upward focused.

The Lord is so good. He knows just what you need when you don't even realize it. I praise God that I was able to spend time with family this summer. I praise God that I was able to spend 4 nights in a secluded cabin with my Dad and Becky, my aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. I didn't know that it would be the last time I saw my Grandpa, but sadly he passed away about a week ago. I just can't stop being so thankful for the time I had with him this summer. I am also thankful that he is now in Heaven and no longer in pain. He is with my brother laughing away, and for that I am grateful. I'm thankful I was around a woman (who is like another mother to me) when I found out he passed away who was so kind and comforting to me. The Lord is good, even in times of sorrow and pain. We may be sad down here but my Grandpa is up with the Lord now and for that, we can find joy! My Dad, Grandpa, and Brother at the rehearsal dinner this August.  Grandpa and Grandma at Der

[i wrote this post originally back in September but it's been so busy so I am finally uploading it now...oops!] Arthur and I only have 3 months left in this beautiful country and the feelings are pretty bittersweet. On one hand, we have absolutely loved our time here. We love the people we have met, the places we have visited, the opportunities that have come up, the FOOD, the culture, the locals here, basically everything. On the other hand, we are very excited about the next chapter in our life and moving back to the states and closer to family. Also, we are excited to have access to all the small luxuries that are so common back in the states but valued when you can’t access them anymore. I know for sure we will miss people and random things here in Okinawa. The Family Marts every 3km with clean bathrooms, delicious treats, and dinners you could survive off for months. We will miss the beach being within walking distance of our apartment. I will miss going for runs (missing r

I can’t believe that we only have a little less than 5 months left here in Okinawa. Although it may seem like a long time, I know it’s going to fly by, just like the last year and a half. It really is bittersweet. I’m so excited to be back in the states near family, cheap fruits and vegetables, and certain stores but I am definitely going to miss so many things about Okinawa. I’m going to miss the friends we have met here that have been like a family away from home. I’m going to miss the sense of security all around the island. I’m going to miss the hospitable and extremely polite and kind Okinawans. I’m going to miss the beautiful beaches and the fun things to do all around the island. However, I won’t be missing the giant banana spiders, the huge Habu snakes, nor the 100% humidity days all the time. There are definitely pros and cons about leaving,  but I look forward to how God will use us not just in these last 6 months we are here, but as well as how He will use us back in the st