Why I Like Portland.

What Is The Recession For?

This is GREAT perspective about the current economic down turn and faith. We know God purposes or allows every action in all of life, so why this recession?

1. He intends for this recession to expose hidden sin and so bring us to repentance and cleansing.
2. He intends to wake us up to the constant and desperate condition of the developing world where there is always and only recession of the worst kind.
3. He intends to relocate the roots of our joy in his grace rather than in our goods, in his mercy rather than our money, in his worth rather than our wealth.
4. He intends to advance his saving mission in the world—the spread of the gospel and the growth of his church—precisely at a time when human resources are least able to support it. This is how he guards his glory.
5. He intends for the church to care for its hurting members and to grow in the gift of love.

From Pastor John Piper: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Sermons/ByDate/2009/3566_What_Is_the_Recession_For/

Mom and Dad in Basque Co!

My parents were coming to babysit for us... But since we are here in the States, they are there with our team and having a blast! Here they are walking in the historic town of Guernica.

Gerry and Lou Ellyn in San Sebastian

Simple Pleasures

My husband has a light heart and an easy laugh. I love him for it. Lately, he has found a little something that makes me clap my hands and squeal like a little girl. It goes a little something like this:
Starbucks Drive-Thru Worker: Hello, welcome to Starbucks, what can I get for you?
Gerald: an 8 ounce (short) coffee with a little cream, please.
Starbucks Drive-Thru Worker: Okay, anything else for you today, sir?
Gerald: Yes, add a double shot of love in that coffee, too.
Starbucks Drive-Thru Worker: Uh...well, SURE! (stunned, but pleased.)
Me: (clapping my hands and squealing like a little girl) :)

On Hope

The last time I (Jenni) posted was on the first of September. Since that time (4 months) our life has undergone a radical shift with change on all horizons. I don't like change. I am a sloooow processor. So-the last few months I have been "processing." I will continue to process as well as be in process. I have had moments where I have felt numb, confused, sad, angry, joyful-deliriously joyful, but overall...I have felt HOPE. As I am adjusting and thawing a bit, I feel a new season of aliveness. Life is such a series of ebbing and flowing and everything in life has seasons. I am in that season that feels much like spring to me. I thought I would post some of the things that have been on my mind lately, bringing me hope and inspiring me. Some may seem silly to you, but to me-they speak of God's desire to give bring hope and glory-to show His Love to a weary soul and world. And the infinite care He has on an individual.
Things That Are Inspiring Me:
-thinking about what it would be like to adopt a baby girl from India (after watching "Slumdog Millionaire" I don't think I can look at the world the same again)
-organic gardening, sustainable living, and big piles of compost :)
-international students who live in our own city (the movers and the shakers of their countries)
-learning about raw food preparation (check out aniphyo.com)
-after coaching my sister's labor and seeing the beauty of a woman focused on the most painfully intense job known to man-I am inspired to further pursue becoming a doula
-what incredible gifts my children are-brilliant little lives entrusted to us
-the insanely generous and loving friends in our lives!!!
-community, community, community
-my husband, his life, his passion, his heart (I am a thriving woman because of this man!)
I have so much to be thankful and hopeful for!

WELCOME... Roman Grey Staples. 12-23-08

Congrats to Simon for his Gold Belt!!!

Never a white belt again.

Merry Christmas!

Cafe con leche ala Stumptown

Viva Portland!

Life is a journey with lots of unexpected twists and turns. This January our family will be heading back up to Oregon for a season or two. We are excited to see friends, family, the green, and of course Stumptown coffee. Is it still a buck a cup? Probably a buck fifty now...

Jenni will be home schooling the kids along with most of our friends up there. They even have "friday school" where all the home schoolers get together for elective activites. Simon is really stoked to be around some more boys his age... I will be working with the Summer in the USA team to develop the greater Portland region. I think it will be a good season for all of us.

So to all our friends in the Rose City, "Can't wait to see ya!"

We made a trip to Colorado... and winter arrived.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Spiderman! (aka Simon)

Halloween with friends.

Simon, Zane and the boys at Zane's B-day.

Sisters happy to be back in the USA!

HOPE

Let nothing disturb you.
Nothing dismay you;
All things are passing:
God never changes.
Patient endurance attains all that it strives for;
Those who have God find they lack nothing.
God alone suffices.

St. Teresa of Avila

True Confessions...

Sometimes, I really like being naughty. I can't help it, but everytime I eat beans I have a little song going through my head. I couldn't resist teaching it to my children. "Beans, beans are good for the heart, the more you eat, the more you ..." You get the picture. Now, when the kids eat beans, they can't help but think of this little song and we all sing it together. Except for Gerald. He shakes his head in disgust. The other day, I had another little song from my childhood running through my head. Once again, I couldn't resist letting my kids in on this little diddy. "Here comes the bride, all dressed in white. Where is the groom? He's in the dressing room. Why is he there? He lost his underwear." Shameful really. But hearing your 3 year old sing it is worth it! This is Miriam's adaptation: "Here comes the bride, all dressed in white. Where is the broom? It's in another room. Why is it in there? It has lost it's underpants."

More Pictures at the Port