Being a Father-

So from all those years traveling and being on the road I have faced so many great adventures, but none compare to being a Father. Any day now our little son will be born. It is so exciting and scary at the same time. We are waiting, it like the weeks leading up to my bike trip through Central and South America, there is such anticipation.  I have the most wonderful earthly father and heavenly father and have been blessed with having so many great men in my life. I hope that I can be a great father to my son. 

We finally arrived-

So after a great few weeks with family at Christmas time we finally made it overseas. We did not know if we were going to make it. We had three cancelled flights coming and our bags arrived three days late, the joys of flying in the winter. It was wonderful to finally arrive and get settled in. We have already begun language classes and are living in the old Medina with a local family, other then one of there sons, they only speak Arabic. So it will be a quick crash course in language.

Thanksgiving around the World-

One thing about being nomads is that you are able to celebrate the holidays all around the world.
This year we celebrated in the States, but much like Thanksgiving in another country, we celebrated with friends that make up a new family. We have been traveling the States on our farewell tour. We will be in Oklahoma and Alabama for Christmas, and fly overseas in the beginning of January. Thanksgiving this year was so full of thanks for Charli and I.  We are so thankful you the last few years in the States, and to have time with friends and family. Our hearts are so full of great memories, and one of the best ways to have a good transition to a new place is to leave the previous place with "good" goodbyes. So, we are so thankful for all of your support and encouragement.
-Justin

Memories from long ago-

I have been going over a bunch of old files on my computer and cleaning up my hard drive.  It is so interesting to see all the old photographs, notes and music. I am also in now my 15th years of keeping a journal, and there is nothing like pulling out an old journal and reading about life in another season. I can get pretty nostalgic, especially when it comes to transitioning once again to a new place. Mostly because I end up having to simplify my life, which means that I must decide what to keep and what to leave. Charli and I have gotten rid of almost everything we own. We kept our house, which we are renting out, and everything else we owned would fit in a Honda accord. Letting go of my leather jacket, letting go of books, and even more meaningful leaving jobs, friends, family and a church that we love so dearly. Moving allows you to say what you really need to say, because there is no tomorrow. It allows you to hold onto memories that many may discard, or throw out. You learn to treasure the moment. I have made it the goal of my life to try to be fully present, to give my whole heart and embrace the moment. Many of those memories are deep beneath layers of my heart but I have not forgotten them; rather, they make us who we are today. I am thankful for all the memories of long ago, memories over great meals, late night conversations, times when great sorrow sought to swallow us.  Distances can not separate us, and I rejoice that we have enjoyed life together.
-Justin 

Paintings from this Fall-

Oklahoma-

It has been a long time since I was really in Oklahoma. I mean I had visited around Christmas time, but we got to really be in Oklahoma. It was only for a month. It seems like so many great things were squeezed in from time with family, just enjoying the open space, to being in church, to creating 15 new paintings.  Not going to say that it was easy to leave, but we have a little more travelling to do and have a few more things to get set up before me move overseas. 

Travelling West-

We are travelling on, we made it through Louisville, Jackson and Memphis, it seems like we need a break. Thankfully Oklahoma is coming up and we will slow down a bit, I can do some painting and we can just enjoy the farm. In Jackson we got to see quite a few of our friends and got to do a little tour of Union University where Charli went to school. We were able to spend time with Carly and Stacy, and meet many of Charli's great professors.  Carly and Stacy have both been around the world with Charli and they have lots of crazy stories from their adventures together.
In Memphis we were able to catch up with Quentin, one of my dearest friends in the world. Over the last few years I have been through Memphis several times, and many of those were hard times. When I first returned from my trip down to South America, I struggled to find my place and always in Memphis, I found my good friend Quentin. Quentin and I have been friends for over ten years, back in Oklahoma, and through Afghanistan and even now as we get ready to move overseas once again.  It is great to have such good friends, but the good byes are getting hard. Every time we say good bye these days, it is for 3 to 4 years, which is not forever, but it sure feels like a hard good bye.

Lou'ville-

Now we're in Louisville, our most recent home.  It's bittersweet being back.  We have loved being with our friends and re-experiencing many of the great restaurants around town, but it's also sad saying our final good byes to people who were our family during our first year of marriage.  We've walked through life together, and will always remember them.  

The new walking bridge over the Ohio River

Chi-town

Navy Pier and riding lessons were the highlights of Chicago, along with a gallery tour on Superior Street. We are always looking at new galleries to get ideas for the day when we open our own.  Our great friends Bill and Linda let us ride their horses and taught us about posture, how to hold the reins, how to turn the horses and how to trot, gallop and even a little canter!  Navy Pier was a great date spot, and we enjoyed watching people from all over the world discover its treasures. 

 

Pittsburgh-

We've had so much fun visiting friends along the way and exploring different cities around the U.S.  The strip in Pittsburgh took us back overseas with the chicken on a stick and people rushing, shoulder to shoulder in and out of the small shops.  There was something for everybody- Mexican grocery stores, Asian markets, flower shops, and more.  And of course, our wonderful friends Rob and Lauren made sure we tasted the best of what Pittsburgh had to offer. Rob and Lauren have started a church in Pittsburgh, http://sojournnetwork.com/churches/renaissance-church/

You should check them out if you are in the area.