a moz reunion

This coming July will mark a year since Brian & I stepped in faith as leaders for this group. Mozambique continues to be a huge blessing in our lives, and we are so happy these these girls think so too. Every time we've gone to this place, we are changed for the better. Seeing how these girls have grown just even this past year has encouraged us to know that we serve an amazing God and He continues to work in our lives after Mozambique.

Truthfully, this trip has been the hardest that Brian & I ever faced. And there were times even coming home from the trip that we wrestled with bitterness and burdens in our heart. However, these girls continue to remind us of the journey we took almost a year ago, and how God continues to move us in ways that draw us near to Him.

We're so blessed to have led this team of prayer warriors and that they continue to play an important part in our lives.

Sometimes when I laugh, I fall down.

Our Liz/Awkward face

april already?

Lately life has been passing by quickly. When my head is constantly buried in busyness, and I barely have time to look up to just catch a breather, I realize that we're in April already. Where has time gone? And what have I been doing in the midst of the busyness? 

I regret not visiting this place more than I should. My goal is to still fill this place with thoughts, pictures, and stories from people ... and as much as I try to come up with excuses reasons of why I don't write, I realize that I just need to do it. 

As I gather up the energy and stamina to jot down ideas for future posts, here are some snapshots of earlier this year:

I turned 26 in January (gulp). Does that mean I'm still in my mid-twenties?
#quarterlifecrisis

The hubs and I have been on a hiking kick this year
 (well, at least the beginning of the year). 

Had a reunion with these lovely girls in one of my favorite cities in California.
San Fran, you have my heart.

Krochet Kids had an amazing warehouse sale last month
... and naturally, I had to go. Loving my new finds
(especially my purse!).

Miriã and I ventured to DTLA for a mother-daughter date and discovered Urth Caffe.
Let'st just say this place didn't disappoint.

My hubs (the tall one) turned 30!!! I took him to The Bruery, where he was surprised  by his college buddies.
What's better than tasting beers with your boys on your birthday, right? 

peter rabbit

My friend, Liz, asked me to help out with her baby shower last November.

It was a lot of fun putting it together, but it was definitely a lot of work. Luckily I was smart enough to start researching and gathering stuff in the summer. But since I suffer from a disease known as "perfectionism," I had to make sure everything looked right, even if it meant staying up really late the week before the shower.

I've always admired the jobs of event planners, and always thought if I would like that job or not. In the past, I've helped with friends and family members put on parties; my forte was decorations (I'm still working on food ... thank you Pinterest!). I've always enjoyed just helping out with that; but this time I was given the bigger duty of taking care of ALL DECOR.

Despite the amount of work that went into it (and money), I really enjoyed planning some of the shower alongside her mom, Maria, and my good friend Megan. Perhaps I'll do more event planning in the future...

Here are some pictures from that day.

Her baby shower is also featured in Mingle.

my saturday mornings look like this.

Most people have the privilege to sleep in on Saturday mornings.

Not me.

It's soccer season for my hubby.

 

There's always blood

He absolutely loves soccer. Even more than his UCLA Bruins (whoa).

Before we dated, I was never interested in soccer. When I was younger, I'd flip through the channels on tv and always stumbled soccer games on espn, telemundo, or whatever. Even though it was for a few seconds, I was easily bored at watching both teams pass the ball to one another.

When Brian & I were dating, he'd told me how he loved soccer and would start naming players, both international and national, that I had no clue of. When February came around in our dating relationship, I learned he played soccer for a church league. As a good girlfriend, I went to watch his games showing my support (even though 3/4 of the time I had no clue except to scream and shout when our team mad a GOALLLLLLLLLL!). During this same season, we would go/watch L.A. Galaxy soccer games where I learned a lot of the technical terms, how the game really works, and the names of the players. This has gone on for four years, and I'm proud to say I'm a soccer fan!

Krystle & I aka Soccer Moms

Another plus side of going to these games are these two cuties:

a simple love story

Started in 4th grade. A boy and a girl. An innocent crush.  

For Ashley & Drew, it was the beginning of their story. I had the opportunity to witness my dear friend Ashley say "I do" to Drew. The ceremony was simply beautiful. Ashley, of course, was absolutely stunning walking down the aisle.The bridal party was filled with energy. Drew smiled proudly as he stood side-by-side & hand-in-hand with his wife. And the couple was surrounded by the love and support of their family and friends.

The day was beautiful. It was just right. It truly captured Ashley & Drew's personalities and love for one another. The day can be best summed up by Ashley's sister, Shayna. As she raised her glass smiling ever so wide to her sister and new brother, she said, "Some call it destiny. Others call it faith. I call it God's will."

portland discoveries

This past weekend was filled with friendship rekindling, venturing in fields & streets of color, and eye-opening conversations of life.

I ventured to the northwest, mainly Portland area Friday evening to spend some much needed quality time with a dear friend of mine before she headed off in her next endeavor. I came into the trip with some expectations of my own, but also with an abundant amount of room for whatever came our way. But the trip ended up being more than that. It reminded us of why we became such good friends and continue to be strong sisters. It reminded us of who we were before and how much faith it took to get us to where we are now in our lives. And more importantly, it reminded us of God's faithfulness.

 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV