Fun Times with Family

These pictures are from July. However, it's never too late to share, right?

Good times!

Birthday Time!

We had a great time celebrating my (Jessica's) birthday the other day! On Sunday, our quad-mates threw a little celebration complete with cinnamon rolls! On Monday, we went to Starbucks to study, Chipotle for lunch, and then Ronnie took me to a restaurant called the "Thai Room" for dinner followed by a little cupcake shop for desserts! Can you tell what my love language is? =)

Step One: Completed.

We drove interstate 40 (almost) all the way across the country.

44 hrs 14 mins in the car.

2729.42 miles of roadway (give or take).

The Grand Canyon. Cadillac Ranch. State Lines. Memphis BBQ. The Lorraine Hotel. Bellevue. Goat cheese grits. Family Friends. Deer and bears. Great food. Singing songs from musicals at the top of our lungs. Hours of worship music. Reading his word. Rain, rain, and more rain. Beautiful Creation.

While we technically have taken many steps already in this journey, it seems this was the “first.”

Maybe because we said good-bye to family, friends, apartments, cars, jobs, Tapatio, students, walk-and-talks, Life Groups, and the state we have resided in for 24 and 14 years respectively - almost certainly step one because of these things. 

The reality of the journey is more real now than it has ever been. It is soon to become more real as we say good-bye to more family, move to yet another state, begin learning new things, meeting new people, and preparing for what He has in store for us.

He is continually reminding us of why we are doing this. He has given us moments of clarity, feelings of ease and peace, purpose, passion, excitement, and breaking every ounce of self-reliance as we are anxious, yet realize there is One who has all things in control.

We made it to see mom and pop and North Carolina.

Next up: Step Two.

All by His grace.

Life Changes

Well, a lot has changed since I last updated the ol' bloggo. Where to begin?

We're moving! In about 3 months we will be on the east coast preparing to spend 2 months in Richmond for intensive training, and - in the beginning of October - we'll jump on a plane for Central Asia! The program is a 2-year program that begins with the training, so our assignment will be completed somewhere around July 2014. We are still trying to figure out what all we can say regarding details, but for now I will try to give you the basic rundown. Also, I may start trying to be a bit more spiritually vague for security reasons, but know that that stuff is all there in between the lines =).

It all started when Ronnie was born... haha kidding, but seriously Ronnie has always had a passion for traveling, the world, people, etc. and I knew going into our relationship that it was nothing less than a probability that we would spend some significant portion of our lives overseas. Thus, we have been working hard to grow the love and passion for the lost in the world in both of our hearts for quite some time. Plus we have pretty awesome information that they might not have had the chance to hear yet. We began applying for a program November 2011, were assigned to a job in March 2012, and will be in our new context by October 2012! A super quick process, but I am thankful that we don't have to sit around waiting, or even raise support! Here is a glimpse of where we will be going...

Yep, that is as close as you can see for now, but like I said, we might be able to specify down the road (because I will want to share pictures of course)! While there, we will spend the first four months studying the native language full time. Our job will be to work at a local community center running various programs. The center only opened 2 weeks ago, and has only begun classes for teaching English and cooking, but I am sure that by the time we get there it will be full-fledged! We will probably be involved at the community center on a  part-time basis for the first 4 months, and then full-time for the remaining 1.5 years. I am so excited about the possibilities and the varieties of programs we could be involved with!

As we are preparing for this next phase of life, the people of Central Asia are heavy on our thoughts and hearts. Any of you who desire to support us in this step can first and foremost be lifting up the people of Central Asia, the team that is already there working as well as the community center and the work being done there, and finally Ronnie and I as we prepare spiritually, emotionally, physically for this change of pace. We understand that this move is going to require much more than is in our own power and control, but we also know how to refuel when we get empty =). We are very excited and there is much more to be said that I haven't yet shared, but I hope to get back into blogging more regularly (I know I know I always say that), because it will soon be one of our primary means of sharing. You might also start to see a little from Ronnie on here, as this will probably morph into more of a joint blog. Until later...

My Babies

Because I know it is so important to all of you, I thought I would share updated pictures of my favorite little pooches. I love this picture of Ladybear, except that her hair is so matted...

And of course - Maggie - the little princess.

And last but not least, I will leave you with a picture of us from a recent disco party. (You don't quite get the full effect because it's not full-body, but I suppose you get the idea.) I love dressing up!

Valentine's Day

A couple of weeks ago, Ronnie took me to the Real Marriage conference in Corona as a late birthday surprise. We were only able to attend Friday evening's session because my Grandpa's funeral ended up being Saturday morning during the 2nd half of the conference, but it was an awesome and memorable experience nonetheless. I did my best to get a decent picture, but it was difficult. We were able to get a book signed by Mark and Grace Driscoll, and I have started reading it already. I really respect and admire a lot of what they have to say about Christianity and Marriage, so this experience was a real treat for me! Thanks honey, you know me well =)

Although the conference wasn't on or for Valentine's Day, I thought it was appropriate to include it in this post since it is about marriage after all... Valentine's Day morning started off like any other workday, but when I opened my car door to drive to work I saw this invitation:

If you can't read it, it says "Will you be my Valentine & join me for dinner & Casa de Jones? Tonight beginning at 5:30 PM. Order of the evening: foot massage & pre-soak, H'orderves, Dinner, Dessert, Relaxation. RSVP via text..." He is so smart to give me something to look forward to during my workday! When I got home, we did just that. He had sparkling water and bruschetta waiting for me to consume during my foot soak while he grilled dinner.

(He had hung a few of our V-Day decorations) Did I mention there was romantic music playing?

And last but certainly not least... For dinner he had prepared steak and lobster, rice, and grilled veggies. I didn't get a great picture of the dinner, and the steak hadn't even made it to my plate, but I was so anxious to try it that I wasn't thinking much about the picture. It was definitely one of the most delicious dinners that I have ever had! Way to go sweetie!

We cleaned up and gave our stomachs a little while to settle down from the meal, and he suggested that we top off the night with a run to Yogurtland and a chick flick of my choice! I discovered my new favorite flavor - Toasted Coconut with coconut shavings - and we watched "Love Happens". It was a pretty great day if I do say so myself, and I don't think I would have planned it any differently. I love being married to such a selfless and romantic "wooer"!

Show Us Your Life: Singles Edition

I am taking an opportunity today to show off one of my dear friends over on Kelly’s Korner for the singles edition of “Show Us Your Life”. Her name is Robyn – and I am lucky enough to have her forever as my sister-in-law! 

Looking cute and stylish is obviously a priority for Robyn =)

Robyn is “30 flirty and thriving”, the oldest of 6 siblings (which makes her extremely responsible), and queen of balancing her busy life and friendships while always looking stylish! She is a lover of accessories, Starbucks, iPads, holiday festivities, LA Dodgers, good books, and even more - a good partay. She just graduated in December 2011 from Biola University in La Mirada, California, and would like to spend her time serving the Lord in a church or para-church ministry involving students and missions. Besides being a great family member and close friend, she is an amazing woman of God as an active servant in the church – having been a leader in our church youth group, missions and outreach team, greeting team, and probably more I can't even remember right now. Not only does she fulfill her commitments whole-heartedly, but somehow she also finds time to remember and celebrate the birthdays and other special events of her very many friends and family members (and, trust me, that's saying a lot). She is probably the sweetest and most encouraging person you will meet, but is also not afraid to tell you when you're being a bit stupid, and is happy to steer you back on the right track.

We are so proud of her dedication and commitment!

One thing I have recently learned about Robyn is that her Myers Briggs type is ESFJ. MyPersonality.info defines it as follows: “ESFJs are social butterflies that value relationships, supporting and nurturing others. Never one to shy away from social events, they are often the host. They are great encouragers of teamwork. ESFJs are responsible, dutiful, observe traditions and follow rules. ESFJs have a deep concern for others and often end up as caretakers. They are sensitive to criticism and have a need to be appreciated for the good they do for others. ESFJs are understanding, generous, have a quick wit and a knack for composition and beautification.” Well, that pretty much sums up Robyn =). Always generously giving of herself for the nurturing of others.

Fun times with some of the family!

Robyn has always had a strong desire to be a wife and mother, but has patiently been waiting for the Lord’s timing in bringing her a companion and life-partner. She has even expressed her willingness to relocate from her So-Cal roots if necessary! I don’t know why God has directed her life in singleness to this point, but I do know that the man that chooses her is going to be the luckiest guy – he may even have to put up with some extra good times in an effort to make up for lost time! Robyn has been so obedient to the Lord's direction for her life, and I can't wait to see what He has in store for her next!

To learn more about Robyn, visit her blog at Robyn’s Rejoicing, or her Facebook.