We made it!

We made it to Israel last night and could hardly believe our Day 2 was already over! Our time here is going so fast! Our travel went very smooth in comparison to Wes's experience last May. We did have a little trouble getting through passport control once we arrived in Tel Aviv. It involved security and interrogation but I will spare the details so my parents don't start too worry any more than they already are! HA!

We started traveling this morning after a good nights sleep in a very nice hotel! Our first stop was Beer Shava were we saw an ancient well, an exact replica of a horned altar (where the everyday unbroken sacrifices were performed), the ruins of a city gate, and walked through a cistern that dated back to 586 B.C. We had 3 other stops: Arad (Numbers 21), an area of the wilderness of Zen (Numbers 20), and Av Dat, where we saw a Nabatean temple and church plaza.

Today's highlight for me had to be walking through the wilderness of Zen. While we were there we climbed to the top of a cliff. It was so beautiful. We took lots of pictures and will post many of them when we can. We love you guys!

On our way to the Holy Land!

The long awaited trip to Israel has finally arrived! Thank you for your prayers and support that have helped us get to this point! We are so blessed to have family and friends that love us like you do!

We are currently waiting for our flight at DFW. So far, everything is going smoothly...except that our flight has been delayed about 30 minutes, which could cause some excitement with our connecting flight. It is comforting to know that God is always in control.

This is the first of many Israel posts. So, stay tuned!

Van Buren's Christmas Light Show

Merry Christmas in Rector

This is our first ever family photo!
Jonnie (Ashley's husband), Ashley (Wes's sister), Erica (Wes's younger sister),Wes, Me, Ron (Vickie's huband), Vickie (Wes's mom)


The newest addition to the family: our cousin, Nicolas Wesley


All of Peggy's GrandGIRLS

The Nutcracker with no distractions!

Sunday night, we went to see the Nutcracker ballet at Bass Hall with our friends Karen and Jonathan! Karen and I were so excited to get to go! I think the boys even enjoyed themselves, although they would never admit to it!

Soon this will be US!

Wes had the opportunity to tour Israel with the seminary this past summer. I am excited that I get to go with him this time. We leave December 28 to tour the Holy Land! 11 days and counting!

3 Years!

Although we couldn't "celebrate" our anniversary on Tuesday due to writing papers and studying for exams, Wes surprised me by sending a beautiful topiary of daisies to work! It wasn't until last night that we finally had the opportunity to officially celebrate. We went to our favorite sushi restaurant and even ordered appetizers! 3 years down, many more to go!

Making Memories

As many of you know, Wes and I do not have the best history when it comes to taking trips. We have had several unfortunate occurances involving wild pigs, semi trucks, bad weather, shut down interstates, and now adding to our list...trains! This weekend, Tony and Candice came to visit. We thought it would be fun to take the TRE train to Dallas for the day. While in Dallas, we had a great time eating, shopping, and sightseeing. And then we decided to head back to Fort Worth... After a 2 hour delay on the tracks, due to a freight train hitting a stalled car, a seminary friend rescued us and drove us home. Thank the Lord for protection, good friends, and making memories!

It's hot!

After an afternoon of running errands with the heat index over 100 degrees, I was eager to return to the comfort of my air conditioned home. Once I was home, I noticed it was a little warmer than usual. Crediting it to the rising temperature outside, I just knocked the thermostat down a couple notches and went about my business. When sweat started beading up on my forehead, I decided to check the thermostat once more. 85 degrees! I turned the thermostat down to a insanely low degree and listened for the air to kick on...Silence.
Thankfully, it never got hotter than 90 degrees in our home before the seminary security came to our rescue. Today, we have been reminded of a blessing we daily take for granted. Thank the Lord for air conditioning!

Friends and Farewells

Living at seminary, we have the wonderful opportunity to meet and serve with Christians from all over the world. We have grown to cherish the friendships we make in seminary not knowing when God will call them to leave and minister in other places.

Our wonderful neighbors, Katy and Joey, have followed the Lord's call and moved to Lake Worth to begin an apartment ministry. We are already missing our friends but know that God is moving in their lives and in the lives of their new neighbors.