Our Nephews

Uncle Taylor

We are poor listeners because we are afraid that there is something other than love in God. --Henri Nouwen

Just Checkin

Do you ever catch yourself and realize, "I've been so focused on the trail that I've forgotten the breathtaking view I hike for"? Do you ever wake up and realize the ground that's firm beneath you has slowly washed with the waves? Do you miss making objects out of the clouds floating by?
Think about it

No? Me neither. Just Checkin.

A Little Scare

It's ridiculous how dependent we are on these machines! On Thursday night, we were going to share our pictures with our Yuma family and our computer decided it was not the time. The display was all wrong and once we shut it down, it took FOREVER to reboot. We were quite concerned and it probably ruined our evening. A call to the wonderful people at Apple and we're back. So go ahead, you can breathe now.

Home Sweat Home

Yep, sweat. Not sweet. Well Sweet too. We are in Arizona for a week and it has been great seeing some of our favorite people. However....IT'S SO HOT! God Bless Air Conditioning. We spent last night at the St. Clair's and these are the two oldest of their three. We love them!

Beautiful Criminal

Beautiful Criminal, the new project of Nathan Picard (Former frontman and creative mind of Martyrs and Poets) is inspiring. It seems Mr. Picard has found his passion again and has embraced his music in a whole new way. The truth and integrity that comes from BC's music is hard to come by in an industry rank with cookie cutter bands and radio shallow lyrics. I take pride in coming upon music ready to burst before it breaks (one of those I knew them before they got big deals) and I have found that in Beautiful Criminal. No word yet on the much anticipated release of their initial album, but in the mean time, check out this video!

Beautiful Criminal:Rise

Oh yah...He's our brother in law.:)

The Evidence

Today We Dug

We both have been hired for five days of intense manual labor. Jack Harvey has requested our services to re-landscape the front of his business. We are removing all of the rocks that cover the ground, sifting them to a blinding shine, and piling them in one of his parking spaces. We will then move some earth around creating different levels and replace all of the newly cleaned rocks. I know, I know ... sounds like a blast, but we're having fun pretending like we have a place to maintain. All those HGTV shows are paying off!

The Summer of Travel Continues

We have arrived in Colorado! It has been great to see some of the people we love so much and this was Taylor's first time being here for the 4th of July. As always, it's beautiful here and we are enjoying having a porch for the time being. So many people to hang out with in so little time. Wish us luck.

Corrie and Benj

This weekend we traveled to Eastern PA to witness my childhood friend get married. It brought back lots of memories and made me feel old.
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Giffon!

A Job for Joanna

I just wanted to let everyone know that I got a job! I'm not actually using my degree yet, but I am super excited about this opportunity. I will be the interim Assistant Director of Student Ministries. I am filling in during someones maternity leave. Which means in 2 months I will be unemployed again:) However, I am so thankful for this opportunity. I have been hoping for a position that would keep me involved with what is going on at Geneva. This job allows me to spend one-on-one time with female leaders and encourage them. Not too bad, huh?

A Year Ago

A year ago today we had no idea we would be living in Beaver Falls, PA or even that Beaver Falls existed. A year ago today we had no idea that we would travel to Africa together. A year ago today we had no idea I couldn't find a teaching job. A year ago today we had no idea what it was like to live with 102 Freshman boys. A year ago today we had no idea that some of the most amazing people live in PA. A year ago today we had no idea that we would play so many games in order to make friends.

But a year ago today we stood before our friends and family Full of excitement and expectation and made the commitment to walk this road together. A year ago today.....

A Year of Sierra Leone in Three Weeks

Back to familiar. Back to Starbucks and Blogs, back to A/C and having it easy. But we are not back the same. Forever changed, we have arrived back in the USA. What an adventure! The experience was rich and full, one we will attempt to share, but will never be able to fully bring back. Our friend Sarah is someone words cannot fully express. We were so blessed as she (and Kristen) attempted to share her past year with us and cram it into a three week period. To see Sierra Leone from her view was priceless and we are incredibly thankful. Life has and will continue to move and as it does, we are going to attempt a bi-blog life for a while. We want to share our adventure with those who are interested but don't want to leave out what we're doing here and now. For the near future, our stories, pictures, and thoughts as we process Africa will continue to be posted at www.thespragues.wordpress.com and what occurs in our "everday" life will be put here. Should be fun. Wish us luck!

Africa

We are off to Sierra Leone, West Africa today. We will be there till June 20th. While there, we will be posting our journey at www.thespragues.wordpress.com (the link is on the right: Black and White and Full of Color.)

Pictures from Mother's Day Kickball

Team West Coast

Taylor and Ryan

Sarah, Laura, Joanna

A Couple of Days with the Spragues

Thursday, the parents Sprague hopped a plane to Pittsburgh and spent the weekend with us. We had such a great time with them. From going to a Pirate's game (they happened to be playing the AZ. Diamondbacks) to touring "the Burgh", to doing a little shopping at the outlet mall, we were spoiled by their presence. Thanks for coming guys. We already miss ya. Come back soon!

Mother's Day

Yesterday we participated in the first ever "Mother's Day Kickball Tournament." 14 grown adults competing in a game we all hadn't played in about ten years. It was pretty amazing!We ran fast and kicked hard in honor of the precious souls who brought us into this world:). It came down to the last inning and the last at bat. In the end, Team Midwest routed Team West Coast-ish by one run. Afterwards, we enjoyed some burgers and dogs as the sun faded into the distance. Happy Mother's Day Moms, this kicks for you!
p.s. We'll try to get a picture or two up soon

And That Makes Seven

Yesterday my brother and sister-in-law and their daughter Irelynd welcomed Haidyn Grace Lorenzen into their family. I haven't seen a picture yet, but with a name like that, I know she is beautiful! With the addition of Haidyn, I am now an aunt of seven. Being an aunt is one of my most treasured roles. It is hard for me to live so far away from all of them. Each on of them is so precious to me. I love Dawson's intensity. I love Gabe's sensitivity. I love Max's hair:) I love Quincy's music. I love Gavin's laugh. I love Irelynd's smile. And I can't wait to meet Haidyn....I love her so much already.

They're Gone

The majority of the student body has departed. Bitter Sweet with a twist of silence.

1:50 Am

Just finished helping at the Midnight Breakfast...a tradition during finals week. After, we spent some time with some beloved friends at the local coffee shop (not my coffee shop) that is open all night in honor of finals week. Now we are going to bed:) Night!

Ward Ranch

Noah Ward is one of my RAs this year. He's from this area (about 10-15 min away). For one of his last programs, he invited all the guys from Pearce Hall over to his parent's house for a barbecue. It was a blast, but it made me think twice about what having boys would be like :).
He's the one in the hat

Hey At Least I Tried

One of my good friends here, Sarah Kirksy, is an amazing artist. I had the brilliant idea that she should teach me how to paint. I don't think she knew what she was getting into. So we started a new tradition: Painting Monday! I just played with the paint today. Masterpieces coming soon (not today).
Sarah's Painting!

My Painting!

It's abstract art, don't ask what it is.

Another Step

Since we both got four shots and a set of pills to take yesterday, the reality of our trip to Africa is setting in. We have not had much time to process it. We decided to go ahead and start another blog that will hopefully capture a glimpse of our journey to Sierra Leone. You can check it out: thespragues.wordpress.com

The Concert

How do say no to this salesman?
The Artist and...

...his biggest fan!
Andy had a few of the students perform with him. It was cool to see how they connected with Him.
Changing lives one song at a time.