Can't sleep... just can't get comfy these days with my 35 week belly in the way. The lack of abdominal muscles to maneuver in bed is entirely too taxing and as soon as I am comfortable it is time to get up to pee. :) The joys of the the last few weeks of pregnancy.
Since Ray got back from South Africa about 8 months ago I have not updated my little blog... but tonight, instead to turning on the tv or perusing pinterst I ended up re-reading almost my entire blog from start to present. Kinda crazy how life has changed over the years. Never in a million years would I have thought we would live in Dallas Texas, Ray in Bible college, living on one income, me working as a full time nurse, living in dorms, our best friends a Brazilian family, and pregnant with our second son. Life happens.
So... we found out we were expecting fairly soon after Ray's return from his Africa trip. Another little boy... our hearts were both SO excited and we had felt the Lord preparing us for another son the few weeks before we found out what we were having. Oakley Zion Hunt... that's his name. God had given us the verse Isaiah 61:3.
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
We know that our Oakley will be a strong oak for the Lord, that his life will display the glory and splendor of the God. We are more than excited to meet our next little love... but...
We have SO enjoyed this amazingly sweet time with our Barrett. The past year and a half in Texas has made the 3 of us so close. We do not live near immediate family... we have to depend on each other a lot more. Ray and Barrett's relationship has been one of the greatest blessings to me as Barrett has gotten older. Barrett LOVES going off with his daddy to do EVERYTHING! Ray never gets annoyed that Barrett wants to come with him... they are best friends and it is so much more than I ever dreamed of! I get sad sometimes when Ray gets ready to go to the gym and Barrett is running to his room to get his gym clothes and shoes on so that he can go with his dad. The other Saturday they spent the whole day together at a softball tournament! But soon after they leave I see that the Lord has given me sweet times of rest and refreshment... especially since I am still working full time night shift and 8 months preggo! Our times with Barrett the past three and a half years have been precious... we are just soaking up every last minute with just three of us.
When I look back on my posts from my blog about marriage or Ray or our relationship, I am overwhelmed at how much has changed. Almost married 5 years now... and well, things are different... but our friendship is definitely sweeter. This journey here at CFNI (Ray's school) has changed us. It is hard to put into words and there are so many intimate parts of this journey that will never be shared except between us... but he has healed many parts of both of our lives, He has restored places in our hearts and our relationship that we never thought would live again, He has taught us new things and given us new revelations from His Word, but most importantly He is continuing the work that He started in both of us. It has been incredible to feel we both want the same thing in life... Ray loves school. He loves his classes, teachers, chapel, incredible friends, prayer room, serving on the directors teams, playing inter-murals, and just knowing that this is where God has him. I have heard him say how much this season in his life has changed him... and I am so thankful that I get a front row seat to cheer him on! His love for God is contagious... and that is a precious quality to have in a husband.
Ray and I both have many passions. We have many things we could see ourselves doing down the road. But we still do not have any clear direction for our future at this time... other than just pressing in and receiving all we can while we are here. Ray is planning to to complete the third year youth major and graduate in May 2015. We are trying to hold all things with an open hand. We want what He wants for us as a family... and so this year we are asking for a clear VISION for our family... for where we can serve the Lord best. We are trying not to think too far down the road and just enjoy this year.
Now that my blogging juices are flowing again, I will try to stay updated... especially for those times when I cant sleep and I sit down and read 3 years of blog posts. It is always a good reminder of where God has brought you and where He is taking you.
