I'm alive and in America

I admit it. I've been procrastinating about this post since it involves lots of typing and picture posting, but I'm finally doing it! 

Ukraine. I went there.

 I can't really think of how to begin explaining the impact it had on me. First off, I've never been a part of anything like this. It was beyond amazing. We conducted Vacation Bible School in a total of 4 churches in 4 different cities. There were 2 groups, and each group went to 2 cities. I had the youngest group. 

To begin with, I loved those kids. It was so difficult and so tiring but I can not thank God enough for this amazing opportunity to show these kids God's love for them. There were definitely challenges, (definitely) but I wouldn't have it any other way. Let me tell you one thing, I will never take advantage of speaking the same language as someone ever again. It's very very hard to have rules when it takes so long to translate those rules! We told parables, did memory verses, and they did 2 crafts per day which were so cute! You can see one of the crafts in the top picture. In short, it was remarkable. Now here's some pictures of some super cute kiddos.

I'm also so thankful that Hunter and I could experience this together! There is nothing quite like it. And I think it's a little bit torturous to be together nonstop for 2 weeks and then have to be apart for 3 weeks. He's headed to Colorado for vacation and I will be headed to Pennsylvania to meet little Cassidy Quinn! I can't wait for her to be here. But I do miss this cutie, that's for sure!

Ukraine Bound!

 

 I can't even tell you how excited I am to go on our Ukraine mission trip tomorrow! I'll be there for 2 weeks and I can not wait to soak up the experience like a sponge. I'm also a wee bit nervous since I've never been across the Atlantic, I've only been to Caribbean-type places. I know zero Russian. Hopefully I can catch on. I love working with kiddos, but I've never worked with little ones that didn't speak the same language as me! God is so wonderful, and I know that he'll lead me through the whole thing and keep me safe. Please keep our team in your prayers! Pictures will definitely follow. 

2 boys and some grassy water

 I've loved watching these adorable boys! They're just reassurance that I want to be a mommy so so badly, it's my dream. And I've wanted boys for as long as I can remember. I look at moms everywhere I go, and there are some who make me wonder if they enjoy being a mom at all. Don't get me wrong, I know that times can be tough, but even in those times I can tell apart the moms who love what they do from those that don't. I desperately envy their status, and I know so many others that do too. Isn't that ironic? Some peoples' lives are ruined by motherhood (or so they think) and others squeal with joy? I've always been fascinated by that. Soon, my sister will be a mommy. And for now, an aunt is as close to a mommy that I'll be for a while. I'm okay with that! But I also cannot wait until that magical moment of mommyhood discovery. :)

Also this post was supposed to be a summery, swimming type post but then it somehow turned into this when I wasn't looking so sorry about that

Promises

 

Hunter and I have been together for a whole year. 365 days. 52 weeks. 12 months. Geez Louise.

I know it might not seem like a whole lot of time to most people but to Hunter and I it seems like a big accomplishment. I've absolutely loved spending this year with Hunter. He's my best friend, he's really cute, he makes me laugh, and he makes me feel good about myself. And this anniversary we made a promise. The promise was basically already made between us but now it's all official. (and I got a cute ring so that's good) We promise to always stay together, no matter how hard it may seem. We promise to love and support each other even in our darkest times, and most importantly we promise to always keep God first in our relationship. We've found out that if you keep God as a priority while you're together then amazing things will happen. Really really amazing things. So yay for that promise. I like promises. And I like promises with people that I trust will keep them. (like Hunter) Thank God for Hunter and for the person he's made.

PS I'm really sorry for all the sappy posts but I just have to vent okay that is all