Category Archives: General

One Week

July 17, 2010 by Katie

In one week, I’ll be fully immersed in the Russian culture and probably wishing I would’ve taken the time to learn the language more (or at all). Thankfully, there will be a translator and I’m traveling with others who have been there and seemingly know where we’re going and how to get there. I’ve been forewarned that it’s not like in Europe, where directions and signage are frequently in English. In Russia, it’s Russian. And that’s it.

Большой. (which means ‘great’. Although I have no idea how to pronounce that.)

Those 7 years of Spanish won’t help me any this time.

And I’m okay with that. These 2 weeks in the heart of Russia will be my time to disconnect and be 100% in the moment. I’ll kiss my phone and email goodbye until I return back home.

This trip has taken on a whole new meaning for me following a series of unfortunate events we endured this past week and I’m even more uncertain about how I’ll handle such a long period of time away from my loving husband and contact with family. But I’m anticipating this being the most awesome time with God and those children who I’ll come to love so much. So how can I not look forward to that?!

That’s all to say, I can really use your prayers even more now than I thought I needed them before.

And for Todd also, two weeks of bachelorhood can be tough. :)

And if you would still like to make a monetary donation to help us out, you make a secure one through PayPal here:

  
  
I should probably start packing soon.
  
  

Also posted in Travel – 2 Comments

It Will Be Awesome

July 8, 2010 by Katie

I mentioned several weeks (months?) ago that I will be taking a big trip this summer. ‘Big’ is kind of an understatement. In two weeks, I leave for Russia.

yeah, Russia.

And no, Todd will not be traveling with me, but I’m certainly not going alone. I will be traveling with 6 other people from our church to Dyatkovo, Russia to help at a children’s camp. Not just any children’s camp, but a former Communist camp that is now operated by Christians. An exciting opportunity for everyone involved, and I feel blessed that God called me to be a part of this.

I know 3 words in Russian:
да (Dah) – Yes
HeT (nyet) – No
спасибо (cpa cee ba) – Thank you
Oh, and the sound they make to describe a cat. But I can’t spell that one out for you.

Should be interesting, that’s for sure.  God will be with us too, so despite my anxiety and fears of what lies ahead, I know it will all be okay.

Here’s where I ask you for your help. I’m asking for donations, if you feel compelled to give, please do so. We still need money for travel expenses and sending the Russian kids to camp.  Many of them can’t afford the daily fee, and we want to give them this wonderful opportunity.  Whatever you can give will be so very much appreciated.

But more than anything, I really want your prayers. Prayers for a safe trip, prayers that we can connect with these kids and teach them about God in ways that they can come to know him. Prayers that we can just make some kind of positive impact on their lives.

It will be awesome. Of this, I am sure.

спасибо! (Thank you!)

You can make a secure donation through PayPal here:


Also posted in Travel – 1 Comment

Twenty Eight

June 7, 2010 by Katie

Wow.

28 years ago today I was born, making my mom & dad super happy to have a sweet little girl to balance out the craziness that is my brother (they’ve never said those words exactly, but I’m pretty sure that’s how they felt/feel).

Where has the time gone?

Katie Elizabeth – 1 year old

I have a couple things to say about my glamour shot:

1. I was pretty cute and chubby. And slightly red-headed, thanks to my grandma Leola passing those genes on down to us.

2. Dearest mommy, maybe you could’ve taken a comb or something to the photographer? What in the world is going on there with my hair and how come nobody fixed the baby bedhead look I was rockin’?!

Gonna party like it’s my birthday…..and by that, I mean I will be working all day and then enjoying a quiet evening at home devouring a red velvet cake Todd is supposedly making me.

Also posted in Pictures – 5 Comments

mommy dearest

May 8, 2010 by Katie

Happy Mother’s Day to two very special women who have guided, encouraged, and loved us unconditionally.

We love you.

And Happy Mother’s Day to all our mommy and mommy-to-be friends, you women amaze me.

1 Comment

Spring Whirlwind

May 4, 2010 by Katie

The past month has been full of concerts, shows, dinner parties, work, meetings, church, run here run there, go go go….

Our First Seattle Sounders Game

I don’t even know much about soccer futbol, but the atmosphere was electric and we had lots of fun. I can’t wait to go to another game soon (preferably on a warmer night).

We hosted a housewarming party and introduced our new home to our friends.  There were some who we haven’t seen in awhile, many who we see quite often, and our awesome realtor—Ray.

There were date night highlights of a John Mayer concert and laughing ridiculously at Conan O’Brien on his comedy tour stop in Seattle (with a surprise performance from Pearl Jam).  It was magnificent.

When Todd was involved as a Young Life leader back in Kansas City, he became close to several of the high school students in the group.  One of them, Eric, will be interning in Seattle this summer so we had him over for dinner when he was in the area recently for some pre-internship prep.

Spring is (almost) here! The yard is colorful and foliage-filled, but the warmth has yet to arrive.

Stig & Guster are growing everyday, their kitten-ish features slowly fading into looking like adults.  Don’t be fooled by their looks though, they’re still extremely active and playful.  Even crazy, at times.  It just so happens they’re most wild & rambunctious when we’re trying to sleep.

With all that’s going on, I don’t foresee things slowing down anytime soon.  We have several events & travels coming up soon, with one BIG trip for me this summer. Can’t wait to tell you more about that later.

But for now, we hope you’re enjoying spring wherever you are.  Remember to take a moment to stop and smell the lilacs—I think those purple wonders are God’s most perfect perfume.

Also posted in Fun – 0 Comments
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