Oh, Mexico...

One week from Thursday I will head to Valley de Guadalupe, Mexico for a mission trip to Rancho Sordo Mudo, a home and school for deaf children. I cannot put into words the anticipation I have for this trip. In fact, I was talking with a friend today and shared that while I'm incredibly excited, it is with hesitant anticipation I approach the trip and all it may entail.
I can handle sleeping on an air mattress, being without water for showers, language barriers and the uncertainty of what each day may hold, but what I'm cautiously anxious about is how God may use this trip to work in and change me.
Every mission trip I've been a part of begins with a team of people excited to share the Word of God, but results in a team forever changed themselves...myself included. With all I'm experiencing on a personal level of growth--mentally, emotionally, and spiritually--I can only imagine how God may use this time to teach me, comfort me, and use me...
When we give full control...truly surrendering all that we are and all that we have to Christ, amazing things can happen...but in my own planner mindset, it is in the giving over of control that I take a leap of faith and trust...and must relinquish my own inhibitions to be fully open to what God has in store...

Catching Up

While life is full of challenges right now, there are also peaceful, fun moments with Carter as well. These are a glimpse into our last few weeks.

It's official! Carter is a "soccer teamer!" #6!

Listening to "Coach Peel"

C went to his first car show with Papa and Daddy.
Here he is in front of what he called "Mater" from Cars. :)

Check out the mini version...too cute!

Carter and Daddy

C has spent a lot of time playing "zoo." Check out how
organized he likes his zoo...

C at the Toledo Zoo on a "magrilla"

At the Toledo Zoo with Susi, Nana, & Daddy
(Papa & Mommy went to, but we managed to stay
out of this pic)

Sitting in an oversized bird egg

Playing basketball at Ross & Ally's

Today's Prayer

I began this blog to share my own thoughts throughout the journey, and it quickly became a place for posting pictures of Carter and sharing what was going on in our world. While that's all good, there are also moments I want/need to share what's going on inside..."behind the mask."
My world has seemingly crumbled to pieces in the days since my last post...hence, the lack of words and pictures over the last several weeks. So many loving friends and family members have reached out to us in the midst of this storm, and for that I am truly grateful. You have carried me through the last several weeks through your loving support and prayers...As such, I decided to share my own prayer for today...(As you read it, can you tell I've been reading a lot of Psalms lately???)

O God, hear my cries for help.
My soul is desperate for a touch from you.
My heart is broken and trampled on--
There seems to be no real source of hope...
And yet I know you are near-
Nearer, perhaps, than ever before.
Enfold me in your lovingkindness,
Wrap me in your healing arms,
Embrace me with your peace that
passes all understanding.
Reset my feet on solid ground,
And do not let the storm and waves of destruction
overwhelm me.
Hold my hand--
Lift me up.
Turn my face to you--
Shine your light into my darkened world
and let my pain be no more.
I trust in You alone---
My Rock, My Redeemer,
My Healer, My Source of Strength,
My Loving Savior, My Lord,
The Lover of my Soul.

Thank you all for your love & prayers...there is a long road ahead...

Pictures Paint a Thousand Words

AARRRGGGG....Shiver me timbers!

On guard!
My boys and their new toys...foam swords.
(Check out Carter's homemade shield!)

Swimming with Rosa Grace yesterday

All smiles :)

Carter at school...I mean "summer camp!" :)

Adaline & Carter (check out those blue teeth!)
We LOVE Nucci's! If you're a local, check it out!!

At Nucci's on Wed. with Don-Don, Mimi, Brax (look closely at his face--he gets this from his Dad--ha, ha!), Allyson, Adaline, and Carter

C went to the Nashville Zoo with Mommy on Wed.

Do you see that "magrilla?"

Taking a spin on the carousel

Can giraffes climb fences?? :)

Cutie pa-tootie

Golfing with Don-Don at Ravenwood on Monday

Hitting golf balls into the lake

Check out that swing!

Our own little Tiger

Lining it up

Beach Bums

We headed down to Seagrove Beach in Florida (one of our FAVORITE vaca spots!) June 20-27 with Scott's parents and sister. Instead of recapping the whole trip, here are a few pics to let you in on our fun! :)

At the Seaside Concert with Papa, Nana, & Susan

After a LOT of running around, it was time for a rest!

Trying on crazy hats at Seagrove Village Market

Splish, Splash...running from the waves

Our precious Beach Bum...
he took to this lifestyle rather quickly! :)

Building sandcastles with Daddy

Rainy Days

Well, we can't complain about the rain because we've certainly had summers where we've gone without, but it does require mommy to become a little more creative for our summer fun! We've got a bucket of activities for these stormy days, and this week we've enjoyed a couple...

McDonald's Playplace with Buddy Ben
(No, we didn't plan their matching outfits, but
aren't they cute??)

Today, we went bowling! Go Carter!

The roll....

The celebration!
(dancing and saying "Woo-hoo!")

The Past Week...

Running the bases at Greer Stadium last night! :)

Lots has been happening for us in the past week! Carter and I have been to Chicago and back and Scott comes home today (Hooray!). We had lots of summer fun...here's a peek at what we've been up to! Enjoy! (Sorry they're so out of order!)

Carter & Mommy
Cheering on the Sounds to an 11-3 victory last night!

Ready to catch a foul ball

Carter & Ozzie

Swimming at Aunt Ally's (with Cousin Brax's goggles) :)

Kung Fu Carter

First time in a tie
(He made it until the organ played for the couple to walk down the aisle!)

Go Cubbies!!!
Sadly, this is all we got to see of Wrigley Field this trip, but C was happy!

Daddy & Mommy at Cousin Laura's wedding in Chicago

Important reading material on the plane :)

We put Carter's name on the wall at Gino's East in Chicago

C's first act of vandalism, okay...so they permit it, but I
still got a kick out of him actually painting on the wall!

Waiting (and waiting) for pizza with "Bruce" the shark
C got him at Shedd Aquarium last Friday.

"Riding" a sea turtle at Shedd Aquarium

Carter's first plane ride (Thursday, June 4 to Chicago)
His favorite part was taking off!

More pics to come as the fun continues...
Love you all!