Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Praying and Dreaming...

It's hard to feel like you are still making a difference when you're settled back in your "old life" in America. We have been back to Texas for almost a year now (June 28th is a year I think), and it has flown by. I think about Kenya often! Jerrod probably thinks about it everyday. I mean, how can you get people's faces out of your minds when God used them in our lives in such huge ways?! There are a lot of things we miss. First on my list would be my friends (duh, I'm very social). We still have quite a few friends there, even though a few have moved back to America. Friendships come and go but I know these will last a lifetime. It's so unique when you share experiences like that together, and when you have very similar goals/dreams in life. I also miss the beauty of Kenya, the people, the ministries we were involved in, and feeling like you are doing something with a purpose everyday. Even if it does feel like you aren't making a difference sometimes.  Don't get me wrong, I am very thankful for the job I have and the people I work with, it's just different. This year we have been through a lot of changes, adjusted to life in the states, gotten accustomed to conveniences again, and been quite spoiled. We have been able to travel, go on dates, hang out with friends, spend lots of time with family, be part of a great church, and also be really selfish. I must say though, it does get old....that is, the selfish part. I'm very ready to give my time to something more meaningful. And no, I'm not saying we are moving back. But i've been trying to think of ways I can still make an impact in Africa, but over here in Texas, even while working at my full-time job! We have so many ways to be creative and use the internet for something bigger than ourselves. I don't even know what it looks like but I've been researching alot, and there are some GREAT companies, blogs, ministries, etc. that I've seen.

A few of my favorites are: 31 BitsRed EarthThe Mercy HouseCARE for AIDS, and Noonday just to name a few.

I also came across this conference recently and it really has me intrigued. I want to be a woman of influence, even while I have a 9-5 job. My job doesn't have to define who I am, and I can still make a difference across the world while living in Texas. (Sidenote: I am still trying to make a difference in my own little world of influence here, and I'm involved in various things, but I'm talking globally here.) I'm writing this blog to be real with people.... I know I'm not the only person out there who wants something bigger with their life, to make an eternal impact for the kingdom. I've been praying that God will show me what natural gifts and talents I have that I can use for His glory and to reach His people. Maybe that means starting a business on the side, joining one that already exists, playing a bigger role in a ministry, or starting a non-profit. I honestly have no idea what that looks like right now. All I know is, God has defnitely been impressing it on my heart, and I can't ignore it. I must pray and act. So for now I'm praying for Him to show me what it looks like.

Will you join me in praying?

Blessings,

Amanda

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Catching Up Part IV

So here are lots of random iphone pics, trips to Pleasanton in March, fun nights with friends, and puppy pics... because we are dog lovers. Get ready for some major selfie action.

For starters, here is Dexter and I cuddling on the couch. I thought it was so cute how he fell asleep :) Ignore my hair and lack of makeup.

I went to Pleasanton one weekend for Amy's birthday! It was a fun weekend spending quality time with her, celebrating her bday and seeing family. I got some play time with her kiddos too! Love my sis and all our special memories together. She is my best friend and I thank the Lord for giving me a big sister who I look up to so much!

Here is Nana and Papa playing with Parker.


Molly and me... love this little one.








Love these two!


Time with Grandma Hill, Nana and Molly... they were looking at pictures of Amy when she was Molly's age.


I love this picture of my Grandma, and of course Molly looks cute too :)

Mom made a yummy pound cake for Amy's birthday topped with strawberries and cool whip!

Lunch at Bill Miller in Pleasanton


Amy and I took Parker with us for the day! Amy got a massage while Parker and I went to Starbucks :) Then we went to the Quarry for some shopping (our fav thing to do together) and then out for dinner. Such a fun day!!!

Some people say we look like sisters ;)

Jerrod and I had a lazy Saturday one weekend. We took the dogs to Terry Hershey Park for a long walk in the morning, then headed to brunch at Buffalo Grille. The dogs were loving the attention at the restaurant on the patio.

Dexter

Rhodie


Hanging out one night at Carter and Laura's house... snapped a photo before Charlotte went off to bed. Love this little girl!

Girls night out in Houston with Rivers and Megan, and about 8 other girls not pictured. Fun times!

Me and Lauren at the turtle races at Little Woodrow's in midtown. Yes turtle races, lol.

Blessings,

Amanda

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Catching Up Part III- Spring Break Trip!

Part III of my catching up series is from our Spring Break trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! We had such a great week spending time together and just relaxing. We were fortunate to stay at a friends condo for the week, and it is at a really nice resort on the ocean. We only did one excursion that week out to a rock island to snorkel, paddle board, swim, etc. It wasn't the best excursion I've ever been on but we still had fun. And we even saw a few whales on our way out to the island!! We were so thankful for this vacation together after a long basketball season :)
































 Blessings,

Amanda