Welcome Home!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, it's been a journey (to say the least) but we believe that our journey is about to finally come to a close to some degree.

About a month ago, we were blessed beyond belief to get a message from my college roommate's little sister asking for more information on our house in NC. She and her husband had just found out that they were going to be moving to Charlotte to accept a position at Charlotte Christian School.

We tried not to get too excited at the possibility of them actually purchasing our home, but in our hearts we knew that it was just like God to take someone from our days back in Boston and relocate them directly to Matthews. Within days they had decided that our house was the one for them and we are now set to close on our NC home in just a few weeks.

In the meantime, we again picked up our search of homes in NY. If you recall, our Matthews home has actually been under contract 2 other times throughout these past months, so looking at homes in NY has been quite a roller coaster. What began as such an exciting adventure, got to be something that we dreaded. All in all, I think we have looked at about 30 something homes. That's only about 25 more than we ever had to look at in Charlotte!

When we looked at this home, there was just something about it from the minute we walked in. It's not the biggest home and it's definitely in need of updating, but we feel at home there and we know we can make it ours. At one point I sat in the window seat that overlooks the yard (from what will be Elle's room) and I felt like I could picture her standing on the front lawn taking prom pictures! I think it was at that moment that I knew we were finally home.

And so, we are now in the process of packing up the Charlotte home (which the boys are doing right now) and we will be closing on our new NY home by mid August!

We're elated and very grateful to God. The journey of these past 6 months has been a very unique one. We've had ups and downs in many ways but more than anything we've had our faith tested and our faith strengthened. God has taken care of us through it all and it is clear that He had everything worked out all along!

I smell like a monkey...

and I look like one too! :)

Happy Birthday to me! :)

It's the 4th Annual 29th Birthday Celebration Baby!

Progress!!

Come take a quick tour with us!!

This is the C1 facility in progress! It's humble...it's pretty ghetto...but it's Home!

A Good Day!!

Well, tomorrow is a very big day for many reasons!!

For one, it is my studly hubbie's 35th birthday (no, I can't believe he's 35)!

Secondly, it is our 11th wedding anniversary (no, I can't believe we've been married 11 years)!

Thirdly, it is the first big Renovation Day at the C1 Storefront!!

So many awesome and exciting events in one day! I am truly blessed.

Blessed to have an amazing, healthy, hot man.

Blessed to have spent 11 years with the best friend I've ever known and

Blessed to be starting a ministry with others who love the Lord!

June 12, 2010 - It's a good day.

Email...

There are days when checking email is about as exciting as getting a pap smear...filtering through all the junk and smut that comes down the line is just not my idea of a good time.

However, there are other days when; as you're filtering through all the smut; you come upon a really special simple message.

"Mommy, I love you FOREVER." Love Ayden.

Those are the days when email becomes a lifeboat and makes my heart smile.

Thank goodness for email.

Recent News...

Well, I am excited to say that C1 became public news last week in our local paper! I must admit that I am thrilled with the article and especially with my Studly Hubbie's boldness in dealing with some of the negative statements which were made during this meeting.

The reporter put a bit more of a "church" twist on it than we ever really advertise (mainly because we are looking at this as more of a ministry than a specific "church") but the reality is that we are going to be "Church" (notice the capital C) to many people, so the generalization is pretty accurate though it may be not worded as we would typically word it.

I am linking the article to this post and I would also point out that it is important for our prayer partners to read the comments at the bottom. The North is MUCH different than the South and not everyone here is going to welcome us with open arms. We recognize that and the Lord has even given us a sense of humor about the entire situation. However, I would also point out that many people have come alongside of us and many area churches have already begun supporting the ministry as well.

God is already working in big ways!! It's such a humbling experience to be a part of!!!

As you'll see when you read the article, we have just received final approval to begin renovations on the storefronts! Renovations began last week and as the Lord supplies money (we need a total of approximately $20,000) we will continue to do the work to get the buildings up to code for ministry!! God is good!!

Article Below:

http://www.leaderherald.com/page/content.detail/id/522959.html?showlayout=0

Carolina...

I can't wait to tell you all about my NYC excursion with my Mom and sisters, but that will have to wait since I refuse to tell you about it without pictures (which are on my sister's camera).

In the meantime, let me leave you with the song that's making my heart pitter patter right now...




I can honestly say that multiple times a day I "go to Carolina in my mind". It doesn't matter how much I love our new life here in NY or how certain I am that we are exactly where God has called us; Carolina is still my home.

But here's the best part!! In just 2 days I'll be driving to Carolina by myself to spend 2 days cleaning, doing yard work and packing needed items.

In my mind I'm going to Carolina!!

And...in this case; "In my van I'm going to Carolina!"

Doesn't quite have the same ring to it, but you get the point! :)