Where did the time go?

It seems like only yesterday Andrew and I were driving out of our beloved Fayetteville into the "great unknown" of Stafford, VA. And today Andrew and I celebrate one month of living in Stafford, Virginia. While we are still getting use to the lay of the land, we both feel more at ease and more at home. We are constantly finding things that we love around here. Last week we came across one of the Fredericksburg Farmers Markets in downtown Fredericksburg. There are also lots of fun, quirky stores, restaurants, and coffee shops in downtown that we are excited to visit! I have a feeling lots of date nights will be spent strolling along the parks and streets of downtown Fredericksburg! :)

God has been so faithful throughout this first month in providing Andrew and I with men and women to get to know and develop friendships with. We are both anxiously looking forward to what the Lord makes of these new bonds and ties of friendship!

Andrew is doing GREAT at TBS. He is one HARD working Marine officer! Thus far, his days have been long and packed. He has made it through the excruciating days of zero week and embarks on a new journey with Delta Company tomorrow morning. Right now he is studying for a test (his second one thus far). They really have stretched Andrew and pushed him to be a better leader. He is constantly learning and it has been a joy to watch him grow into the leader that God has prepared him to be. Great things are to be expected in the next 26 weeks! We both are constantly learning and know that all things are 1) for God's glory and 2) for our sanctification.

This week (and the next 10 days) will look much different for Andrew and I! On Wednesday I will get on the plane and head back to Arkansas for Justin and Josh's graduations! I cannot believe that I will have a brother in med school and another in college! Wow! It doesn't seem quite right! But I am so excited for both of them! It has been a BLESSING to see my brothers grow up and I have great expectations for what God has for them in this new season of life!

And no need to fear...I am still hard at work in our kitchen :) Tonight I baked a most Scrumptious Sour Cream Coffee Cake! YUUMMMMY! So good that I have decided to give it to the guys Andrew will be staying with in the barracks this week because I certainly don't need to eat it all! :)

Many of our dearest friends and family have asked how you can be praying for Andrew and I right now. We deeply appreciate the prayers that you lift up to our Lord on our behalf! Here are some things that you could be lifting up for us:

• The last two weeks of Andrew's billet of platoon sergeant. May Andrew gain wisdom from the throne of God, be enlightened by the Spirit, use words of wisdom, have a heart of servanthood, and be granted great peace in the midst of confusion and frustration.
• Clarity for Andrew and I as we approach our One Year Anniversary! What joy we have to be blessed with one another! May we celebrate the last year and prayerfully approach the years to come and the decisions to come.
• Deep, consistent communication for Andrew and I. While our schedules are full, minds are constantly going, and hearts constantly processing the change that is happening pray that Andrew and I continue to seek after how we can best communicate to one another, serve one another, and love one another.
• A church. While it seems as if the possibilities for churches in the area are endless, pray that we find a body of believers to invest in, serve alongside, and be fed by. May the Lord be bold in speaking to us where He desires for us to worship Him with other believers.
• For the relationships and friendships we are developing right now. May they be honoring and glorifying to the Lord.