Mi familia
Sisters
Nic & Andrea
Vern & Mom
Mom & Me
Rachel & John
JC & Sharon 
Bride & Groom I realize that I haven't commented on here in awhile, but today is as good a time as any. Amanda is up in Colorado this weekend for her cousin's wedding this past Friday! You should check out her facebook page for pictures with the family - seems like a great place for wedding!
Speaking of places for a wedding, Amanda also went by Hillside Gardens there in Colorado Springs, which is where we got married just shy of 4 years ago! Our anniversary is Wednesday, so I'm trying to come up with a plan for it!
This summer has been busy for me, learning my new job as the Admissions Counselor at Fuller Theological Seminary Southwest. I am really liking it as I get to talk with people who are feeling called by God to enter ministry, further their education or understanding, and truly participate in God's kingdom now. It is very pastoral, and I hope that I can be an encouragement to all those who I've spoken with. After all, the cost and degree of schooling can definitely be intimidating. What is amazing is seeing how much God does provide for people who trust the call that He gives them.
But outside of that, I'm in my last 3 classes which keeps me busy. I'll be ready to be done with school for a little bit even though I know that it will not mean that I read any less (ok - maybe a little less) but rather that I can follow the thoughts and topics that I would like to read rather than "must" read. Amanda and I have both been a bit reinvigorated with reading recently - I think Amanda's list of novels to read is almost as long as mine now!
Amanda's work continues to be very interesting and rewarding, yet challenging. Some of her stories are incredible, particularly in the consistency of the craziness she experiences working in the ICU at night. It is challenging in that she has to process lots of ethical, spritual, and physical challenges while immersed in very emotional experiences of her patients and the patient's families.
Along these lines, a new activity for me that ties in with Amanda's work is that Amanda mentioned to her director about my interest and degree, etc. in particular about the Bioethics committee at the hospital. I don't know exactly how it transpired, but I got an invitation to join this committee as a community member. I think I am going to enjoy this addition to my schedule, even if it is difficult, as I'm sure it will be. I actually really like ethics, and a hospital is one of the places where these discussions come up almost daily!
So the summer goes on - seemingly quickly when I think about how much homework I have to do, but not near fast enough when I think about how hot it is! Phoenix is not the place to be in July and August, when the heat is not a dry heat!
Well, I'll keep this post short - as I wait for Amanda to come home tomorrow! Until then - if you are in the West Valley area of Phoenix, go check out the Restaurant Vogue up in Surprise. It's pretty good stuff - we had dinner with our friend Amber up there last weekend!
