Here's to 2010

God never gives us anything that He doesn't think we can handle.

The boys are asleep. Hans is reading a book. And here I sit thinking back to this past year and the many joys, trials, and frustrations that we faced. WOW, what a year!

January brought the first trial that really ended up being a good thing. I had stayed home from school due to a headache and just not feeling well, which I don't do very often. Hans had left for a little while to do an odd job at a rental house. I was trying to get the boys down for a nap when Wyatt comes running out of his room laughing. I get up and head to his room to discipline him yet again for not staying in his bed, and he falls and begins to cry. I was frustrated and just telling him he was fine and that it was time for bed. He continues to cry and hold his wrist. So, I hold him and rock him thinking he'll just fall asleep. A half hour later we're on our way to the ER with what looks like a broken wrist. Sure enough...the little guy had two buckle fractures and had to wear a cast that went over his elbow. A twenty month old in cast...it's going to be a long 4 weeks. The good news was he stopped sucking his two middle fingers because he couldn't get them into his mouth. :) Hopefully his wrist will be stronger now.

February brought a new addition to our family. Hans's little brother Giles married Emma Lammott on Feb. 20th and we were so excited to be a part of it.

In March we began to send letters and started fund raising for our upcoming journey. What a tough thing fundraising is!

In April Hans and I celebrated our 6th anniversary and watched our oldest son blow out four candles on his birthday cake.

In May Wyatt turned 2...need I say more. :) We also took our first trip to the Dominican Republic where we fell in love with the ministry that Students International is doing there.

June began the hustle and bustle of planning for our language training in Costa Rica and raising more funds. Every step of the way God provided to allow us the language training we needed.

In July we welcomed a new little baby boy to our Kelley side of the family. Charles Bo Kelley- Charley was born. Praise God for a healthy, sweet little boy who is now five months and SO happy.

August. The month we had anticipated for over a year was FINALLY here. We left for language school in Costa Rica.

In September I turned 30. Should I feel different? :) We also met some amazing people that we will remember and always share many interests with.

October and November seem like they never even really happened. We studied, studied, and studied A LOT. Celebrated our first Thanksgiving without our family, but were so thankful to have each other and friends to share it with.

Now December. We said goodbye to many great people with the same calling as us. It's amazing how you can become so close in just four short months. We came back to Michigan and got to see our parents, siblings, friends, and nieces and nephews. SO THANKFUL for that!

So here we are. The last day of December in the year of 2010. I look back and think, "God, you were there every step of the way. You took us through trials, but always helped us through them. You brought us joy. Thank you for another great year to serve YOU. Here's to 2011, may we share your love and learn to walk in your ways."

So many of you have been so faithful in reading our blog and I just want to say thank you for your love and support as we begin the journey that God has called us to. For those of you interested, we are still in need of monthly supporters and some one time donations for a vehicle while in the D.R. Please contact me if you are interested in our ministry and would like to help us out financially or in prayer.