life as we know it

welcome home

2012-02-03T14:20:00.000-06:00

Jesus loves me... this I KNOW!

2012-01-27T22:18:00.000-06:00

Agh!!!

2012-01-27T07:40:00.000-06:00

THE LITTLE PEOPLE

2012-01-27T07:10:00.001-06:00

we love noelle!

2012-01-23T07:31:00.001-06:00

we really miss our trampoline...

2012-01-22T07:28:00.000-06:00

living the hotel life... day 14.

2012-01-21T06:41:00.000-06:00

angels and ninjas

2012-01-20T06:31:00.000-06:00

good morning

2012-01-18T07:26:00.000-06:00

Zoey Noelle's Gotcha Day!

2012-01-16T07:55:00.000-06:00

waiting for Noelle.

2012-01-15T07:19:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is another day that will change our lives forever.

Meet Noelle. After Noah's death, we were certain the best way to honor his life was to welcome another orphan into our family. As we prayed, this sweet girl brought joy to our hearts. Abandoned on Christmas Day in 2009, this little angel has been waiting for her forever family. Tomorrow afternoon we will officially welcome her into our lives.

Fun times at the waterfall... confession:
Our boys, may or may not have, borrowed some local landscape
materials and bamboo to make little boats.

She loves being outside and we love seeing her smile.

FaceTime with grandparents.

Adoption is truly a miracle. She meets her new sister tomorrow.

Ni Hao Kai Lan

Worth every Yuan.

Caleb loves his sister.

Classic.

how we roll

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-06:00

By the numbers:

1 family in the lobby of a hotel for 3 hours ready to go

2 parents

4 children

8 suitcases

2 strollers

1 diaper bag

1 camera bag

1 computer / document bag

1 hour bus ride to airport

1 iPad with lots of cartoons and games

6 passports checked with Luke sleeping in my arms

1 security / body check with Luke still sleeping in my arms

1 nice Chinese couple giving us durian candy for the boys

1 hour flight

1 hour bus ride to hotel

1 thankful family now in Guangzhou!

goodbye nanning

2012-01-13T09:42:00.000-06:00

oh nanning.

2012-01-12T09:33:00.000-06:00

a full day

2012-01-11T07:32:00.000-06:00

We enjoyed the first part of our morning at a nearby park; grass, a ropes course

(much needed adventure time) and goldfish pond.

The lobby of the 9th floor has become our new playroom. Incidentally, we also discovered this floor is housing several officers of China's Communist Party for a conference.

Walmart and McDonalds.

Two places I try to avoid at all costs in America.

Well... we are not in America.

We love this sweet girl!

the big day of paperwork

2012-01-10T07:25:00.000-06:00

Anna Grace Bowen Dean

2012-01-09T07:08:00.001-06:00

Anxiously waiting... watching the clock till 3:00pm.

The moment we have been anticipating for 5 years... surreal!

Joy.

Her first smile... as we left the hotel for dinner.

A quiet neighborhood stroll in Nanning.

Two happy brothers.

Another happy brother and a really grateful Daddy.

All tucked in.

circa 1968

2011-12-30T21:47:00.000-06:00

Walking down a short side street, we found a small door that opened to 3 chairs.

A traditional barber shop had been open there since 1968.

Of course the boys needed haircuts. Very nice people.

Hilarious moment.

legos.

2011-12-29T21:36:00.000-06:00

We have some time on our hands...

so we found a street market in Wan Chai that sells knock-off Legos.

Christmas in Chongqing

2011-12-26T10:28:00.000-06:00

home away from home

2011-12-22T09:55:00.000-06:00

Hong Kong --- see you soon.

2011-12-15T09:50:00.000-06:00

I love to travel with these people!

Christmas in America

2011-12-14T09:45:00.000-06:00

balloons.

2011-12-13T15:47:00.000-06:00

Sunday afternoon, friends and family gathered at our church to honor the life of Noah Watchman Dean. We celebrated the hope we have in Christ and prayed for orphans worldwide. We released red balloons with prayers attached in Noah's memory. It was absolutely beautiful.

We are so moved by the amount of support and love we have been shown. Thank you, thank you, thank you. For those who were unable to attend, here is some of the letter I read during the service:

Dear Noah,

This has been the hardest week of my life. Losing you has caused indescribable grief in my heart. You never met me, but I have loved you from the moment I could call you mine. I still do.

I remember the first night your pictures arrived. I was overwhelmed, humbled, and sure I wanted to be your father. I wasn't sure how I could care for your special needs, but I was certain I wanted to, and determined in my heart to do everything I possibly could, to love you well in this world -- just like my other sons.

Facing the reality of your death has been heartbreaking. It still is. I miss you. I miss the memories we would have made, and in a better world, we should have made. In a perfect world, you would never have been abandoned. Forsaking you at birth would never happen. We do not live in a perfect world, but we are loved by a perfect Father who gave his son that those who believe, have LIFE in him.

You are a precious, priceless person to me and I would have given everything I have to bring you home. Yet, this was not our Father's will. Instead, you would pass from this life to eternity...

Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling (Psalm 68:5). We trust you are in the Father's arms. Whole. Healed. Happy. Forever.

Your life was not in vain.
Many people will see Jesus because of you.
They will hear about what you already know as reality.
They will believe in faith, what you now see as forever with God.

There are millions of precious people in the world, just like you.
147 millions orphans worldwide.
This is not right.
Not acceptable.

The pain of losing you put us on our knees, put tears in our eyes, and opened our hands and hearts all the more to the God we know, trust, and love.

After praying about this and trying to reconcile losing you, your mom and I believe the best way to honor your life... to continue placing honor and worth on your life... is to welcome another child in your memory and in the name of Jesus.

So we are doing that...*

If there are trampolines in heaven, be prepared.You have three brothers that will tackle and hug you as soon as they see you. They love to wrestle. I do too.

Love,
Dad

* We have started the paperwork on a special little girl. More on her story when the time is appropriate and things are final. Anna Grace will have a sister! We can't wait to meet them both!!!!!!!!!

When I awake, I am still with You.

2011-12-07T10:00:00.001-06:00

For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;Your works are wonderful.

I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with You.

Psalm 139:13-18

Noah Watchman Dean

2011-12-06T17:07:00.001-06:00

Dear Friends and Family,

With nine days left to go pick up this sweet little angel, we received a devastating call this afternoon. Our son, Noah Watchman Dean went to be with Jesus. We never got to hold our son, never got to cuddle, or squeeze his sweet cheeks. But he was totally part of our family. He was our 4th son. It was official, we signed the papers. We were his Mom and Dad. He was Josh's "little squishy". The boys couldn't wait to wrestle with him. Luke was waiting to play "men" (little figures) with him. He has clothes, a highchair, a bed, a plane ticket, a bouncy seat, formula ready to go, and a family that was counting down the days to finally embrace our little fellow.

Whenever I look at his picture, more than anything I wanted to rescue him from that plastic mattress. So cold, and ugly. To think he has spent the last 15 months of his life there makes me cringe. I wanted to kiss the scar on his forehead because I know that no one ever did. I wanted to caress his little deformed ear like it was perfectly made in his mother's womb. I wanted to be his Mommy. Thankfully even though I will never be able to hold my son I will always be able to call him my son. I have the papers to prove it.

Yesterday on our Jesse Tree, the ornament we opened was of Noah's Ark. We looked at it with great anticipation thinking about our trip to get our Noah. Todays ornament was a Ram, symbolizing the story of Abraham and Isaac and that God would provide. Today we are trusting him for his provision. When I told Josh this he said, "Momma, I can't give Noah up." That's how we all feel right now. For my birthday Matt bought me a Christmas ornament that said "Everlasting Father" to commemorate our special Christmas this year. Little did I know that it will always remind me of who is holding our little one.

We will probably not receive any information about his death, we will not receive a death certificate, or know what will happen to his little body. All of this so hard to take in, so unsettling. Mainly, because his life was of great value to us. He is our son. Matt and I have talked, that when we first heard of his special needs we were a bit overwhelmed and didn't know how we could handle them all. But as the days went by we were filled with peace that no matter how he came to us, he was ours and that we would do whatever we needed to do. Today, we would give anything, pay anything to have this baby in our home for just a second. You see, the worth of something depends on how much one is willing to pay. Caleb this afternoon said "I wish I could die, so that Noah could live." He was a valuable part of our family. Matt is without words, grieving and broken over this loss.

We know, and we take great hope in our Everlasting Father. He has healed Noah's ear. He is hearing perfectly the sounds of heaven. He is no longer hungry or malnourished. His little lip and palate are perfect. He is fully alive with the Father. He will never be cold again. He will never be alone, never be forsaken, never hurt alone again.

Thank you for praying for us. Pray for our family as we grieve. Pray for us as we leave next week to get Anna Grace. It's like having twins. We are excited and grieving at the same time. It feels like we are on a roller coaster.

We have friends that have endured this same loss, only from Ethiopia as they were preparing travel to pick up their son Brighton. They have been a great source of comfort to us. Tonight the dad said, "It makes me smile to think of a little Chinese boy named Noah and a little Ethiopian boy named Brighton running around heaven playing with each other."

The Lord has a special place in his heart for little ones like these -

For all the Dean family,

April

DEAN PARTY OF 7 - ADOPTION UPDATE!

2011-11-03T10:44:00.000-05:00

For many of you who have followed our journey, you know that we took our first steps in 2005 with the desire to adopt. Our paperwork has been in China since April 17, 2007 (LID) and we've been waiting. Over the years, our hearts have continued to open, not only to the life of one child, but the plight of more than 147 million orphans worldwide.

During the past year, China has created a special program allowing qualified families to adopt a child (healthy or waiting with medical needs) and a special focus child (with medical needs) at the same time.

So, we have made some adjustments in our adoption plan --- and we wanted to share the update. Instead of adopting a daughter from China, we are choosing to adopt a son AND a daughter from China.

We couldn't be more excited. Josh, Caleb, and Luke are thrilled to be big brothers. April and I are both "pregnant" with joy and anticipation that God is growing our family again. We believe the miracle of adoption is one of the clearest pictures of God's love for us and we are humbled by the blessing of being able to welcome more children into our family. We are trying to wrap our minds around the idea of Dean Party of 7: We'll have an 8 yr old, 6 yr old, 3 yr old, 2 yr old, and 1 yr old. (SMILE)

There is room in our hearts and room around our dinner table. There are two empty seats in our car. There are clothes waiting to be worn. Shoes waiting to be passed down. Toys sitting in baskets ready for more little hands. Two more hearts will hear of God's love and redemption offer through Jesus.

There are no words to adequately describe what it feels like to hear the phone ring after more than 5 years of waiting. What seemed impossible and indefinitely delayed, is now here. Real.

On September 29, around 11:45pm the phone rings! We have a referral. A beautiful little face from SW China lands in our inbox. Instant joy, love, longing and connection. She is 2.5 years old and was abandoned a week after birth. Due to policy, we are unable to provide more information at this time, other than our long awaited Anna Grace now has a face, a history, and more importantly, she has a family.

On Monday October 31, around 12:15am the phone rings again! We have another referral. A handsome face from N China lands in our inbox. He is 15 months old and abandoned two days after birth. Our hearts are open wide to welcome little Noah Watchman to our family. In faith, we are moving forward to pursue him. Again, due to policy, we are unable to release more information at this time. We are in the process of requesting / approval on this child's behalf.

It is nothing short of amazing.

So, we are doing everything we can in the days and weeks ahead to bring these two children into our family as soon as possible. Both children have special medical needs and will need surgery soon.

Around our house, there is an unprecedented sense of joy and anticipation. We are thrilled, overwhelmed, and ready to go. A lot has to happen between now and when we travel back to China. Anything can change, but we expect travel clearance in early January 2012!

Many of you have been on this journey with us from the beginning and are still asking how you can help. That too, is a picture of the church -- being the Church -- and we are so thankful for each of you who have prayed for us.

To the Grace Campus community, we love you. We were a part of something so special during those years in Auburn and in Hong Kong. I can still remember back to the night in 2006 at AUMC when we announced we were adopting little "Anna Grace" --- wow. Who knew all these years later, that God in his wisdom would have us wait, change our hearts, and in His sovereignty -- bless us with the gift of another son.

More updates to follow.

Alive and well.

2011-08-24T09:56:00.007-05:00

There's no way to summarize the past eight months of life in a blog post.

We have learned so much from our journey to and from Hong Kong.

We are so thankful for our families, friends and for new life in Atlanta.

tis the season.

2010-12-26T07:28:00.005-06:00

the best thing about IKEA.

2010-12-21T07:21:00.000-06:00

we love sai kung

2010-12-20T01:36:00.000-06:00

From NYC to HK

2010-12-10T01:50:00.003-06:00

My friend from NYC, Aaron Coe, stopped in Hong Kong on his way to Vietnam.

It was great having him here for a day... among many things, we talked

about ministry, adoption, fatherhood, and the fact that we both have grey hair.

close

2010-12-08T17:36:00.004-06:00

The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth.

Psalm 145

tis about to be the season

2010-11-30T01:31:00.000-06:00

It was so nice to have my mom here with April and the boys while I was in Atlanta and Cairo.

Many memories made. Very, very thankful.

turkey day

2010-11-28T01:29:00.000-06:00

a taste of home.

2010-11-04T02:48:00.000-05:00

an almost empty beach

2010-10-29T23:37:00.011-05:00

Hong Kong is many things, including one of the most densely populated places on earth. But if you make the effort, it's quite possible to escape the urban roar. On a day where a lot of people are wearing jackets around here, our little guys wanted to go to the beach. I'm so glad we did.

They loved it. We did too.

It was a perfect way to start our weekend.

microphones.

2010-10-28T09:31:00.011-05:00

One of the things I do love about Hong Kong is the opportunity to meet so many different people from around the world. A couple weeks ago I met a new friend from NZ. In short, the guy has a passion to serve the church in a neighboring country in SE Asia. This small country in particular has experienced great suffering and hardship in recent decades, but the Church survived and is growing.

Turns out -- one of the things he is trying to do is resource some young musicians there to write and record worship songs in their own language. I'm listening to him share his heart and what he is personally doing to invest his energy and resources to help other people. All I can do is smile.

I remember what it was like several years ago in Auburn -- wanting to make encounter all it could be and not having the money or resources to pull off a worship gathering for so many students. I remember how encouraged I was when other people saw the same need and gave their resources to make it happen. Before we knew it, God provided just what we needed.

We shipped most of that sound equipment to Hong Kong -- just in case we'd need it. Who knew? While we are still trying to sell the larger items, it was clear to me that the right thing -- the most helpful thing would be to give these brothers in a nearby country what they needed to record in their own language. What did these guys need? Microphones. A pretty simple request, but a really encouraging exchange.

How's this for a thought? The same microphones that captured voices to lead students at Auburn University will soon capture voices that will move the hearts of people in SE Asia towards Him. I love it.

typhoon megi

2010-10-22T20:54:00.002-05:00

the new normal

2010-10-19T21:14:00.004-05:00

At lunch the other day with a friend who is also from America, we started talking about things that were not normal -- that have slowly become a part of everyday life in hong kong. I started thinking more about this, and started laughing... a lot.

When did it become normal to stand on a crowded bus with people snoring as they sleep standing up?

When did it become normal to spend $16USD on about a gallon of milk?

When did it become normal to travel by foot, train, bus, boat, and taxi in one day?

When did it become normal to walk places and not hear one word of English?

When did it become normal to share "face-space" with total strangers on a packed MTR train?

When did it become normal to watch the same lady walk backwards down the street...every morning?

When did it become normal to see men in catatonic poses during tai chi in a park?

When did it become normal to be really thankful for blue skies and stars at night?

When did it become normal that our children eat pancakes with chopsticks?

When did it become normal to not put ice in our drinks at home?

When did it become normal to play soccer on concrete?

When did it become normal to take our shoes of before entering our house?

When did it become normal to meet people from different places around the world every week?

When did it become normal to drive on the right side of the car on the left side of the road?

When did it become normal to pay to park the car... and walk a couple blocks home?

When did it become normal to actually enjoy hot, unsweetened, chinese-style tea?

When did it become normal to watch cartoons in mandarin, cantonese, and english?

When did it become normal to feel totally disconnected from college football seasons?

(ps. War Eagle).

That's just a start... but I'm pretty sure there are thousand more.

Happy 50th Independence Day Nigeria

2010-10-15T02:18:00.002-05:00

work

2010-10-13T19:42:00.003-05:00

I took Josh to work with me yesterday. We had a great time.

Thankful for such a simple memory.

Caleb... you're next!

lately

2010-10-07T23:15:00.008-05:00

Two weeks can fly by. Life around here has been busy. This week I had an interview with a international social worker about our upcoming adoption. Next week, she will visit our home and check things out, interview the boys, etc. After that, she will compile our 3rd home study update and then we will submit that paperwork to our agency in America. Then, our plan is to enroll in the Waiting Child program for children with special needs.

So much has changed since we first began this journey towards adoption. After years of getting our hopes up...and only being disappointed by delays and prolonged wait times, it would suffice to say that we are contently trusting God's timing for this beloved little girl. I can still remember early conversations with family and friends. That seems like forever ago. The reality is, we could have her...soon (as in months, and not years).

And yes, I am ready to see little pink dresses around this place. I'm ready to see three big brothers love the sister they've prayed for during the past couple years. I'm ready for her grandparents to hold her. I'm ready for April to have a little girl to hold and love. I'm ready too. It's fair to say, we are pregnant with desire.

So if you have never considered adoption, please, please do so. Current estimates hold the number at 200 million orphans worldwide. You can make a difference. If it's not adopting a child, then maybe get to know a family who has and see how you can help them. Go to a local orphanage and ask how you can help. Sponsor a child.

Earlier this spring, I was in Chengdu, China and I remember holding a precious little girl. She was born with some deformities. A family in Texas was in the process of adopting her. I remember thinking about her parents and how eager they must be to have her in their arms. She's probably with them now. I hope so.

I think about our daughter -- where is she? Has she been born? Is someone holding her now? I think about this --- and immediately think about the Gospel. That God loved me before I was born. That He purchased me with His blood before I could love Him or serve Him or know Him. That He had plans for me, hopes for me, thoughts of me -before I was ever alive. Incredible. Humbling. Grace is awakening in our hearts, all over again.

www.awaa.org

www.chinaorphans.org

www.africarenewal.org

church and the city

2010-09-27T02:08:00.004-05:00

I'm teaching a class on 1 Corinthians this fall @ Island ECC. I love this letter to the church because it reminds me how much we need God, more than anything else -- God's presence in our lives is the point. The church at Corinth got sidetracked by the myriad of distractions around them and within them. It's great to plant churches in cities, but it's critical to know how to live redemptive lives within the city. On a lot of days, that's easier said than done - especially when Christ-followers take their eyes off of Christ.

The moment from yesterday that stands out most clearly to me is this: "For the foolishness of God is wiser than mans' wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength... God chose the foolish things... the weak things... the lowly things... and the despised things so that no one may boast before him. It is BECAUSE OF HIM that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us the wisdom of God -- that is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: " Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:25-31

My thoughts on "the weakness of God" stop at the cross. The power of the cross stands alone. It doesn't need words of human wisdom. For those who believe - it is the power of God.

the great outdoors

2010-09-26T05:12:00.006-05:00

Clearwater Bay Country Park

jump

2010-09-23T09:41:00.007-05:00

Hilliard Family + Miller Family + Dean Family = Fun.

mid-autumn festival

2010-09-22T09:20:00.002-05:00

We met our friends for the mid-autumn festival -- it was a beautiful night in HK.

shine.

2010-09-19T23:12:00.002-05:00

We travelers, walking towards the sun, can’t see
Ahead, but looking back the very light
That blinded us shows us the way we came,
Along which blessings now appear, risen
As if from sightlessness to sight, and we,
By blessings brightly lit, keep going toward
That blessed light that yet to us is dark.
-Wendell Berry

smile

2010-09-15T07:38:00.004-05:00

what doesn't belong here?

2010-09-10T09:54:00.009-05:00

This is Luke watching his brothers play soccer.

This is Luke no longer watching his brothers play soccer.

This is Luke wondering why there are cows in the middle of the road.

This is Luke taking a closer look.

This is me putting the camera away and chasing Luke.

back on the pitch.

2010-09-10T09:46:00.005-05:00

remembering how.

2010-09-08T22:09:00.005-05:00

Some people use rocks for ebenezers. We use massive post-it notes.

remembering why.

2010-09-08T20:54:00.007-05:00

There's a map in our flat that is a steady reminder of the big picture. In many ways, what we see on the map is at the heart of why we left Auburn and now live in Hong Kong. As we adjust to a new year, a new job, and school with the boys, it can be very easy to lose heart and lose perspective. Funny thing is that's the first sermon I preached at Island ECC. Now - it seems I'm being tested in that very idea. God is redeeming people from every tribe, tongue, nation, and people. Will we participate? Will we give our lives? Will we love people and serve people well?

The other night, we had friends over for dinner and Caleb (5) prayed before dinner. In his prayer, he prayed for the people around the world (including those people groups in the photos above) who don't have access to a bible in their language. Caleb prayed God would make a way and encourage their hearts. Pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

We are NOT perfect parents. So when I hear our children having a heart for Jesus and his fame throughout the earth that brings real joy to our hearts. The other night on the phone, a trusted friend and mentor challenged us with this thought: The true test of faith is what happens when there is no emotion to accompany your belief.

thankful.

2010-09-08T20:48:00.001-05:00

dear jason and malorie.

2010-08-30T06:49:00.002-05:00

we miss you

lamma island

2010-08-29T06:33:00.000-05:00

kowloon park

2010-08-28T06:24:00.000-05:00

Luke is 2!

2010-08-27T06:15:00.000-05:00

my future artists

2010-08-18T21:47:00.001-05:00

night & day in our suburbia

2010-08-11T06:31:00.005-05:00

noah's first vist.

2010-08-11T06:21:00.001-05:00

seven

2010-08-01T08:20:00.000-05:00

Even though we have already celebrated all three boys' birthdays back in America -- it's our tradition to have pancakes on birthdays... and Josh wanted to go Stanley Beach on the south side of Hong Kong, followed up by xiao long bao for dinner (his favorite). I'm so proud of who he is and absolutely honored to be his dad. This is the verse I most often think of about being a father:

"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children are a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior, are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them." Psalm 127:3-5

departures

2010-07-29T07:32:00.001-05:00

We made it back to HK and I'd like to think we're over jet-lag. We are settling back into life over here -- it's almost pointless to try and reconcile the two worlds in which we've lived. Both are great. Both are really different. And we're really thankful for who we know and love on both sides of the globe.

I have to say this time arriving as a family was completely different than last time... I would equate last year's arrival as the first day of college -- where everything was foreign, overwhelming and new. This go around...is like sophomore year -- way more laid back and familiar. Thankfully we are not setting up anything new or trying to find a broom or figuring out how to get places. It's great to be back.

We are excited to reconnect with friends, say good-bye to some dear friends about to leave, and begin a new journey. I'll be starting a new job at Island ECC in a couple of weeks. We're so thankful for this church, its leadership, and the opportunity to serve on their staff team.

Looking back on the weeks we were able to spend with family and friends, it is so evident we needed that time to breathe deeply, share, listen, read, sit on porch swings, eat popsicles, swim, fish, worship, and rest. It was great.

For what it's worth -- we (April and I) read through two books this summer -- both of which were precisely timed and very unlikely: I'm Proud of You by Tim Madigan and Here and Now by Henri Nouwen

the annual birthday party

2010-07-17T23:50:00.007-05:00

on the road again.

2010-07-16T22:43:00.003-05:00

This week has been pretty busy -- we've spent a lot of time on the road. Monday we met friends in Auburn. Tuesday, I had a meeting in Birmingham. Wednesday we drove to Atlanta to see the McDowell family. I spoke at North Metro Church on Thursday night. On our way back to Montgomery, we stopped by to see the Carerra family and their beautiful new daughter... and the boys got to see Lucy (our beloved pre-Hong Kong family pet).

thankful for days like these

2010-07-12T21:53:00.000-05:00

happy birthday caleb

2010-07-07T10:06:00.007-05:00

americana

2010-07-04T11:46:00.000-05:00

the summer of cousins

2010-07-02T11:10:00.001-05:00

she caught the only one

2010-06-25T15:32:00.000-05:00

fathers day

2010-06-22T23:10:00.002-05:00

In light of how little I've actually written on this blog during this past year, I've come back around to the primary idea of why I started blogging in the first place... to remember to little things that I might otherwise forget. So, here goes -- for Fathers Day 2010 here's what things shaped up to be.

For me, Josh and Caleb (and of course Luke in his 22 month old understanding) decided I needed to see Toy Story 3 in 3D with them. Loved it. We had a great time. Hearing them both laugh when Buzz starting speaking Spanish was absolutely priceless. April and Luke made it about 45 minutes, and then Luke was done with Woody and Buzz. Hello movie theatre lobby with one tired mommy.

For my dad, Josh and Caleb, my brother Daniel and I went to Green Papaya (Laotian / Thai Food) with dad today. We had a great time, but the better time was when we went to my dad's office, where as I described to the boys on the way over, "he has worked here a long time as a lawyer to provide for our family" -- and it dawned on me how easy it is to take such a simple thing for granted. So, Dad -- thanks so much for persevering in your career and for providing for the family over these years. I know that you (and mom) have really worked hard and I'm thankful for your examples. It was a lot of fun to see the people you work with and that side of your life that I haven't seen much of lately. Thanks for being a great Dad to me.

SCENIC 30-A

2010-06-21T10:45:00.000-05:00

Top Ten from the weekend:

April.

Driving with the windows down.

Roadside boiled peanuts.

Singing the best hits of the 80's, 90's or whatever radio station was on.

Oil-disaster free beaches.

Awesome thunderstorms at night.

I walked into a glass door on our balcony.

$6 rafts that actually worked.

Good Eats: Back Porch. Borago. Another Broken Egg Cafe. Hooks BBQ.

Time.

grass is good for this.

2010-06-17T17:23:00.000-05:00

around here.

2010-06-16T07:53:00.008-05:00

We are so glad to be back in America for much of this summer. April and the boys haven't been back from Hong Kong in almost a year, and we are having a great time with much of life that was familiar before our move. It's great to be around family and our friends. Most days here have included popsicles, a pool, and mexican food.

futbol

2010-06-04T21:56:00.001-05:00

Fridays are definitely one of our favorite days of the week. The boys have been enrolled in a local brazilian soccer school here and love it. Luke is only a couple seasons away from joining in the fun. If you are new to Hong Kong and have young children -- do it. Random fact: Josh and Caleb are the only Americans on their teams -- they've made friends from Holland, Australia, China, Hong Kong, the UK and Canada.

gold coast

2010-05-26T21:37:00.000-05:00

chengdu

2010-05-25T21:25:00.000-05:00

Some highlights from a trip to Chengdu with Scott and Jason. We had a great time connecting with some Auburn friends, visited an orphanage, and well... the rest of the time we ate at Peter's Tex Mex. Chengdu is a fascinating city, and one we'll be visiting again. Maybe next time the whole family will go. I'm hoping so.

go fish

2010-05-07T19:31:00.003-05:00

UNO

2010-05-06T21:15:00.002-05:00

little medium spicy

2010-04-27T03:42:00.003-05:00

Today, I met my friend (and avid reader of this blog) Wang Yangyong for lunch. Being from Xi'an, he is a fan of spicy foods -- and so am I. I took a picture of the menu so that if any of you dear friends in America would like me to bring back some of these key ingredients I'll see what I can do.

We ordered "C4 - Little Medium Spicy" -- let me just say, you know it's going to be hot when they bring you a new packet of tissue to wipe the sweat off your face. Next time, I'm going for C6 - Medium Very Spicy".

time well spent

2010-04-15T04:40:00.004-05:00

I am so thankful my parents were able to visit us here in Hong Kong for the past week. We had a great time showing them what life looks like for us. No doubt, we invested in some great memories together. It makes such a difference in our lives knowing that both mine and April's parents have been able to make the marathon flight over here from America. Thanks to you both - we love you and can't wait to see you this summer!

university students, eggs, and bowling

2010-04-05T12:19:00.003-05:00

Today was a great day. We joined our team and some friends from Chinese U and Poly U for a little post-easter egg decorating time, pizza, and bowling. What happens when you put Americans, Australians, a German, a Liberian, and Chinese people in one room? Good times. What happens when they all go bowling? Even better times. Too bad there are no pictures from the bowling. Let's just say, it was very entertaining - for everyone. I even learned how to say, "you are bowling like a grandmother" in Mandarin.

middle road playground | one amazing skyline

2010-04-03T12:12:00.000-05:00

good friday

2010-04-02T12:09:00.001-05:00

June 5.

2010-04-01T11:50:00.002-05:00

Twelve years ago I was a student at Auburn University. Life was very different for me then. For all the things I did not know and all the things I did not see coming my way - I did know at Passion '98 in Texas -- that God loved me and that His commitment to glorify Jesus above all names brought me a great sense of peace... and proportion.

And now? I find myself living in Hong Kong with my precious family and dear friends who have joined us to make the name of Jesus more known here. That looks different every day here. Some days are filled. Some days are slow. Some days are really, really difficult. Some days are amazing. Some days we get it. Some days we don't. Some days, I just smile with a sense of assurance - we are where we are supposed to be - for this very time - for this very season.

Today -- a few of us drove from corner to corner of HK -- putting these materials into the hands of other church and ministry leaders. It was a good day. Lots of traffic. Lots of laughs. More city streets and side streets and misadventures in driving / parking in this amazing city.

www.268generation.com

the cast.

2010-03-30T02:45:00.005-05:00

North Metro Atlanta + Grace Campus HK

2010-03-11T01:59:00.003-06:00

This week we are hosting our friends from North Metro Church in Atlanta. Over the next few days, we will be on several of the university campuses to show them what we see: Potential. What an encouragement this team has been to us so far, and we are looking forward to what unfolds here in the next few days. Tonight, we'll be hosting another rooftop BBQ, for university students we have gotten to know here in HK so far. Be sure to check the grace campus blog for more pictures throughout the week.

my little crazies

2010-03-05T19:50:00.002-06:00

This scene went on for about 15 minutes, featuring random phrases of mandarin

and whatever else they thought about yelling, such as "lovely lady".

welcome to the world

2010-03-02T07:24:00.003-06:00

Welcome these two sleeping beauties to the world -- my sister just had twins!
Megan and Braxton we can't wait to meet little Avery and Caroline. We love you and are so happy for you both!

luke loves watching his brothers play soccer

2010-02-19T23:57:00.003-06:00

kung hei fat choi

2010-02-16T07:30:00.004-06:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

hello again, macau.

2010-02-15T06:25:00.003-06:00

Really. Macau? Again? Yes. Only this time, we traveled there this weekend with these dear friends. While not exactly the ideal getaway location for any of us, we were there for visa-related matters, so we made the most of it: egg tarts, fernando's, 100,000 firecrackers for CNY, walking the streets in the mist/rain, and finding a random, beautiful, rule-oriented park. Gotta love it.

part of a much larger story

2010-02-12T06:27:00.003-06:00

Read more about this at www.blog.gracecampus.net

Mike and Sue Pt. 2

2010-02-08T01:11:00.000-06:00

Mike and Sue, thank you so much for coming to see us. We enjoyed seeing you on this side of earth and cherish the many memories we made together. The boys look forward to "the list" this summer. We love you!

the long awaited visit

2010-01-31T00:42:00.002-06:00

April's parents arrived late wednesday night after some flight delays in America. It is so great to have them here. The first couple of days were slow paced, staying mainly around where we live and taking the boys to soccer practice. Yesterday, we showed them a more well-known side of HK, Mong Kok. Perhaps one of THE most densely populated places on EARTH, it was an experience for them to say the least. And hey - we even picked up some additional pet fish for the boys an aquarium. I ordered lunch with the little Chinese I knew to speak... and it turned out to be quite good. After a busy afternoon, we came back to Shatin and relaxed in the park. We met our friends from Australia for dinner, mainly laughing at all of our language idiosyncrasies. Tonight, we are taking them to our church, Island ECC. The boys are having a great time making memories with Grandy and Grandad. We are too.

สวัสดีครับ

2010-01-25T01:26:00.002-06:00

creole shrimp, dumplings, and 2.5 sous chefs

2010-01-15T10:15:00.002-06:00

One thing April and I decided before moving to HK, was that we wanted to have our team over for dinner on a weekly basis. As crazy as life can be with three young children, in a different culture, living across the world from most of the support structure we have known --- we know that simple things, like sharing a meal, can be some of the most meaningful time spent with others. This week, April gave the boys an assignment: "Come up with the name and menu of a restaurant" -- well, they did come up with the name "The Seasoned Dumpling Restuarant", however the menu was not so Chinese. More like spicy creole. (April came up with that part). They did such a great job. It was so fun to see their little hearts, and Calebs not-so-quiet voice come to life. We are so thankful to live and work with such a great group of men and women here in HK.

why grassy hills are good.

2010-01-12T20:38:00.001-06:00

the silver community group - says hello.

2010-01-07T01:09:00.005-06:00

It is a long flight, but it gets easier every time. My heart is full from the days I've been in Atlanta with Passion 2010. I shot this little video on my last morning with the silver community group... and they wanted to say a little thanks to some special people who couldn't make the trip with me.

PASSION 2010

2009-12-30T15:29:00.003-06:00