Hello San Francisco

Two weeks ago,
           I got to go back to California and surprise my older sister, Flor, for her 30^th birthday… and it was AWESOME! My sister was pretty surprised! We screamed, laughed, cried, and then we all cried some more.

When I go back home it always feels like it’s my time to let go of worries, spend time with my familia and renew my strength.  I spent time in the kitchen with my Madre learning all that I could about new dishes and life lessons. While I was there I spent a lot of time with the family.  It was so nice catching up, even if we did spend about half of the time yelling at each other about which freeway to take & which way was faster. (If you’re from the Bay Area and reading this, I know you’ll get that last part. Ha!)

When my family and I get together, we’re loud, yell at each other, we fight, we cry and then laugh it all off.. and that all happens with in an hour, but that’s my familia and I love them all for it!

If you have family living near by, be thankful. No matter how crazy they may drive you, be thankful. If you have them living across the country like I do, take the time to go visit them. There’s probably nothing more important than being close to your family.

Like my mom always said,

 “La unidad en la familia trae fuerzas.” 

Unity within the family gives you strength.

And let me tell you, especially after this short and sweet trip, it sure does.

-Sara

Something New

For I am about to do something new.
    

See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?


I will make a pathway through the wilderness.
   

I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.

~Isaiah 43:19

Last night Trevor was strumming his guitar as I was falling asleep. My mind ran off thinking about plans of this next year, goals, etc.. About how I’m going to turn 25 this year and still not sure what “career” path I should take. Not knowing what’s the next step in life? Where do I see myself in the next 5 years? Have I become too comfortable with myself where I am in life?

Then I felt this verse was gently placed upon my heart. Instead if inventing a new goal, why not focus on the events in my life that are currently happening? This year, I know that God is already working on something. We may not see it everyday, but I pray that my Spirit would be sensitive enough to recognize it when the moment comes. God is creating something new, something that inspires, that moves, that will create a pathway through the wilderness and turn rivers in the dry wasteland. My goal is to discover what He holds for Trveor and I in 2014.

Christmas wrap-up!

Christmas time was pretty memorable for Trevor and I this year. Unfortunately we weren’t able to spend it with our families. We were grateful to be surrounded by loving friends who have become family to us! Trevor & I are thankful for each and every one of them! Not only are we thankful for new friends that we have made in New Orleans, but also our friends from the MidWest who have visited us throughout the month of December! I wanted to share a few photos with “ya’ll”.

The other night we went out with another married couple from the church and we talked about how God really does take care of us. Trevor and I were worried about being financially short this holiday season, but God provided exactly what we needed. Not only that, but He surrounded us by people who love us and sent friends from the MidWest to be with us too! Even though our families may be in California and South Dakota, Trevor and I definitely felt loved this Christmas season. No matter whether the ones you love are close or near by, God will always take care of you where you’re at. God takes care of us, He really does! 

-Sara

Backtracking!

Its Christmas time and so much has happened!

I do apologize for not writing these last few months. I’m originally from California and the weather is usually rainy during this time of year. When we lived in Missouri, we had to deal with ice storms and snow. Now that Trevor and I are living in New Orleans, we are enjoying 75-degree weather and some fog. I’m a happy girl! J

These past few months Trevor and I have been working closely with Saints Community Church in developing new events. We have had Baptism Sunday, Child Dedication Sunday, and Saints Kids Service.  In the midst of different events, I have grown to fallen in love even more with our church. There is such a great sense of community with loving and taking care of one another. From groceries to fixing up cars,  our church has built such a strong sense of community like Acts Chapter 2.

In other news, we have had a few close friends and family visit us these last few months from Springfield and it was wonderful!  I love staying in touch with people and when we do get reconnected, its like we have never left! I love it!

Trevor and I have been married for a year and a few months now! Whenever times have gotten rough for us, I feel like it’s brought us even more closer together. We work together to figure things out and continue in trusting God.

If I could title these past few months, I would call it “The Season When Our Faith Grew Stronger.”  I have always thought that my faith was strong, but sometimes God wants to take your faith to the next level and even beyond.  It hasn’t been an easy journey, but it’s been worth it! I pray that if God wants to take your faith to the next level, trust Him. He really is all that you need.

Sara

It's been 1 whole year!

I still cant believe it! We've been married for 1 whole year and its been quite the adventure!

Here's a small recap:

-In the beginning, we lived in a tiny 700 square ft 1 bedroom shoe box apartment on Elm st in Springfield, MO.

-After 2 months being married, Trevor and I were invited to visit New Orleans for the first time and both knew that God was inviting us to be a apart of a new ministry.

-On April 31st, we packed up our lives and our new puppy (Indie!) and moved south to New Orleans!

If 1 year ago today, somebody would have told me all of this would have happened, I wouldn't have ever believed it. We have been thankful every step of the way.

This past year we have had our ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade any of these moments for anything.  Here are a few things I have learned this past year...

1. Marriage is a beautiful gift from God-enough said!

2. Communication is key.- I know it may sound cheesy, but it's definitely true

3. Simple acts of love keep two people knitted together.

4. Im a crazy sleeper. - I guess I never knew how crazy of a sleep talker I am. Trevor recited back to me what I said to him the night before in my dreams. Pretty embarrassing, but I think at this point he's used to it. :)

I have realized in this past year, we have had so many love and support from so many different people placed in our lives.

To all of our college friends back in Springfield and spread out across the country:

 Thank you! Thank you for your friendship and unforgettable memories we all created together.  We will never forget them! When Trevor and I first met in college, you were all there for us. We miss you all so much!

To all of our supporters:

Thank you so much for your prayers and support and being a part of this new ministry God has called us to be a part of. New Orleans we never something we've planned out, but we were obedient to Gods calling and thank you for being obedient to Gods calling to support us. We are your hands and feet.

To mi familia in California and family South Dakota, WE LOVE YOU ALL so much! Thank you for your prayers and support! We wish we could see you all more than once a year. We miss you all!

To our new friends in New Orleans: Thank you for inviting us to be a part of your lives and becoming a part of your spiritual family. Trevor and I have felt so loved and welcomed!

Trevor and I have had a wonderful first year of marriage and many more years to come! Hooray!

Backtracking July...

Remember that one time you said, "you'd keep a blog Sara?"
Oh yes!

July has flown by and so much has happened. This southern weather is hot and humid, but it's been an amazing summer so far with new things on the horizon.

Trevor and I have been busy working on upcoming events and projects for the church. Since Trevor is the new Creative Director in our church, he has been busy revamping a lot of "systems" for his department. Such as recruiting volunteers, design work and set up for our team and church as a whole and creative elements that go into it.




I have been busy with the marketing and promotions for the church, being part of the teaching team, the social media for SCC, being a part of Trevor's Creative team and upcoming events such as "One Day" and "Bike Give-Away." (I'll explain more on that another day) It's been awesome getting to be learning the culture of our new city and meeting new people too!


About a month ago, we went back to California to visit my family. We had an amazing time hanging out with them! However when we were at the airport, Trevor and I were both excited to go back to the south. When our flight landed, Trevor and I looked at each other and we both knew that New Orleans is now our new home. This whole journey hasn't been easy and we've had a few hard times, but like I've said before, ' We're both thankful every step of the way.'
 So for everyone reading this right now: Thank You! Thank you for reading this blog, keeping us in prayers, and your support in the new journey we're a part of now.

~Sara

Community within the Church

The evening when Trevor and I moved to New Orleans will probably be a moment I will never forget.

It was 8:30 at night when we pulled into our new neighborhood for the first time. The entire moving truck was shaking and bouncing around from the uneven pavement and potholes on the road. I remember seeing palm trees everywhere and briefly thinking "are we were moving into third world country?"  We had just been on the road for the past 14 hours with our lives packed up in the back of a small U-Haul truck, so it's safe to say that I was feeling a bit overwhelmed.

When we pulled up in front of the house, there was a small crowd of about 10 people from Saints Community Church cheering and welcoming us to our new home! Turns out that the church organized a few volunteers to come out and help us unload the truck. It felt like a small parade!

Our electricity wasn't going to be turned on until the next day, so everyone brought over a bunch of flashlights and placed them in each room. There we were, moving our boxes in the dark with flashlights spilling light everywhere, but we all were laughing and having a good time. It was pretty awesome!

Community within the church is a beautiful thing. I love to read in Acts chapter 2 where it talks about the church being there for one another in all of their needs. So much, that they would even sell their possessions and they gave to anyone in need. (v. 45)

I'm not asking for anyone to be that extreme, but if you want to-that's great! However, if you see someone in your church in need, be there for them.
It could range from a hospital visit to even a simple gesture of baking cookies. In our church, we take the word "Community" pretty seriously and it's demonstrated in our everyday lives. My church being there for Trevor and I on moving day has impacted me so much, that I want to be there for others as well.

I pray that this could inspire you to be there for one another.
-Sara