Christmas:
Last year was our first Christmas as a married couple and we were able to get away with not having to travel everywhere to visit family since we had just seen most of them at the wedding. But we decided that we really wanted to see our extended family this year even though that meant adding a few extra locations to our "Christmas Travel Map." It was definitely worth the extra time and travel. We both have such amazing families and are so grateful for them...including our extended Chi Alpha family.
The World Missions Summit 2:
Oh, WOW!!! Really, not many other words can satisfy our feelings about this truly historic event. So much occurred at this conference that it would take too much to explain, but I'll try to fit what I can into a nutshell. We were in Cincinnati, Ohio for two and a half days with about 4,000+ college students and many other missionaries from around the world. There was international worship, rooms set up like different regions from around the world, and story after story after story about the grace and the love and the guidance and the provision of GOD. We also heard of many opportunities where there was great need for help. Close to 100 students pledged their futures to the LORD and told Him that they would go and do whatever would bring Him glory. And the craziest part? They really meant it. Can you even begin to imagine how much our world is about to change once these students graduate and are loosed into the far corners of the Earth to win souls for the Kingdom of GOD?! Incredible.
Itineration:
This is what Matt and I have been doing for a of couple years now to raise our personal and business budgets. Basically, we are invited to visit many different churches all over South Texas and share our vision and burden for the University of Houston. Just in the past few weeks we've visited several churches and have met many marvelous men and women of GOD. It is always so encouraging to hear how the LORD is moving in the ministries that have partnered with us.
When Matt and I visit a church, we always hope that the LORD would use us to minister to and encourage the members and the pastors of the church. And it never ceases to amaze us that we are the ones who leave deeply encouraged and blessed beyond words. I truly believe that we are in the best business on Earth. Thank you, JESUS!
So no, this has not really been much of a relaxing "vacation." But neither one of us would want it to be any other way...and we won't trade it for anything. :)
