The rain has arrived...

   It seems as though so much can change in a short amount of time, however, that short amount of time can seem like it lasts months. Chau and I have been learning what it means to wait, in all aspects of the word.  We have seen the depth of what it means to live for God and not by the standards of this world, to lean on our community and have hope in things not yet seen. In general, as a person, you want to say that the tough times (where you have no control), are the worst and you would not wish it on anyone. I have come to understand that these tough times are what really makes people learn what it means to be real, to learn, to grow in compassion and empathy. When God calls us to live life with others, where we cry, laugh, experience joy and pain, I believe without experiencing the depth of these emotions, we cannot authentically unite with our brothers and sisters with the same perspective.   
     I know that Chau and I individually have grown up differently, with different life experiences, however, going through a major life change together, where it calls us to fully trust in God and his timing, helps us to grow both individually and as one. I have learned so much from him and his life growing up, which has began to open up my perspective to better empathize with his emotions and way of living (I would not have had this experience with out these tough times of waiting). I have also seen how community has helped me in my greatest time of need, feeling now somewhat isolated from my friends and family at home and going through yet another year with out my dad.
   All of this waiting has felt like a rain storm where things seem to continually fall, with out a way to stop it, but trusting in God's promises and to know that the rain will subside and at the end a beautiful rainbow, along with the endless variety of living things (including us) that have benefited from the much needed rain. With out rain (provided by God) life would suffer, (life dependent on Gods provision). Without the tough times, we would not realize the depth of how we need and depend on God and his perfect timing. Overall, we feel blessed and see God's hand in each chapter, each moment of uncertainty and are grateful for all of your support and prayers. God is using you in our lives in great ways!

picture taken 5/24/13

~More soon to come...

Settling in...

    Last week was a full week full of fun and new beginnings. On my birthday, Chau surprised me with dinner in downtown Portland, at Deschutes Brewery (below) where my cousin Carrie, her fiancé Andrew, their friend Mike and my friends Quint and Dacia were waiting to celebrate with me. I had no idea, but loved that they all drove out to spend time wishing me a happy birthday! It was nice to have a group up here (which I was not thinking would be happening on a weeknight, and for the amount of time we have been here) for this year's birthday. I definitely felt special:).

      Since my birthday I have worked everyday. The people I work with have been super nice and have welcomed me. I enjoy working again and I have to say that I feel that Chau (Bella) and I are settling in well. We still have our challenges, but for the most part we are learning more than ever, that the important things in life are worth the challenge. Also, by going through the tough times, the value of what we are working hard for becomes priceless due to the lessons, bonding and faith that is caused by the hard times.

Birthday Week!

   I  am going to try to update this blog more often, it has been a bit mundane with out working...but as of last week, I was offered two different jobs, one with Beaverton School District, as a substitute and one at Starbucks. I have officially started to work in Oregon as of today! God is good and faithful. This week is also my birthday and I have been enjoying the sunny spring weather with cool breezes and long sunshiny days!
   This past weekend Chau and I took Bella to Seaside Beach (about an hour and a half away), where we ended up taking Bella to the water and she LOVED it! Luckily we found a retractible leash on sale a few days before our trip because she took off toward the water like she was returning home. I never knew how much joy that could bring me. She took to it well and started jumping over the waves coming at her, and then would bite at it deeper and deeper until the leash slack ran out. Here is a picture...

    We had such a great day, and Bella definitely found her favorite place. Later on we checked out a couple other places and went to meet up with some friends at another beach about 10 minutes away to have dinner and let Bella run into the ocean once again. We had a blast and really enjoyed adventuring around on the coast. Sunday was a day of relaxing, the weather was amazing again, and we ended up doing nothing. Bella, after her water escapades, was beat and would not even get up to go on a walk. Don't worry, she has fully recovered. 

     I look forward to this week, yesterday it was 86 degrees... and it doesn't look like it will cool down any time soon (I thought we moved to a cooler/ rainy climate). Today I have off to enjoy my birthday and then continue on with working up here and feeling like things are headed back to normal. I feel good about life and am looking forward to what is to come! Please feel free to comment or ask questions, as I continue to update more often, I would like to hear from all of you!