Christmas Break in Florida Pictures

All of the Book kids, spouses, one boyfriend and parents

All of us girls, plus baby Jack!

The day before Jack was born Katie joined the whole family in a pickleball tournament

Jack taking in the sun so he wouldn't get jaundice

Katie makes beanies, this is one she made for Jack

Florida is known for their manatees, we went to visit a sanctuary for hurt manatees

Another hat photo

I love him! Not sure what he thinks about me in this photo though! :)

Growing

The past month and a half has seemed to have passed by quickly. This weekend Kevin and I head down to Miami (we have been in central Florida visiting my - Leah's - family since Dec. 18th). Our visit to Spain was a great encouragement to us both, and a time of continued confirmation that God is indeed leading us on this journey.

One of the lessons God has been teaching me is that of surrendering every area of my life to him and allowing his spirit, rather than a spirit of fear to direct my steps. As our life has changed pace and context going to Spain and being here in Florida, God has revealed how often I make decisions that are influenced more by core fears rather than by him. He has brought me to a place where my life is incredibly simplified, and in the simplification process (no job, no home to care for, being in a new community, new church etc.) many of my basic struggles in my life and faith have really come to light. Kevin and I have had a lot of time to really focus on our marriage and the journey on which God is leading us.

2 Timothy 1:7-9 says "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity [fear], but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life -- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time...."

I am reminded that everything we are is in him, through him and by him. As a first child one of my core instincts is to be a people pleaser. But as we embark upon the path to which God has called us as a couple I am finding that our life choices don't always make sense to all people, even some who are fellow believers, and others who are not. This verse reminds me that the call God has given us is not based on me, but on him and that it is him alone I am to fear and to live to please.

Another big challenge is that of raising and living on support. I have always been an independent person and everything around me dictates that I need to provide for myself, not be a burden to others. But for at least this season in our lives God has brought us to depend completely on him and all of you. This can be a fearful thing all by itself. But once again I am brought back to the truth that I am living the life I am because of God's purpose and grace. I do not need to be afraid, God will provide. As God provides he has also given me a chance to give back. He has called all his people to live with open hands as he has opened his hands and made us heirs to his riches. God has been opening my eyes lately to see what are the resources he has given us, both monetarily and other ones, that I can give up and give back.

I am praying for you all that this year, with all of the challenges and joys it has in store, will be one where you live in the freedom of God's love and providence, and just as you freely receive his grace you are able to impart that grace to others.

¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

P.S. One of the greatest parts of being with my family this past month was being here for the birth of my nephew, Jack Harper. My sister Katie and her husband Brian had their first child December 30th. He's a cutie!


My sister Katie and Jack

Some images from Spain...

Snow, El Bosco, and a cold little stroll

Well it went from rain to snow in Madrid for us, not that it stuck, but it was fun nonetheless. Leah and I hit Madrid today to walk around and look for areas in which we may want to live. Madrid is beautiful. There are many different barios in Madrid and all of them have a unique taste.

The first we visited the other day, Malasaña, has tight narrow streets and is full of life and youth. Apparently it is where the artists live.

For the washed up artists, or those trying to make it, we toured Lavapies, a bario with a HIGH concentration of foreign immigrants. We saw people of African, Asian and Arab descent while walking through the narrow streets. It was intriguing to say the least and quite fun to see the diversity. We strolled in the cold around the other areas as well, mostly with wider streets.

I (Kevin) think Madrid is beautiful (I think Leah agrees), and may rival my fascination with Portland. Today was a good day to compare the two as when the snow stopped the rain persisted into the evening.

After a little Spain style Mexican food (which was so-so), we headed of to Museo del Prado, one of the more famous art museums in Europe, second probably to the Louvre. We got to see some Rafael, Velazquez and many other famous artists and their beautiful work. I (Kevin) liked the Flamenco work. Leah did not.

After the museum, the rain had stopped, it had warmed up 3 degrees, and we strolled again in the breeze with many evening walkers to see the Christmas lights around el parque Retiro. It was very nice and beautiful.

Pictures to come. Tomorrow Church.

The Rain in Spain

So apparently Madrid has been experiencing a drought for the last few years, and people here say that it hardly rains. However, Kevin and I seemed to have perfectly picked the rainiest time of year! :) The forecast for the next few days is light rain, heavy rain, then snow/rain! Kevin, the lover or gloomy weather is in his element!

Today we are going to head down to one of the poorer areas of Madrid to pass out sandwiches to the homeless. Wednesday we met up with a couple who are missionaries here, but live more towards the center of Madrid. Last night we helped out at our church's homework club and attended a Bible study. All in all we have been getting a small taste for life here in Madrid. Saturday we hope to walk around the city doing a prayer walk. Please pray that God continues to give us discernment with all of the information and opportunities that we are learning about.

Spain at last!

We made it! After a very long trip Kevin and I landed in Spain Friday morning. We were more than a bit tired, but happy to be in Spain. First on our agenda was to figure out how to get to El Escorial, a super cute little town on the outskirts of Madrid where we would be participating in an evangelism conference. An hour and a half later we found ourselves at our hotel, but they wouldn't have rooms available for another four hours! So we walked around the town, taking in the sights. When we got to our room we took a quick nap and then started right in with the conference and the Spanish schedule. Dinner that night was at 9 pm, and our last plenary session of the day started at 10 pm, not finishing till nearly midnight. Still, we really enjoyed the whole experience. We met a lot of people who are doing ministry all over Spain, and got to have an idea of what it is to do ministry here.


This is a picture of one of our worship times, which were really neat.


It is not super warm here in Spain, and has been raining our drizzling quite a lot. Still that did not keep us from venturing out to try to go to see the famous monastery of El Escorial, where all the Spanish kings are entombed. We did not go in as there was a really long line, but enjoyed it from the outside.

Our conference ended on Monday, and we are currently living with a Free Methodist missionary family in Madrid. We will keep you updated on our adventures!

On Our Way

So in about eight hours Kevin and I will be getting up to get ready to go to the airport. Our flight leaves at 6:10 in the morning, and we will be traveling all day across the U.S., then in the evening we will be leaving from New York to fly to Madrid. Our first event will be a conference about evangelism in Spain. I actually think it will be very interesting, but am a little nervous about jumping right into everything, and I am hoping that we won't be too jet-lagged since the conference begins the same day we land. Please be thinking of and praying for us as we are traveling. Some specifics to pray for are: rest, successful travel (we have to navigate from the airport to where the conference is with all of our luggage on public transportation), and good connections with the new people we will meet. I am not sure what our internet access will be during the conference, but we hope to post at least once while we are in Madrid, so stay tuned!