An American Summer

(Carmel, CA- such a rough place.. ;))

It all started in California in June... Our family came back to the States for a bit of a mini sabbatical. We realized we needed some extra rest this summer and so we worked on that (Wallis family style). We ended up traveling a lot at the end which started to wear on us, but looking back at our summer I'm amazed at all the wonderful experiences we had and all the amazing people we were able to spend time with. It was definitely a summer to push into relationships more, enjoy some of our people, and have some adventures.

From weddings, to outdoor adventures, to family vacations, we made some awesome memories that we are so grateful for. Thank you to everyone who blessed us this summer, prayed for us, and just loved us! We are feeling more refreshed now entering this next year. One of the best things we took to heart this summer was actually something we heard at the Anchor Church in Gilroy our last Sunday in town.

Our pastor described how "John Ortberg asked Dallas Willard what was the one thing Willard could recommend that would bring new energy to Ortberg’s spiritual life. Ortberg says that Willard’s reply was “shocking in its simplicity.” Dallas Willard looked him in the eye and said, “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life, for hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our world today.” (Dallas Willard Center for Spiritual Formation).

That is something we are really striving for as we enter this next year of ministry. We are slowing down a bit, focusing on family and relationships, and just trying to simplify our schedules some more. We are super bad at that so please pray for us! Our job by nature has us traveling a lot and our days can feel very full. We can feel a change already though (back in Thailand for 2 weeks already) and we hope that the peace it is bringing us will last! It is hard to say no to things- especially good things, but we've realized that we need to make some changes over here. We are in a season of trusting God for His plan for us this next year and asking for more grace as we struggle to answer His call.

CALIFORNIA

Grammie and Grandpa Greg hiking in Carmel.

Hiking with great friends in Morgan Hill, CA

Laurelyn and Mark in Henry Co

Visiting Gia and Papa in Brentwood, CA

Enjoying Lake Wildwood

OREGON

Meeting Cousin Frankie for the first time!!!

Adam and his dad, Pete, on a 3 day backpacking trip near Sisters, OR

Enjoying sweet time with cousins Kaiya and Melia

Grandma Jo and Eden

Adam after finishing half marathon trail run and Aimee 6.5 mile race

Eden baking for the first time with Auntie Kosh

Conquering Misery Ridge at Smith Rock State Park with my Mom. #soproud

COLORADO

Enjoying Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs with Nan and Wallis family

WASHINGTON

Hiked Pinnacle Peak in Ranier Park and went glissading for the first time with Eubanks and friends.

Visiting Great-Grandparents and Uncle Greg in Tacoma and attending my cousin Grace's wedding in Bellingham, Wa.

What wonderful hosts we had and what wonderful friends and family who took such good care of us, spoiled us, and sent us back to Thailand more refreshed. We love you!

A+A+E

PS if your photo isn't here we couldn't seem to find a bunch of them so sorry about that!!! We love you anyway!!