Twister!

The other night Ryan and I had some friends over for fondue and ...Twister! Yes, the game you either loved or hated from your childhood. We decided that we were up for giving it a try, and ended up having a great time. A few awkward moments (people in their 20s don't fit on the mat as well as little kids apparently...), but plenty of laughs.

Sizing up the board...

A round with the girls.

Husband and wife battle it out! (and you should check out Stephanie's blog about the evening)

And the spinners...

An action shot.

And to mix things up, use your head!

Accessories for Hope

A few weeks ago I was invited to an Accessories for Hope party. Curious about what exactly that was, I went. A friend from church, Krista, and her mom hosted a party to talk about the issue of modern day slavery, and what we can do to help. I learned that human trafficking and slavery are happening all around the world, and they estimate 27 million people are enslaved today. After talking about the issue, it's easy to dismiss it as too far away and too big...but next we talked about what God had to say about injustice and slavery.

Again I observed all the oppression that takes place in our world. I saw the tears of the oppressed with no one to comfort them. The oppressors have great power and the victims are helpless... Ecc. 4:1

This is what the Lord says: Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

The Lord looked and was displeased to find that there was no justice. He was amazed to see that no one intervened to help the oppressed. Isaiah 59:15-16

I know for me, I had heard about these things before through other groups such as Invisible children, missionaries in Thailand, and other sources, but Sherry was able to show how some of our choices can make the problem worse. Such as where we buy chocolate and coffee, two infamous industries for poor treatment of workers. All of this is very overwhelming, and you might be thinking what can we possibly do to help?

Krista's mom started a non-profit to link a bunch of organizations together to sell products that have been made by rescued slaves (hince the name, Accessories for Hope). She brought several things, such as jewelry, purses, coffee, chocolate, clothes, scarves and more for us to take a look at and possibly buy if we wanted to. I know this does not solve the problem that people are sinful and are continually forcing others into slavery, but it encourages those out there making a difference. And these accessories provide a new way of living for women that

have possibly never known anything other than prostitution or coffee been pickers who have been forced into hard labor with their children. Many of the groups Accessories for Hope supports are Christian organizations that are sharing the love of Christ and the possibility of new life to those with no hope and a life worse than we could ever imagine here in the midst of our comfort.

This is just food for thought, and I know I have much to learn about this issue, but wanted to share about how a simple Sunday evening party is really changing how I view being a consumer and the choices I make.

All of the beautiful bags and purses.

and the jewelry...

and fair trade shoes!

The Potter and the Clay

Another little known fact about me, I love art. You probably wouldn't guess from my engineering degree, lack of drawing skills or that I shop at the Gap. But all through grade school I used to go to summer art camps and after school art programs at a local community center. I loved it. We would paint, draw, paper mache, do pottery, all kinds of stuff. I haven't really used many of these skills later in life, other than occasionally re-arranging our furniture, scrapbooking, or taking pictures.

But a few weeks ago Kara found this place where you could go and actually use their pottery wheel. I was so excited. We made two small pots, and it was actually slightly frustrating at how little I remembered, but we had a blast.

Starting off 2010

For the start of 2010 I will be taking a break from the internet (facebook, blogging, twitter, etc...) for 40 days. I know I am cheating right now, but I thought it only fair to let you know why I will be absent! During this time Ryan and I will be working on a study that focuses on dying to self and praying for the possibility of missions in the future. Exciting stuff!

I hope that I will have a lot to tell you when I get back!

2010!

Happy New Years from Indianapolis!

2009 Highlights

On this last day of 2009, I thought it only appropriate to share with you some highlights of the year.

Ringing in 2009 at Henry and Bekah's

We got a cat!

I was able to go on a cruise through the Caribbean with my family

The canal fire of '09 across the street, it shut down the downtown area for days

We visited the Cheney's in Colorado!

We celebrated our wedding anniversary in Memphis (yes that is Graceland in the background)

The Slagor's bought a new house in Champaign! (sadly it was not in Indianapolis or Cincinnati...)



For about 6 months this year, Ryan and I were not sure if we were going to have to move for my job (possibly Illinois, Mexico, or California). We celebrated with friends when we found out we got to stay in Indy for another year!


Lauren and Ben got married!



I got to go to Florida with Tiek and Kara

Celebrating my birthday at the Art Museum



Ryan and I moved into a house

We went to visit the Hartmans at Niagara Falls

In Louisville for Ryan S's wedding

We visited a bourbon distillery when we were in Lexington for a wedding

Annual Hurd family camping trip

Ha, we had to stop and see the house from "A Christmas Story" (the movie) when we were in Cleveland for Henry and Bekah's wedding

We went to visit Ryan's grandparents down in Arkansas

Paid off our student loans!

A squirrel ate my pumpkin

At the Purdue/Wisconsin football game while visiting the McQuiston's in Madison

Ryan and Kara bought a house!

Ryan ran a full marathon and I ran the half!

Pilgrims and Indians Thanksgiving dinner

Herre family Thanksgiving

Sawrie family Thanksgiving

We watched two puppies for a couple weeks

Annual cookie baking and decorating party with Tiek and Kara


We have been really blessed with getting more involved with our church, Indy Metro. This is the team we will be going to Guatemala with in January.

Christmas Celebration!

What a fantastic year to celebrate! We have been blessed with a great church here in the city that has taught us so much about loving others and what it means to walk with Christ for a lifetime. Though this year has been a big year of making decisions as far as moving for work, a new job for Ryan, and financially, I feel blessed that these have all taught us so much. Even through the frustration and the lonliness sometimes, God is so faithful to us when we are obedient (and sometimes even when we are not). Trust me, this was not my attitude when I found out we weren't moving to Colorado or that we might be moving to middle-of-nowhere Illinois. This is why I love looking back on a year, things sometimes look a little different than they do in the middle of different situations. Thank you to all the friends and family that have shared in both the dissapointments of this year, along with the celebrations...and always pointing us towards Christ in the midst of both.

Here's to 2010!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph 3:20