, throat, and chest.  Now I am still suffering a severe ear infection that takes me back to my childhood days of burst ear drums and cotton in my ears.  I hope it doesn't get that bad.  I never thought I could sleep as much as I have!

I guess I won't be going to church today.  Sometimes it's nice to think that you can take a few days off and rest and only have minor aches and pains but then you start missing church instead of work and it gets frustrating! 

Here are some pics of my niece and nephew when they came to visit last week

They're beautiful!  We had a great time and it was Gavin's first time at the ocean :)

 Well, we are back from Hungary and finally I feel that I am somewhat normal.  I cleaned my house, went grocery shopping, almost finished laundry.  All kinds of fun.  My oldest brother is coming up this weekend and staying until Wednesday.  I am so excited.  I am taking him to NYC because he's never been.  Then to Atlantic City.  Oh the fun we will have!  Then my brother and sister-in-law are coming up either Thursday or Friday to stay the weekend.  I can't wait to see all of them and hang out.  Martin is upset because he has to work most of the time that they are all here but hey we went to Hungary so he has no time to take off. 

Hungary was amazing and we had a great time being with our college and career and serving with them.  God really showed me a lot and has been working with me on things in my life that I know I need to change.  I know that sounds vague but it is refreshing to know that He doesn't start on too many things at one time. 

Okay, I'm going to put as many pics as my basic xanga will allow of Hungary.  Although xanga reminded me that I have been with them 683 days and don't I think it's time to support them with xanga premium?  No thanks.

Behind the castle - Isn't it beautiful?

The castle where we stayed

The Chain Bridge in Budapest

Me and Martin on Castle Hill in Budapest

Tyler and Pastor Joe Schenke

Hungary's Parliament - it's one meter larger than England's!

Hungary sweet Hungary

Taking some time to blog here in beautiful Hungary.  We are working away getting ready for the camps to start here.  There is a feeling here that I can't describe.  I love being here.  I've been on three mission trips and this one is very unique.  We work hard when we are working but there is time to just be and relax and play too.  Our Crosswalk group are playing soccer with the students now.  They are so kind to let us lowly Americans play their sport. 

God is so beautiful and being away from home where it is so easy to shut him out is a perfect time to enjoy him and meet with him often.  Our theme here is serving.  I was very prepared - at least I felt I was - to serve.  I just wanted to work work work and bless everyone but it is so crazy how my heart has been reflected.  It hasn't been fun but it has been beautiful.  Our Crosswalk group has been amazing.  We have worked so well together.  Tonight Martin did the devo and he and I did a foot washing.  It was very humbling.  I have never done that before.  What a wonderful time. 

Well that is all for now.  I will share some of my journal when I get home.  
Here is the foyer of the castle.  I'm sitting behind the left staircase right now.

Currently Listening Back Home By Caedmon's Call see related

Oh my!  I feel like I'm being so one sided when I don't post.  I love reading mine and Martin's subscriptions every day but then I'm not disciplined to write.  I only have a few moments before I leave for an "emergency" dentist appointment.  Martin and I are settling in the house.  We still have boxes in random places but I can't imagine we will ever have everything how we want it right?  My parents came up this past weekend and it was wonderful.  We didn't really do anything but relaxed and enjoyed our new home.  Well, we did go to Ikea (for mom) and LL Bean (for dad).  Those were a must. 

Martin and I leave for Hungary tomorrow.  We are helping lead our college and career.  I have so much to do but I'm at work and I can't do anything about what's at home.  Please pray for us as we are away.  We are getting home on the 3rd of June. 

Well, I must cut this short, I think my wisdom tooth is trying to come in and I think it's sideways and I don't want to go to Europe and have an infection!  So I'm off to the dentist.  

God is doing so many wonderful things in my heart these days.  I will share more when I get back and I'll have pictures of the house and the trip I PROMISE!