So, staying consistent in posting regularly has proven to be fairly difficult, but I guess inconsistent is better than nothing, so we press on. Much has happened since our last post. We had a big scare a few weeks back with Ashley's hep C. The virus count got rather high, and the doctors were concerned. It looked like the only option would be to go through a treatment that would mean nausia, aching, sleeplessness, irritabuility, depression, and the like...for a solid year. A a liver biopsy was done to confirm, but the results were not what was expected. Her liver is in perfect condition! No scarring, no inflamation, no damage of any kind whatsoever! After 26 years of having the virus, and with a count seemingly dangerously high, her liver still looks as if there was no infection at all! Praise God is all I can say!

From the joy of family visits to hardship work struggles. From culinary successes to automotive falilures. This has been a crazy time for both of us, with all the good and the bad wrapped up together in the ubsurd and unpredictable adventure that has been our life together so far. We wouldn't have it any other way! (Well...we would have it in Florida if we could, but what can you do, eh?)

So Luke and I decided we needed to start working out; this seemed like it should be simple enough to do, since there was exercise equipment in the dorms.  I was looking forward to starting on a regular exercise routine, it’s been a while lol.  So after visiting the dorm’s workout room for the first time a few days ago, I quickly realized why hardly anyone uses it.  The treadmill works, but we were told sometimes the gears stick and it just stops, while the person doesn’t lol.  So that didn’t seem like a wise or safe choice; the exercise bike works, sort of, but is so old (even an older model than nana’s bike) that it sticks too, causing the set resistance level to not really matter.  So basically all I had left to use was the elliptical, which is probably my least favorite of machines lol.  And even that, makes so much creaking when I’m on it I’m a little worried.  I think we’ll go there for now, but our new plan is to look for a treadmill or bike on craigslist or a thrift store.  We can turn the basement in to a workout room with actual working equipment.  At least that’s the plan, we’ll see how it turns out.

Ashley

So, our next door neighbors are moving. heading off to do mission work in Eastern Europe. Seems like a lot of people are headed that way these days. Among them, also, is one of my best friends who will be spending 2 years as a missionary to the Ukrain. Maybe it's like this for a lot of regions. Maybe I notice eastern europe bescause I happen to know quite a few people who are going there. I don't know, but it seems like God is moving there. Like he is specifically calling people to there to meet some need, perhaps that only He knows is there, or is about to be there. All I can say with certainty is, be praying for these faithful men and wemon who are giving up everything to go do God's will, and for the people they are going to reach, that the Holy Spirit would make ready their hearts for the message that they are going to hear.

I guess the sacrifice they are making really hit home today when my neighbors opened up their apartment to the seminary, talling people to take what ever they needed or knew someone who might need. Furniture, apliances, kitchenware, even food were up for grabs, as their apartment slowly become empty as the day went on. They wouldn't be needing any of those things anymore. How little they could take with them. They would be starting completely over in a strange land, learning a new language and reaching out ot people whom they may have no common ground at all to build on. It struck me.

On a lighter note, they gave me their char-coal grill. I am eager to barbecue again when the weather decides to allow. It has been too long since the wonderful days at the Island, firing up Prof. Ryan's grill, usually with fallen branches from the oak tree rather than char coal, and cooking up every kind of meat and vegtable we could get our hands on. (Those smoked turkey backs were incredible. My kabobs still needed a lot of work) Ah, those were simpler days. Good times!

Well, I guess I should also mention that we are losing our interent connection, so these posts may slow down a tad, which stinks. I was enjoying getting back into this. Well, hope all is well. I will talk to you all again soon.

Luke