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there are those moments of triumph as a mother. moments when the calm of just being together rises above the fussiness and colds and grumpiness. this was one of those moments. it was so fun to have asher sit with me; to have him bang on the electric teapot with a wooden spoon; to have him sit quietly and try to 
put the bottle pieces together; to have him near me, just content with that. it makes me think of jenny, and her moment. these are the moments worth savoring.
i have been learning through a series of events and thought processes that i need to use my voice. not just for speaking, but for speaking out. it is important. this documentary, call & response, is a feature length film documenting the human trafficking that is going on ALL over our world. staggering statistics like "slave trade within the past year has made more money than nike or google combined," or "there are more slaves today than any other time in history" are what this film is all about. i am speaking out. take a look at their website (click here). and, then, if you find it as compelling as i do, go see it.
this was one of those weekends you cherish - slow restful days filled with not much schedule and lots of rest. we had lots of time to just be together and enjoy our now well, and happy, little boy. today asher made great progress in walking, and for most of the day, taking steps was his preferred mode of travel. still lots of up and down, but he is determined. i just LOVE watching him toddle. here is a little taste for you, too.
and, because i love his excitement in this one (although short and poorly shot).
casey and i have been married for five years. for five years, a passion for missions, other cultures and a desire to get involved on a daily basis has pursued our hearts, sometimes with direction, and sometimes with just longing. after several closed doors and much much prayer, God has truly opened up his best for us. we are now officially staff of lahash international, a grassroots organization based out of portland that works with east african partners.
a bit of the story. dan, the director of lahash, went to jbu with us in arkansas (the connection). dan grew up in kenya as a missionary kid, and after college returned "home" and established several relationships on that trip. out of that birthed lahash - partnership with east africans in order to raise awareness for those they serve and provide opportunity for others to get involved. casey knew of opportunities to volunteer with lahash, but it was right before asher was born, and our attentions were focused elsewhere. after several months of parenting, casey pursued the opportunity to volunteer (the timing), which evolved into several conversations about more significant involvement, which leads us to where we are today. as we look at lahash and their mission and desires, and align those with our mission and desires,we see significant similarities, as well as ways for us to help and grow each other. wala!
in the eloquent words of my husband, "It is exciting to see that God is actualizing years of desire and prayer. It is humbling to see the hand of our Father working so intimately and specifically in our family. To see how He fits things together in His time and for His glory. We now get to focus our energy into one direction. It's funny how having your energy 'confined' can be freeing at the same time. We are excited for this new stage and for how God will challenge and mature us and those we get to be in relationship with."
so, thanks. thanks to all who have literally journeyed with us through this process. who have offered widsom and encouragement. who have witnessed our desires and held them dear. who have celebrated with us. we are grateful.
* if you want to hear more of the story, or are interested in future involvement, feel free to email me your address.
asher officially stepped into the world of toddlers on wednesday when he decided to start walking. auntie annie witnessed his first steps, even before daddy came home. unfortunately, a bad cold and then an unfortunate ear infection has put a damper on his desire to be mobile (hence the lacking in pictures or videos). however, he is IN LOVE with his new truck from nannie and papa and pushes it around constantly. i love to be in another room and hear him riccoche off the walls as he moves to the part of the house i am in. thank you so much, mom and dad! during the nice days, it has absolutely saved our afternoons. so, until we capture the steps on video, here is asher pushing his new favorite toy. yea for sunshine today and loads of vitamin D for a sick boy!
not necessarily a success this year, picture wise. but i never get tired of hearing asher say "pu," arm and finger extended in the direction of any fall crop - pumpkin, squash, gourd,etc., or "tra" as the tractor circles the field during the hayride.
our "fall" has been lovely, and late. i am so thankful for these days of clear, blue and crispness. they make the rains soon to come easier to bear. 
there are those moments of triumph as a mother. moments when the calm of just being together rises above the fussiness and colds and grumpiness. this was one of those moments. it was so fun to have asher sit with me; to have him bang on the electric teapot with a wooden spoon; to have him sit quietly and try to 
put the bottle pieces together; to have him near me, just content with that. it makes me think of jenny, and her moment. these are the moments worth savoring.
