L.A., Olivia’s 1st Birthday, catching up with friends, & the Haughey Wedding

Santa Monica Pier

L.A., Olivia’s 1st Birthday (again), catching up with friends, and the Haughey Wedding

As a family, we are bonding together making the transition to living again in L.A.  Although we are living at the Silverio’s (Brian’s parents in Cerritos, LA) we have also had the privilege to house hop in Westwood. We spent our first week back at the Sullivans’ while they are in Ireland visiting family and friends.

This was great because we were back in our old stomping grounds- THE WEST SIDE! We went to our Church, Mosaic- and saw just about EVERYONE! That was a highlight because there were so many faces and embraces to greet us. We also went on a beloved hike in Temescal (just before you hit Malibu),

and enjoyed WALKING our favorite streets in Santa Monica and Westwood. Trader Joes’ grocery run felt like a touch of heaven, and the perfect temperature that makes LA so great was soothing to our souls. We were so blessed to have met baby Hanna, Andrea and Yan’s new baby girl. It was amazing to see what has been going on in everyone’s lives while we were away.

we got our car back! wheels!!

We spent our second week with Lory and George who happen to be two of the most AMAZING people in our lives. They are taking a missions trip to Vietnam and then traveling part of the world – departing us Feb. 2nd. It was a blessing to share with them our experience while they gear up for theirs. We know God will do miraculous things in their lives, as they have been such great friends to so many people- and are family to us. We also had small group (married couples bible study) with Lory and George and were so touched to see how many couples are keeping it real attending small group and blessing each other’s lives. All of you in small group that supported and encouraged us while we were away- we say again THANK YOU!

It was a thrill to have the honor of attending Chris Haughey and Cindy Norman’s wedding here in LA. Chris (the guy we lived with in Honduras and the founder of Tegu) looked so happy to finally be united with his bride Cindy, and Cindy was glowing with smiles and looked beautiful beside her groom.

It was a great wedding, and Olivia stayed home with her grandparents, Tita Nicole, and Tito Sean- soooo we Bri and I partied it up! There were so many familiar faces, and best of all we sat with Nate (Tegu’s designer), his awesome date Jennie, and Kyler ( an amazing friend from Mosaic) so needless to say we absolutely enjoyed ourselves with dancing and friends.

Mama Olly (Brian’s Mom) gave Olivia a 1st birthday celebration party at Chuck E Cheese, and all family and friends here in LA had a chance to party it up together. It was also a great time to re-unite! Olivia had a great time, although she mostly looks surprised and confused in most photos! She was amazed by how many people, games, and animated puppets there were. She also has a slice of pizza in her hands throughout the entire party- which is pretty funny.

As we enjoy our family and friends here, we are reminded each day how God generously gives us with love,fellowship, and meets all our provisions- where ever we are. We love the community that we built in Honduras (missing you all greatly) and love the community that welcomes us with open arms here.

The question everyone has for us is “so are you staying in LA? Have you found a place yet??”

Hmmm. We just have no absolutes in our lives right now. We are on a “no plan – plan” or better yet a “God’s plan- plan”. Brian and I decided that where ever we are guided to go, we will go happily. We love our LA, but are open to new destinations and adventures. Brian is interviewing, and I- well I am keeping the family together, adjusting us all to new schedules, and different environments.

We are doing pretty good! Our next step is to process our time that we spent in Honduras. To understand what how it changed our lives, and to feel deep in our souls the transformation that has taken place within (an without-scars to prove it).

That question we hear all the time “so how did you like Honduras? Why did you come back? Are you staying?”

Well, we need to answer those questions ourselves before we can communicate them.

So we are taking some time in the Mountains to snowboard, and rejuvenate, talk, and reflect. Our personal “retreat”.

We will be updating you all soon, and communicating what this has all meant to us 

Our last weeks in Honduras, Christmas, and New Years 2010!!!

The Micah Art Exhibit, Christmas, and Donations to P.O.I.

art students: Micah Boys and Orphange Girls

The Micah Boys and Girls that we had in our art class enjoyed classes and would have continued coming throughout the year. I decided to celebrate their creations by putting up an art exhibit at the Micah house so that they could invite friends and family to see their work. We also had a pinata and I gave them gifts- thanks to those who made donations and helped support us- sketch pads and tools so that they could all continue to create art if they wish. The turn out was great. Monthers and friends came and there were tons of people and activity during the exhibit. Some of the girls even prepared a dance and performed it for us. We closed by praying together and giving hugs. (below: landscape collages, still lives, group paiting- portrait of heaven)

Nicole, Brian’s sister, was able to join us for Christmas in Honduras!

It was amazing to have family with us. She was able to see first hand what we have been doing during our time here, meet people we have become friends with, and see the land and the need. (city bridge, poverty)

We enjoyed our time a tour of Cafe El Indio, a hike La Tigra, the National Park, drive through downtown city, and  had Christmas Eve dinner at our friend Lesley’s home, opened gifts on Christmas, and spent the day in Valle de Angeles, a small art village.

P.O.I. donation day- Church service

We also put together a huge donation of clothes, toletries, baby goods, and toys for a community church at P.O.I. (Point of Impact- Impacto). We atteneded the service and met hthe people wgo have different needs and prayers. At the end of the service the pastor explained that we had a donation for them and anyone in nned could recive something from that donation. We aslo presented two mothers with gifts, and brought the toys into the church nursery. Nicole made a ginger bread house and served it to the people. It was so beautiful to have given to such grateful people. There was such a precence of God and peace in His love during this event. Thank you again to all of you who supported us during our time in Honduras and who helped to make these events of giving possible!

Christmas Day was at our home in Tegus opening gifts from Tita "Santa"! Olivia was a bit over whelmed! But loved all her gifts and became a pro at opening gifts by the end of the day.

Coming Home for the New Year 2010

With much thought, and prayer we as a family have decided to return to LA for tgeh time being. Our stay in Honduras was a short term Ministry and Volunteer opportunity, and we are so happy for the friends and community we have made, the people we were blessed to have influenced, and the honor it was to give and love to those in need.
we were so happy to have a lay over in Miami because we were able to visit my sister Leslie, her hubby Franklin, and their new baby- Nicolas, my Dad, Christina, and sister Melissa, AND my sister Angela who was visiting Florida too! we also were so blessed to be in first class the whole trip from TGU- LA! Totally a gift from God!!!

What we have learned from our time in Honduras is that giving is one of life’s most greatest blessings- it brings things full circle and creates happiness, hope, and extends God’s love.

Life is difficult and for many people, there is a lack of opportunity and loss a of hope. Those are the people who need your hugs, love, smiles, and prayers. If you have ever felt inspired to go in a Missions trip, do Ministry work, or volunteer in a community of need- my message to you is GO. Do not hesitate, because the experience will only be amazing and all involved will be inspired and changed. Even in the smallest way, still- you can make a difference. And if you have been serving- THANK YOU. Gratefulness, peace, and love be yours.

New Years 2010

We are now in LA staying temporarily at the Silverio’s (Brian’s parents) in Cerritos. We do not know where our next home will be. We have learned that home is where your heart is- and for now that is here. There are so many thoughts and words that I wish to share and will do so as I am able to process and understand this transition back to the US. As we celebrated with The Silverios, cousin Joyce, Ron, and baby Scotty- we all cheered and made a toast to welcome 2010, Brian and I realize that we are even more in God’s hands and in His will then ever. Not knowing, praying, and seeing what doors will open is exciting- and scary. We invite you to pray with us, for a beautiful New Year and a bounty of experiences and wonder beyond our imagination.

More to come…