Applying for AIM Air

We recently started the application process to become long-term missionaries with African Inland Mission. AIM has a specific aviation division based in Nairobi, Kenya and they are constantly in need of pilots and mechanics. John actually worked with AIM Air for 6 months in 2006-2007 and had a really positive experience with the organization. The application process for long-term missionaries is long, but we are excited to be taking these first steps of eventually serving in Africa.

10 days, 8 states, 2 countries, 2 national parks, 2 sets of grandparents and lots of driving

We recently returned from a delightful 10 days of Spring Break. One of the wonderful things about working at schools is that we still get a spring break. Wanting to see some sunshine, spend time outdoors and see grandparents, we set out on our road trip. Our first night we spent with my mother's parents. The next morning we got up early and drove to Southern Utah where we spend the night at Bryce Canyon. However at over 8,000 ft, Bryce was not exactly offering the southwest weather for which we were looking. It was snowing and 15 degrees that night. Needless to say, both John and I have decided that snow camping is not for us!


This is John at our campsite. The wind was so strong we had to hang up the rain fly of another tent to shelter our fire from the wind. Thankfully, the next day was beautiful and the hike down into the canyon was amazing.


After a few hours of driving south we reached Zion National Park. Pictures don't do justice to this majestic place. After driving through the canyon, it is evident why it was named Zion. We loved hiking there and even hiked up the narrow ridge of aptly-named Angel's Descent.

The Mother Omelet

Not that this omelet has spawned baby omelets, but the name seemed fitting because it reminds of a mother ship....big and round (at least before was folded over). Actually, this particular omelet fed both John and I for breakfast. Here is what is in it: tomatoes, avocado, mushrooms, chicken sundried tomato & provolone sausage, grilled onions, red peppers, and a sprinkling of Tillamok medium chedder cheese. Mmmmm. I am so thankful to God for yummy food, the tastebuds to enjoy it and a delightful husband who likes to share it with me.

Valentines Day and Benjamin Button

For Valentines Day, John and I went to a before noon $5 movie at the AMC downtown. Prior to our cheap cinema date we had intended to get coffee and French pastries from Madaline's. (For those who are strangers to Madeline's, they have spectacular croissants and they pull great shots.) Unfortunately, it beeing Valentines Day, the place was packed and we had to settle for Starbucks. Coffee ok, pasteries sub par.

At 11:05 we settled into our seats. Little did I know, I would be using my sleeve as a Kleenex for the next 160 minutes. The film has a Forest Gump-esk feel to it, following the life of a unique man, from his birth to his death. After the film, I couldn't quite place what made the film so sad, and yet satisfying all at once. His "condition" of being born old and growing younger as the years pass seem to bring so much pain and saddness into his life. At least that is how it appears on the surface- hopeless. However, upon further reflection, it is clear to the honest viewer that life is no different for any of us. We grow up and live our lives in a world where people die, hearts are broken, and some of the most deirable things are left wanting or fade with progression of time. As I continue to think on it, I am all the more convinced that Benjamin Button's curious case is not what made his life lamentable, but because life just is lamentable. There are so many things that are broken or lacking in our individual lives, in relationships, in our communities and on it goes. I am reminded of C.S. Lewis' perspective on Heaven, when he muses that if we crave something better than what this life offers (unending happiness and true love), and if we have that desire outside of ever expereincing it on this earth, then clearly we must be made to experience it at some point. I am eager for Heaven, but thankful that this journey here makes me all the more aware of how much I want that place of peace.

Miniature Edible Holiday Architecture

I am aware that it is the middle of February, and as such Christmas is long past, however, I could not resist the temptation to post these photos. Over the holidays we had a bit of a Gingerbread decorating contest with John's mom and sister. We each had a kit that provided us with a basic structure, but the rest of the creating was left to us. It turned out to be way more fun than any of us were expecting. This was definitely a tradition in the making. If you can't tell from the pictures, ours is an African hut (karibu means welcome in Swahili) and John's mom and Rachel's is a log cabin.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Over the past few days, we have gotten 2 feet of snow! It has been incredible. Spokane came to a complete standstill. Two days ago, it took us almost 2 hours just to get from the freeway to our house (normally a 3 minute drive). They were not letting anyone drive up the hill without chains. So, we pulled under a overpass where it was dry, and started to put on chains. While do this, we met Shad. Shad is homeless and has one leg. He asked to borrow a marker to create a sign on a piece of cardboard. He reads Plato, has lived in China and lost his leg during a climbing accident in Yosemite. A very interesting character. We enjoyed getting to know him, and perhaps will run into him again as he is homeless, and we live within a few blocks of downtown. We were finally able to get chains on, and the police let us drive up the hill while hundreds of other cars sat around us in gridlock. Then, yesterday we woke up to a foot and a half of snow. Of course school has been canceled, but we were shocked to discover that almost every store in the mall was also closed (6 days before Christmas!). The time of being snowed in has been an unexpected blessing. We got to spend extra time with my sister, to get some cleaning done around the house and get an early start on Christmas break. And...it is so beatiful. (Though I'm sure John might have a differnent opinion having spent almost 3 hours digging out our cars!

Fleeting colors

By this point the trees outside my window are all naked. Their leaves are gone, but it was only a few weeks ago that vibrant colors painted the sidewalks of our neighborhood. What a joyous eye-feast and blessing it is to live in a neighborhood where the streets are lined with ancient oaks and maples. We are also thankful that our friends Dan and Heather Milligan live only 6 blocks away!