Cha - Cha- Cha- Changes

Change – it’s a word all those living in the States have heard A LOT lately. Change happens every day and to everyone. Those who embrace it are blessed and those who don’t are missing out. So many things change this time of year there are so many things that go through change. We’ve had a change in a president, a change in gas prices, a change in the type clothing we wear, leaves changing into their fiery colors, and even our little man Jaxon is changing by doing “big boy” stuff.
My family is also making some changes. On January 12th we will change our home once again to Mexico City. We are more than eager about going back, but change can be difficult. This time around in Mexico our environment will be different. We are going to be the new caretakers of the Pink House. This is exciting and bittersweet. Although we look forward to new challenges and adventures, the people that once graced that house are gone. Billy and Belinda have long since been away and now those that we consider more than just friends and more like family; Jacob, Amanda, Adah, and Noah are now going through their own change of re-adjusting in Texas. The house WILL NOT be the same without these people, but we are thankful for the history and memories and we look forward to making some history and memories of our own.
Leaving the States this time is also a new adjustment for us. We feel God’s pull for us to be in Mexico, even more than before, but now there is a little guy named Jax involved. We know that this is the best decision for our family but we know it will be difficult on our parents and siblings that their grandchild and nephew will be far away. There is always that feeling that you want your child to grow up around cousins and grandparents; I mean, isn’t that part of the American Family? However, Jax will have so many opportunities in Mexico. We have only seen the positive of those who have spent years of their childhood in a different culture and how that has opened so many doors. In a world that we find it difficult to be tolerable of people “different” than us, we hope to provide Jax with the realization that we really are all the same. Background, family life, skin color, and such are just part of our make-up…when it comes down to it, we are all on this journey of finding God who is also making his way to us as we make our way to Him. That’s how we are designed.
So now we are packing and working on the CHANGE that comes our way. We are even putting up the Christmas tree early since we want to enjoy it for a while before we just have to take it down soon to pack.
A little about Jax. He is trying so hard to walk. He wants it…he desires it…he craves it, but it also means change for him…a lot of bumps and bruises that is. He has some funny things he does now. He politely goes into another room to fill his diaper and then crawls into our room with a smile for a diaper switch. He also goes to his chair when he’s hungry and says “eat” which really just sounds like “EEE EEE!” Then when he’s done he claps his hands once and says, “Da. Da.” (Done). It’s very cute and helpful. He also loves Fraggle Rock. Ryan and I rented a few episodes for our own entertainment and then Jax start shakin’ his booty and clapping…he gets way too excited. He has turned into the drool factory again which means molars are on their way in. He’s now a healthy 27lbs and 30 inches long. He’s healthy and happy. Who would have thought that little bird boy born at 3lbs would be doing so well? God, that’s who…and he reminds us every day!
I will close for now. There are so many things I ask that you all pray for. The Henderson family; for all their adjustments and memory making. We can’t wait to see you guys! For our friend Evin and her husband, Jason; the birth of their first son is just around the corner and then Jason is being deployed to Afghanistan. I can’t even imagine…our thoughts are with you guys! For our one-time support…we’re still searching…any takers? *wink* *wink* For our families, the Grays and the Brunswigs, us leaving will be hard and tearful. For the hearts of those in Mexico…that our role there will just be a role in the church like any other member. We want to integrate and love and share God. For the congregation here in Newnan…they continue to go through many changes; aren’t God people constantly doing this? Pray for the hearts of the leaders.

Here are a few pictures of my boys for Halloween. Ryan and his creepy version of a sleazy car salesman.



“Time changes everything except something within us which is always surprised by change.” – Thomas Hardy