2 years ago....

Ever wondered what Joe and I were doing 2 years ago? Probably not... but in case you wanted to know, we got married two years ago! We celebrated our 2 year anniversary May 27th.

Since we have been living with parents for the past year, which is a blessing, we thought it would be great to get some time away alone. Joe told me he was taking me somewhere relaxing, but that is all I knew. I had thought we were going to a place we were at as students with CCC at Toledo for a retreat up in Michigan. Guess again, we went to Perrysburg, OH to a boutique hotel. Basically meaning, it was a small establishment that waited on us hand and foot. Only problem was -- they were repaving the parking lot (so we didn't get to use the personal garage we had) and the Internet never worked. We had a great time because we got to be together, but were frustrated with the service and amenities we didn't get to use (Internet and garage) and no one ever said sorry for the inconvenience.

We had a gift card to Biaggi's.. oh my goodness... the food was amazing! We dressed up, because we thought it would be fun! :)

We also got to visit the spot where we first started dating and where we were engaged. It is in downtown Toledo on the Maumee River. We went to the restaurant where we ate for our first date and after our engagement! Joe eating at "The Navy Bistro". The food is expensive, but we wanted to remember our first date and engagement. The food was amazing. Here is Joe with his salmon and I had the best steak I had ever eaten in my life! It was neat... we were walking by the river and the draw bridge went up.... we were hopeful for a big boat or barge, but no luck. I made Joe stand in the middle of the bridge.. and thought the picture turned out pretty neat.

Ok.. this is semi random.. but as I am typing this blog.. this small finch keeps coming up to the window. I think he sees his reflection in the window or something. It's pretty neat though how close you can get to him.

Hope you are all doing well! We are excited as we have quite a few appointments this week to meet with individuals about our ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ! Enjoy the weather!

We're back!

We are back home from Pennsylvania. Thank you for your prayers.



We really had a great time with Joe's grandparents, relatives, and talking with people about our ministry. The last day in PA was Joe's birthday. He was 24 on May 16th. His grandparents took him out to eat and we also had cake and ice cream.



We are trusting God for big things in the upcoming weeks... we can't wait to update you on what He does!

Lewisburg, OH to Lewisburg, PA.....

This past weekend we left en route to Pennsylvania. We left on Friday for the Akron area. We were able to go to dinner with one of Joe's relatives and supporter that we had never met. We really had a great time! That night we got to see some of our best friends. We had a great time with them Friday night and Saturday. We played hide and go seek and enjoyed spending time together. Saturday night we went to a wedding together for one of Andrea's friends from college. It was beautiful and a great time catching up with friends!

At the wedding reception

We now are in Lewisburg, PA! We made it safely to Joe's grandparents place Sunday afternoon.

Half way into the trip, a light turned on on Joe's console. We were figuring it was a symbol for low washer fluid, but it was for low engine coolant. We were nervous that the engine could overheat. We kept contemplating stopping and adding coolant (but we would have to wait awhile to put the fluid in because the engine had to cool all the way down). We kept watching the temperature gauge like a hawk, and it never got in the red zone, so we made it in safely! Praise God! So, today is engine coolant adding day to our car!

Sunday night, we were very tired, but got to speak at a church that Joe's grandparents used to pastor at. It was a small church, but was very encouraging. They prayed for us and we met some really neat people.

Monday, we got to hang out with Joe's grandparents. We went with them to a dinner at a local church. My goodness, the food there was abundant. They served subs (with so much meat) and other goodies (such as 2 whole tables of desserts). We were some of the youngest ones there.. but it was very fun and a blessing. We went out for some amazing ice cream afterwards and played games with Joe's grandma to end the night. Oh.. we also fixed the car today.. put more coolant in the car, and all is well with that!

Joe and his grandma (Alma)

So, today... we made a trip to Lancaster, PA to Hershey Farms. Joe's grandparents went with us and we met up with a special lady who had known Joe and his grandparents for a long time. She has been a blessing to us and our ministry. We really had a great time and have been enjoying exploring new places, meeting new people, and time with Joe's grandparents.

Joe and I at Hershey Farms in the Amish buggy....

Joe's grandma (Alma), Maryella, Joe's grandpa (Raymond), and Joe

There were goats at Hershey Farm. It was hilarious... Joe's grandpa kept feeding the goat. Not really food, but a gum wrapper, piece of gum, and mints. We are praying the goat makes it.

Pennsylvania here we come... !

Lately, Joe and I have been super busy traveling. We have been speaking at some churches and have been back and forth numerous times from Lima (Andrea's hometown) and Lewisburg (where we are living with Joe's parents).

We just wanted to update you and let you know we will be traveling to Pennsylvania the week of May 11th to connect with some individuals about our ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ. We are excited as we will be seeing some of Joe's relatives and connecting with new people out there.

Please pray for our time in Pennsylvania... For safe travels, that we would be able to connect with many people about our ministry while out there, and also spend some quality time with Joe's extended family.

We will update you on our trip when we get back!