Done with work and Jackson's dedication

Friday was my last day working at the National Marrow Donor Program after three and a half years. I am grateful for the interesting people I got to meet and I learned some valuable lessons there. One thing I learned is that I am not cut out for a desk job. I am so much happier when I am interacting with people. I hope that all goes well for my friends at the NMDP. Heidi and I are one step closer to Africa.

On Sunday we had a Dedication Service for Jackson at our church. That means that during the service the pastor called us up and we agreed before the church family that we would dedicate ourselves to raising Jackson in a manner consistent with our Christian faith. Some of our family members were also there to witness and stand in agreement with us. My prayer for Jackson is that he fits the description of John the Baptist in Luke 1:68, “Everyone who heard this wondered about it asking, ‘What then is this child going to be? For the Lord’s hand was with him.” I also pray that as Jackson grows he fits the description of Jesus in Luke 2:52, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man.” I am convinced that he is a child with a special calling from the Lord but I am not sure exactly what that is yet. As he grows I am excited to see who he becomes. My job is to not mess him up too much in the process.

Happy Birthday Tim

Today is the 36th birthday of the love of my life, so happy birthday my sweet! I thank God for bringing you into my life exactly when He did. You love me so completely and graciously and my life is far more fulfilling with you in it. You challenge me to trust God in the little things and live life more spontaneously. You are a good man, a great daddy, and a fantastic husband. You make me laugh WAY more than you make me cry and sometime both at the same time! I love you so much, at times, I feel my heart would burst. I look forward with great anticipation to the work that God is going to finish in you as you lead our family. I could think of no one better to walk this journey with. Thanks for being you and for loving me. I love you babe.

2 weeks notice

Today I put in my 2 weeks notice at work. It's a giant step toward Africa. Heidi and I are trusting God to get us there. We are a little scared but mostly excited. I feel like the people who came to the new world and burned their boats when they got there. We are not planning to burn the airplane that takes us there, however. Please pray for us as we take this step and work hard to raise the last funds that we still need to be 100% funded.

Encouragement

Sometimes you need encouragement. More than any other kind of art, music can lift the soul. A couple nights ago, I (Tim) needed my spirits lifted. I was assembling diapers and listening to music on my Ipod. The first song that came up was “Horizon” by 38th Parallel. They are an obscure band that broke up after one album but it was an excellent album. I won’t quote the lyrics but the song basically reminds us of God’s promises. It was what I needed. Another song I always listen to when I need a pick me up is “The Sun Will Shine Again” by Rob Rock, another obscure artist. That one reminds me that no matter what happens, the sun will rise tomorrow. I have never found a song that lifts my spirits in the same way. The theme that both songs have in common is God’s promise that He will be with us. Not that life will be easy but that He will be there to walk us through.

Please leave comments on songs that encourage you.

An update in pictures

Am I confused, or do I have gas?

I love this blankie my great grandma made me.

How cute am I in my bathtime get-up? I love bathtime.

Just hanging out in my basket.

Well, Jackson is keeping us busy, but learning to sleep better at night. I have even gotten 8 consecutive hours a couple nights! Waittago little guy! We sure do love him and praise God for this addition to our family.

Fundraising is also keeping us busy and we are still pressing on to leave for Senegal this July.