Greetings

So, we've decided to start a blog! We chose the name Just Passing Through based on Psalm 103: 15-18:

"As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. "

Here is a not-so-brief update of our summer so far:

My dear friend Ashley Arce came to visit...what a blessing. She makes me laugh like no one else can! Josh and I enjoyed her visit and were reminded of what a blessing her and Derrek are in our lives. So glad to have their friendship! Here's a pic of Ash at the girls' house during our cooking party:

Since school got out, I (Ashley) have been traveling. I visited Louisiana and saw Heather, Aurelia, Rebecca, and Ava. Heather is a teacher now, and you won't find a better 4th grade teacher than her. She loves her job, and I'm so excited for her. Rebecca is real life mom, which is still hard to believe. She keeps Ava disciplined, on a routine, and loved. God has blessed her with great support of her family and friends, a great hubby, a darling daughter, and a new ministry with the cheer squad at NHS. Then I went with Aurelia to Waco to see her new house. I loved it!!! I'm so happy for her and Lyle. They are using their house as a ministry tool, which is awesome. They love to have people in their home. It was a blessing to meet their friends and see what God is up to in their lives.

Josh and I took a little get-a-way to the mountains of Arkansas. We interacted with hillbillies, enjoyed the scenery, did mindless activities, and reconnected. It was WONDERFUL! Favorite memories of this trip: watching a lightning storm from our cabin porch and the show Rivermonsters...

We also visited his grandparents in Kansas. His mom, brother, and us took a road trip to help them with their garden and see the sights and sounds of Russel, KS and the surrounding area. Highlights of the trip: Watching Shrek in 3-D at the Dream Theatre, listening to Grandpa give directions, and finding some awesome stuff at local garage sales! Here is us at the movie and a pic of the family:

The next weekend, Josh went to Louisiana to visit college buds, and I went to Michigan to visit family. We both were attacked by mosquitoes (the ones in Michigan are HUGE!), went fishing (Josh in the gulf, me in a pond), laughed a lot, and ate yummy food. Josh got to eat crawfish and I ate mom's home cooking. Not sure which is better. He got to meet Mark Craig's little twin boys-I'm jealous-and have guy time. He definitely needed it. I was spoiled like crazy.
Favorite memory of my trip: hanging with my mom and her sisters. They are hilarious and know how to have a good time...I love listening to their stories and watching them interact. Here's a pic of my my mom and her sisters and my grandma:

Now, we're home. We are trying to be intentional about investing in the students in our house. We are praying for more opportunities to show love to them and be available. I love being able to cook for people, and God has given lots of opportunities for that. Josh is always joking around with everyone in the house. Example: He yells out the guys names when he sees them and often uses broken English with them. HILARIOUS!!! He is great at breaking down walls with humor :)

Sorry this was so long. Hope you enjoyed the update.