Friday, October 12, 2012

Seven

Seven years ago today, Lucas asked me to be his wife. Little did I know then just what kind of a ride the Lord would be taking us on.

I am so glad that we are in this ride together. There is no one I would rather be with than with you.



Saying yes to you was one of the best decisions of my life. Happy 7th engagement anniversary. Te amo muito meu Brasileiro! 


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Hiking in the Smoky Mountains

Little did I know that someday I would spend my spring break hiking in the Smoky Mountains. Although I miss the sound of the crashing waves and the glistening sun on my skin, I am grateful for moments like the ones we are experiencing here and now. I am thankful that I married a man that is not only tons of fun but values spending time with me and creating memories, which we will forever cherish. 

These pictures literally bring a smile to my face. Marriage can be so sweet when we do it God's way.

 The B&B we stayed in for our Spring Break getaway.



Ready to embark on our first trail.



My protector, ready to ward off the bears.


The sense of satisfaction after completing our first 4.4 mile hike.



At The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.


 My hubby, the deep thinker.



 The waterfall that awaited us a the end of the trail.


Our last day at the B&B with our new friends.


Saturday, February 4, 2012

Our Home Away from Home

After an unplanned yet very much needed blogging break, I am happy to announce that I'm back with great news to share. We kicked off my birthday month by becoming members of Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville.

Initially, the chances of finding a church we loved as much as Doral Baptist Church appeared very bleak. Good thing we didn't leave it up to chance. God has been so gracious with us. He has been orchestrating every single step we have taken here in Louisville, graciously guiding us one step at a time and lovingly leading us by the hand.

Enjoy the pictures of the newest "Cliftonites" who in true Lucas and Indy fashion, "closed" the church that evening. Unfortunately for us there were no photographers around to take our picture but that didn't stop us from snapping a few shots to commemorate the occasion.



  
Happy to call Clifton home. 

Monday, December 26, 2011

"There ain't a cloud in the sky"

The Christmas presents have been opened, wrapping paper and bows have been thrown in the trash, left overs abound but if you're in South Florida, that is virtually the only sign of winter in sight. No snow, sleet, frost, and definitely no dreaming of a White Christmas.

Lucas and I have been blessed to spend another Christmas with my family in our "hometown" but in just a few days the vacation will be over and we will head back to the harsh and bitter cold weather of Kentucky.  We will be swapping the sunscreen, bathing suits and towels for boots, scarfs, and coats.  Our face-to-face interactions with my family will be limited to Skype dates. CrossFit WODs in the middle of the day with my favorite coach, Larissa and the girls (Jen and JBerg) will cease to exist.  Rich conversations with long time friends and our church family will be long gone.  Yet, we trust that God is up to something greater than anything we can see or feel today.  And it is precisely now that the biblical definition of faith is put into practice.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen 
-Hebrews 11:1 



"There ain't a cloud in the sky."

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Better When We're Together


Yesterday Lucas and I celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary.  I happily sang the lyrics to Jack Johnson's song with a smile on my face, "It's always better when we're together."  It really is better when we're together.  I couldn't imagine being on this adventure with anyone else.  Te amo tanto, tanto, tanto meu Brasileiro.
  
Happy IRON anniversary handsome!  






Saturday, November 19, 2011

Countdowns and Home

Lately I have been living my life from countdown to countdown.  As a matter of fact, my mom and sister are only 3 days away from arriving in Louisville where they will be spending Thanksgiving with us.  It will be their first time in Kentucky and I am really looking forward to showing them our new home.  Yet I can't help but wonder whether I have really accepted that Louisville is home.  


As I was driving home from work yesterday in the middle of rush hour, I realized that our Florida tag is a dead giveaway as to why I drive with so much caution or randomly and unintentionally cut someone off so as not to miss my exit.  It feels that U-turns have become a part of my regular driving routine when going somewhere new.  All this to say that my heart is still in Miami.  I long for the heat of my hometown even if it does come with humidity.  I long to hear others speaking my native language, Spanish.  I long to greet someone with a kiss on the cheek and not feel awkward about it.  But more than Miami itself and the beautiful diversity of Hispanics that can be found there,  my heart yearns to be close to my family and friends.


Yet, I understand that God has a purpose in sending us here where Lucas is preparing for full-time ministry.  I feel like this is also a training ground for me and I am making the most of this opportunity even if countdowns help me get by on the most difficult days.  I can't promise that I will ever say that Kentucky is home.  I understand that it is for now but all I can think about is that cliché, "Home is where the heart is."  Maybe someday my heart will follow me to Kentucky but right now I am content to think that someday I will be basking in the Miami sun and relishing every minute of it even if it means an unwanted re-introduction to rude drivers and frustrating traffic jams.  


Te extraño Miami. 



Wednesday, October 12, 2011

A Happy Heart

On this day, six years ago, the day I dreamed about since I was a little girl would finally play itself out before my very eyes when my then boyfriend, Lucas, asked me to his wife.  I never imagined marriage would be so abundant but God never ceases to remind me of His faithfulness through His word, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than ALL we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."  Ephesians 3:20


 Photo Credit:  UDS  


Happy 6th 'Engagement' Anniversary meu brasileiro.  Those Portuguese speaking energy balls are not here yet but life couldn't be more complete than it is by your side.  Whether I am shopping at Nordstrom's Rack or at the local consignment store, I have realized that I need very little in life to be content.  With you and God by my side, I have all I need and want.


Te amo tanto, tanto, tanto y te amo para siempre.