Trying to catch up!

To faithful followers, I apologize!  I was not able to get a connection in S. Africa that permitted me to blog, and I have been trying to get caught up with emails and housework, and kids etc. since being home.  We are only home for a week, and we leave Monday for Ecuador.  I had hoped to have blogged out all my adventures and pictures from both S. Africa and Paris by now.  Alas, it is taking some time.  Please know that they will be coming.  I know that it is not a great way to keep momentum in a blog to go "black" for a period of time.  Hoping the few posts I have been able to put up, will keep you engaged and curious!  Thank you for your patience.  It has been a very busy season of travel, and I have found that I am not bouncing back from jet lag so quickly.  So have needed more rest than I usually do. 

Going Back to December and Graduation! "I'm Done!"

Celebrating Graduation at sunset on the Beach!

 My mom and dad in law and my dad at Baccalaureate celebrating the completion of my Masters in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from Talbot School of Theology.  It meant so much to have them with us to celebrate.  Their prayers have been an important support to me through these 2 1/2 years.

 Dr. Robert Saucy was one of my professors in my last semester.  It was an honor to be taught by this wise, godly gentleman.  He taught Ron Cline and Jim Allen (just a few years before me!) :) I will always remember his kind and honoring teaching on the role of women in ministry, and his profound respect for his colleague Dr. Judy TenElshof.  They modeled for us what it could be and should be!

 Dr. TenElshof and I--this woman of God was one of my professors who went way above and beyond to pour into me.  She is a role model, friend, and woman who inspires me to be all God made me to be without fear or trembling!  She has been and is a significant influence and shaper of my life in Christ.

 My lovely, lovely daughters.  They were so delighted and excited about my milestone!  It really warmed my heart to see their love and excitement. 

 Austin, even though it was the night before Greek final exam, came out to support me and celebrate me.  This was so meaningful.

With Logan the day of Graduation!

 With Phil!  The wind beneath my wings, my main supporter, cheerleader and encourager. He believed I could do it when I wasn't sure at all!  Thank you Phil!  I love you.

 Dr. TenElshof and I in full garb!  She "hooded" me, placing my colors around my neck. 

 Phil surprised me, flying both my Dad and Stephen, my brother in for the big event!  This is me with my brother.  I am so grateful that he was able to be here with my Dad.  Thanks for coming Stephen.

With my dear friend Stephanie!  I couldn't have made it without you!

 Gina!  It was so special to have you and your family with us that day!  Gina and I tackled going back to school, leaving Ecuador, and transitioning to the States at the same time! 

 Austin, me, Logan and Sammie!  They all took time off work, and came for graduation.  This was so great.  I felt loved, supported and celebrated. 

 My fellow grads from our ISF program.  Part of the fun of a December graduation was it was much smaller and more intimate!

 Berry and I!  This young lady has been an important part of my journey, speaking such wise and truthful words into my soul.  I felt sometimes like she could see underneath my skin, and into my soul in a supernatural way.  She is training to be a therapist, and I know she will make such a great one, she already has so much God-given insight and understanding and compassion.
Somehow, I can't find a picture of Wendy--my roomie from college and best friend over many many years.  She too came down and celebrated with us, and I am bummed I have no picture.  So if any of you in my family see this, and look through your stuff and have a picture of Wendy, please send it to me.  I have a few holes in my pics.  Thank you Natalie and Phil for sharing with me.  I also saw good pictures of our whole gang somewhere and couldn't find them on my computer.  So probably saw them on someone else's phone. 
Thank you to each of you who prayed me through this journey.  I actually am through the formal schooling, but in many ways feel the journey is just begun.  Keep praying please.  Thank you to those of you who came and celebrated with us, with me.  It meant so, so much to me to have you there. 
Many of you sacrificed work, and being away from home at a very busy time of year.  I deeply appreciated it.

Touching Down: Just to whet your appetite

 My new friend!  Mignon!  What a sweetheart she is!  She will be in California this summer!

 Little Azalea!  Such beautiful children. 

 With my sweetie overlooking the ocean at the southern most part of Africa.

 The men! 

 Hippos chillin' in the water! 

 Penguins! 

 Paris!!!! Eiffel Tower.  My head kept spinning.

 Arc de Triomphe in the snow!  How fun is this!  We walked all day in pounding snow!  Beautiful.

I haven't blogged since end of February.  I couldn't get online.  So, just wanted to send out a quick little taste, more soon!