Happy Spring, dear friends!
It's been over a year since I've written on here. 2016 was a rough year, what can I say? There are numerous reasons, none of which I will get into here. If you really want to know, ask me to coffee. :)
We've had many "new" things in the past year or so. For one, we are now in a house! Horray. It's a lovely ranch style home with four bedrooms, and two and a half baths. We're making it home day by day. My husband loves the big yard, and we started a raised bed garden last summer, which was fun. I think we'll continue it this year.
I started a new job working for a non-profit. I don't miss the corporate world, but I do miss the better pay. Ah - such is life. I'm also an independent consultant for Arbonne. Last year, my husband & I did their 30 days to healthy living program, and we both lost an immense amount of weight. I lost over 50 pounds, and my husband did another round recently, and is down 65 pounds!! Amazing. :) If you're interested in learning more - let me know! I'm passionate about helping people live healthier and happier lives.
What else? We went to Italy on a cruise, which was an adventure! For my first trip to Europe, I'd say not too shabby. We definitely want to go back and explore more. This was just a taste. So far, Venice was my favorite city. I don't know if it will be after more trips to Italy, but for now it definitely is. My husband started a new job working as a Labor Relations Attorney for an Association downtown. He loves it and the job has excellent benefits.
In the fall, we welcomed a "fellow" to live with us. It has been a good experience, but stretching. He lives in our basement and helps out a few days a week at our church with the International program, the Youth, and Sunday school for little ones. He also works a part time job downtown and attends some seminars. He's with us until the end of May.
And this next bit of news, I'm so pleased to share. After a while of trying, we are finally pregnant! :) I'm so thrilled - we both are! We are eager to welcome baby into our home at the end of September. We've enjoyed reading baby books, creating our baby registry, and we recently started painting baby's sweet nursery. It's such an exciting time, and it's been great to start many new adventures. I'm not sure what the Lord has in store for the rest of 2017, but so far it's been a pretty great year.
In the midst of it all, I think I have become a more patient person. More patient with myself, others, God, and my dreams. If you would've asked me if I would be where I am professionally five to seven years ago, I would've scoffed. I had much higher ambitions, but this is where I am for now. It is where the Lord has me in this season, and I am learning a lot. It is good to be in a slower pace. That pace will surely increase when baby comes. Our God is good, friends. He is ever near us in every season and phase of our lives, lovingly calling us unto Himself. I am so grateful for his mercy, patience, and loving-kindness. His promises are true.
Until next time...
-Tina Lou
