MORE BABY NEWS!!

My cousin, Kristen, just had her first baby today in Hungary!!! She and her husband, Kevin, moved there this past August to teach at the International Christian School of Budapest. Just months before they moved, Kristen found out she was pregnant - quite a piece of news to receive as you're preparing to leave the country!! But God has provided in such amazing ways for them. She has had a very smooth pregnancy and the people at their school (both American & Hungarian) have given of themselves to help both Kevin & Kristen during this time of transition. Seth Norman Yaiko (Norman, named for our late grandfather) came into the world at 6:17 pm Hungarian time, weighing in at approximately 3.2 kilos (7lbs., 1oz.). He is 51 cm. long (20 inches) and has dark hair!! He was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, but is doing just fine. Stefanie, Kristen's younger sister said that she is feeling well. I wish I was able to talk with her myself... but that's a little hard to do when you're overseas! It's tough being so far away from the people you love! Stefanie is keeping me updated with all the exciting news. I will post a picture or 2 as soon as I get some :) It seems that babies are everywhere these days! I'm sure my family will say that it's time for us to start thinking about kids. Sorry, folks... not just yet. THANK YOU, GOD, FOR BRINGING KRISTEN & SETH SAFELY THROUGH THIS EXPERIENCE!! Welcome to the family, little buddy - and congratulations, Kevin & Kristen :)

Something to sing about!

I'm an aunt for the second time! Well - not technically an aunt, but I've been told that I hold that title even though we're not blood relatives :) One of my best friends, Rachel, gave birth yesterday to her first baby - a girl!!! :) I had just spoken with Rachel on the phone the night before and she was definitely NOT expecting her to come just yet. The doctors told Rachel that she had not progressed too much and she would probably go past her due date. It's been a tough pregnancy, so this was not good news. BUT - God had something different in mind!! Yesterday afternoon, Harmony Joy Shipman came into the world, weighing in at 7lbs., 2oz. If you know Mike & Rachel at all, the name "Harmony" is very fitting. Lots of history behind that name... much more than just, "oh - they're both musical!" I can't wait to hear the songs that her mommy & daddy write for her. Rachel had quite a time during delivery and ended up having an emergency C-section due to Harmony's decreasing heart rate. But both mom & baby are doing well now, and I can't wait to see them!! God has blessed our circle of friends with a beautiful child to dote on and we can't thank Him enough for His hand of protection over both Rachel & Harmony during the entire pregnancy. CONGRATULATIONS, MIKE & RACHEL! Harmony... welcome to the "family." We love you! For more updates & pictures, click here.

Thank You...

Well, today marked the second day of my new job with the YMCA of Central Kentucky. My official title is "Executive Assistant to the CEO" - not too shabby, eh?! I'm loving it already. The people I work with are so encouraging and helpful. I have the most incredible boss... driven, yet full of compassion. You don't get a much better combination than that. She runs the office efficiently and gracefully, and did I mention she's JACKED?? This woman is in far better shape than me and is more than twice my age. I hope that some of her exercise habits rub off!

I've had the privilege of training with the girl for who I am taking over. She is now a mother of three and is in a position where she can stay home with her kids. She's been in this position for about 6 years now and has done an amazing job! I've been told that I have "big shoes to fill." Whenever I hear that comment I think to myself, "Well... I've got pretty big feet!" Not trying to be prideful, but I think I'll do a great job for them, and hopefully I'll exceed all their expectations. I really enjoy the administrative side of work. I can leave the office at the end of the day with a tangible amount of work completed. I am a list-maker, an organizer, and somewhat of a perfectionist... so clerical work tends to be right up my alley!

All I can say is, "THANK YOU, LORD, FOR SUCH A GREAT OPPORTUNITY!" He is so gracious to have given me this chance with the YMCA. I knew my time with HH was coming to a close and I just keep looking back on all the things that happened to bring about this job. He definitely led me to this position... whether I knew it or not! I had prayed for something new - something that would bring me joy and fulfillment. And after one very frustrating day, I decided to begin the search for something different. The first place that popped up after my "Google" search was Career Builder. Can I just say that I LOVE that website?? This position with the YMCA was posted there and I kept coming back to read the job description. I thought, "Well, I just barely meet the experience requirement... but it's worth a shot." I didn't really think I'd get the job, but was hoping to at least be considered. Needless to say, I was wrong! I'm so thankful that He's allowed this doorway to open. I'm surrounded by a great team of people who have been doing this work for quite some time. The guidance being offered is such a welcomed difference. Not many people can say that they love their job... but I'm pretty sure I'll get to be one of those blessed few!!

Sunday Service

Yesterday afternoon Shane & I attended an Anglican church for the first time - Saint Patrick's. I must admit that I was a bit nervous to attend this service, only because I wasn't sure what to expect. We walked into the building to find some of the warmest greetings we've ever received. The senior pastor, Peter, is probably one of the most genuine guys I've met in a long time. He truly loves the Church as a whole and longs to see the community of believers come together. I noticed that they had "scripts" for the service which would come in handy! Much of the prayers and Scriptures were shared readings, done so in unison by the entire congregation. I've never heard such JOY from a body of believers when participating in responsive readings. It brought tears to my eyes to hear the voices of children, reading along with enthusiasm and true praise to God! When Pete said, "Lift up your hearts!" The entire congregation responded with resounding praise, "WE LIFT THEM UP TO THE LORD!"

The congregation also spent time in prayer over one of the members who is reaffirming his faith. He will officially reaffirm next Sunday and (from what we gathered), this has been a huge process for him. As he kneeled on the ground, we all held our hands out to him in agreement with what Pastor Pete was praying over him. I couldn't help but be overcome by the grace that this man must have been feeling in that very moment. It brought me back to the time when I felt God's calling on my life to full-time ministry. I'm thankful for that moment and the power it still holds in my life.

At another point in the service we took time to recognize the saints that have gone before us, who are now with the Lord. I boldy called out my Grandfather, Norm Dunham, and my Grandmother, Abbie Smith. These 2 people have been huge influences in my life and my walk with the Lord. Their faithfulness as Christ-followers has always encouraged me to live a life that is set apart, though I fail many times.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at St. Patrick's and will be attending again next week. I appreciate the prodding of our friends, Chuck & Cherith, to attend this church. The liturgy and traditions present in each service remind me that when we gather to worship our God, it is a sacred time. It's easy to forget that in many of the modern churches today. I was reading in the book of Jude and came upon a wonderful benediction. I'd like to leave you with this prayer: "To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! AMEN."

Congratulations!

My brother-in-law, Dorian, just got engaged last night!!!! He asked his girlfriend, Kristen, to marry him at Rosy Mound Natural Area last night and she (of course) said, "YES!" Shane & I were privileged to see the ring when we met up with all of them in Toledo a couple weekends ago. Unfortunately, we weren't able to make the trip out to Michigan to celebrate with them, but we're rejoicing just the same! We knew it was coming this weekend, so we waited by the phone last night. We got the call right after it happened and Kristen was just out of her mind with joy :) I asked her if she was surprised and she answered (in these exact words), "OH MY GOSH... I don't even know what to do with myself. I feel like one of those dogs chasing its tail - just running in circles!" I love that girl :) She just makes me laugh everytime I talk with her. Kristen has brought Dorian more happiness than we ever knew was in him! They are a great match and I'm thankful that God has put them in each other's paths. D & Kristen were friends LONG before they dated, and it's been so awesome to watch that relationship grow into a love relationship. We couldn't be more excited for you, brother & sister!!! Congratulations - and, Kristen... welcome to the family! :)