trees are not supposed to do this

so check this out. this is maryland, the street where we live. look at the uprooted sidewalk on the right - we couldn't believe what happened within one short hour! we were actually on a romantic stroll down maryland to st. louis bread co. for dinner (yes, romantic)... when the storm hit. it was really weird. good thing we made it inside before the torrential rain fell from the black sky. let's say it was a quick hit 'n run.

in the aftermath of last week's storm, trees were down everywhere - and i mean everywhere. maybe 2-3 big trees fell at every block in the city. our car was blocked in for two days, and our traffic light blew off and disappeared completely. some 30 people were injured at busch stadium during the cardinals game, some fans were hospitalized. another one of our friends was on the highway and felt like he was going airborne! it was bad news for businesses, traffic, city foresters, crowded hospitals, and people with pets. the best news for us is that we miraculously didn't lose our power or AC... but many of our friends did, for nearly a week. anyway, thanks to all who called to check in on us. we're all good. :)

p-glo

two of our good friends left st. louis today... off to california they go, bringing with them the knowledge of games such as screwy louie and bang, the love of tom-yum soup, bowling, and anything in maui, and the pursuit of all things LOST and the number 24. we'll miss you guys...

btw everyone, pat still owes me a beer.

one year ago

Starting all over again is never easy. This week, my husband hangs up his 'intern' hat and begins his second year.

I remember one year ago, the unknown was pretty scary. exciting, but scary. One year ago, we were moving from Houston to St. Louis and didn't know a soul here. One year ago, we drove into the city with a low-riding, jam-packed car, and found our way to our new, empty home. One year ago, we didn't have a church, didn't have friends, and josh was on call for his first day at the Pediatric ICU, while I was upstairs painting all day in the hot summer humidity. it was a pretty lonely few weeks, and the library (and free internet) was our new best friend. We set up our blog to connect with old friends... and to really, have some semblance of familiarity. crazy! how things have changed.

We are blessed with wonderful friends here, a really nice home, great church... for those six last months in houston, we had prayed - and our prayers had been answered! Josh worked hard at the hospital, then came home to care for me. Sometimes he comes home from working 30 hours straight, and if there are dirty dishes in the sink or laundry to fold, he just does it. He has done an amazing job this year, and I applaud him for making it through what is usually known as "the toughest year" (and that's for both marriage and work!) Also, we have been challenged in the Word, growing in our marriage, serving in the young adult ministry, and yes, doing the music worship thing... As I look back and reflect, I can't help but praise God! As friends here in St. Louis move onto their new beginnings, we are sad to see them go, but always remember how faithful our jehovah jireh will be.

this week: josh starts as a second year in the Cardiac ICU. 5 am every morning, extremely long days... and i'm getting pretty used to sleeping alone every fourth night (although i often can't sleep well without him). but i write with a thankful heart, as i remember all the ways the Lord has blessed us this past year, and how coming to St. Louis (and not cincinatti... or chicago... or michigan) was indeed in God's perfect plan. He knew - we see that now.

Please pray for Josh as he starts his second year as a resident at Children's. This month will be a particularly tough one to start on. There are never too many kids to take care of at the hospital, and he will need renewed energy and strength, espeically for the next three weeks...