Sometimes it's that simple. . .

Hello loved ones.

Happy Voting today. I hope, no matter who you're voting for, you've remembered the importance and freedom of voting, and not taken it lightly. (On a side note: Go McCain.)

Lot's of things have gone on since I've last blogged. And under much thought and consideration, I've realized 2 things.

1.) I miss the Autumn in America.

and

2.) I'm having a quarter life crisis. (well...almost quarter life.)

I'll explain about both.

I've been living in England now for 2 years, 2 months, 2 weeks and 5 days- and everyday, whether it's known to others or not, I miss my homeland. Lately, in England the trees have been changing and the air has been crisp. No. I take that back. The air has been FRIGID. And I remember Ohio. There's this place near my parents house called White House Fruit Farm, and each Fall, it's an essential part of life. If you've never been there, you probably should go. If you have been there- you know what I mean. They have a petting farm, a pond with ducks and pumpkins. LOTS of pumpkins.

They also have a mean bluberry donut.

Anyway, there is a specialness about this place in my heart because I have lots of fun memories there- and I suppose, whether rightly or wrongly, I haven't found that place in England yet. I'm pretty sure it doesn't exist, actually. But I'll still search. There's the colors and the atmosphere. The kids picking out their pumpkins to carve, apple tasting- and apple cider. These are elements of Autumn England doesn't have. And actually, I'm ok with this because it would take the meaning away for me. One October Grant came for a week while we were dating and White House was one of the best dates we'd ever had. We picked out pumpkins, bought popcorn from the stand, Grant had his first mean blueberry donut (and loved it) and we picked out pumokins and apples to make caramel apples. Grant had never done either. It was so much fun, and the drive out is one of the best because it's somewhat out in the middle of nowhere and the trees are breathtaking.

There is no point to my ramblings, just to share my yearning for Ohio fall, the smell, the taste and the sight of it. And to plead with you to not take it for granted.

My second realization is that I am having a quarter life crisis. A real one. Not fake. And that God is in control of it. :-) And that's all I need to know- or tell. Except for this: never underestimate God's providence in our lives.

Have a blessed day friends.

And go vote :)

Provision

I've decided to start blogging again, due to the fact that I've been following some really cool blogs of people's travels and life experiences and have thoroughly enjoyed reading these (Melissa, Taylor and Christine :) and so I thought I'd follow trend. I probably won't be as witty or as exciting as their blogs, but none-the-less, if you want to know what's happening with Grant and me, here's where to go :)

Things lately have been fantastic. Grant just got a new job teaching at a Prep school (private school) called Widford Lodge. It's actually more like a giant old mansion that just so happens to conveniently have classrooms in it. It's a small school, but the children are really well behaved, and he's teaching math, geography and science- so he's in his element. Lately, he's been coaching the Rugby team- which amuses me since he actually has no clue about Rugby- but apparently he fools people quite well, and is actually doing a good job! After Christmas, he'll be coaching football (soccer) so that will be much more his cup of tea :) (Speaking of tea, to date, Grant has now drunk 2 cups of tea in 2008. I'm very proud of this accomplishment, since in 2007 his grand total was 0...now to get him on coffee...)

Things with myself have also been lovely. I started work at The Mission and LOVE it. I love the people I work with, the woman i share an office with (Steph!) and all of the fun and madness that working in a church bring. I am constantly reminded of God's provision for us whenever I think about where we were a year ago and where we are now. Changed. Different. Happy. I've learned to trust people again, at least a little more freely than I did last year, and have had to learn that forgiveness doesn't necessarily mean forgetting, but remembering, and being cautious it doesn't happen again. That goes for all things really, but with this past year, we've truly been blessed to be in a church where the Bible is taught in all occasions, people are genuine and life is lived to fullness.

That's a small catch up on our lives, but i do definitely plan on writing more now, so check back regularly. I don't promise it'll be exciting, but it will be us- and that's just gonna have to do :)

-Love-

PS- the pics are just something to catch you up so far on this year:
2 are from our youth group at church. We had a "4th of July" celebration and i made everyone dress up in red, white and blue. We had an American quiz and I made them sing the National Anthem. haha. It was hilarious.

Grant and I took a trip to Tucson, AZ to visit Christine and Taylor. Here we are at the Grand Canyon. A-mazing.

Our friends Stace and Denise (from Malone) came to visit us for a week or two ;-) in August. Ashley came from Italy to visit, too! Here's a pic of us in the Danbury Commons park. It was beautiful. So are our friends :)

Last but not least, this car was Grant's baby for 3 years, and we said good-bye to her at the beginning of August! Adios, Evo! :)