Mud's first post

Ok, so today is planning day. Craig has "scheduled me in" for 4 hours and has me under house arrest. Finally, the semester is over and I am officially finished at Fullerton College, which makes me happier than some of you might think. Now I can begin dedicating myself 100% to this incredible, crazy, and awesome endevour:365'ish days of travel around the world with my husband-who could ask for more.

So, how do I "feel" about this trip; is the question I keep getting, and well, I feel great about it. I mean there are, I am sure, people out there who think we are crazy, perhaps even irresponsible, but I think this next year will be a huge step in faith, we know that the Lord will provide us with experiences that will make us look more like Christ and well-isn't that our goal? It's amazing what happens in our lives when we even begin thinking about stepping out. I remember the months leading up to our wedding day were crazy, filled with a lot of emotions and what I remember the most is God revealing himself to me-daily. I remember being nervous, but not afraid. I mean I knew that this was what God wanted because it would cause me to look more like Him. Now here we are again in this place, ready to jump and I know that God is with us and I am so excited to be moved, scared, nervous, sad, happy, all of those things because I know God is intending for us to grow and His promise to us is that He will complete what He has begun in us-so why be afraid?

I must say leaving my family will be the most difficult thing. My sister, jessica, will be having her first child (hopefully before we leave) and I know that there will be times when I will feel homesick and will want to come home-so don't feel like you need to encourage this, but I can't express enough how good this all feels.

So, here we go. According to Craig's handy dandy calendar, there are only 39 days left before we peace out.

This painting was something I did for an auntie in Chile, I was just practicing posting photos, for your enjoyment!

42 days until departure, but who is counting?

The days are dwindling and we still have many logistical concerns that still need tending to. We are excited about this new season in life and what it may bring. We expect many joys, trials and hardships that will refine us and cause us to look more like our Maker . We are grateful for the opportunity before us. We know that we make our plans, but God directs our steps. It will be difficult to leave our students, coworkers, family and friends. This autumn in life has helped us loosen the grip on things that we cling so tightly to (our identities in our jobs, money, stuff, and trusting in ourselves). Mariella and I eagerly awaiting the budding of a new season as vagabonds. We walk in faith and grow in the warmth of the Son.