a happy birthday!

I arrived safely in the "Windy City" of Chicago Friday night, and Lisa, her boyfriend and her room-mate took me out to a nice dinner (I was awake three hours later last night than I have been in probably 6 months...party animal :) Today is my birthday, and I woke up this morning happy to be with my sister, but quite sad to not be with Matt in Haiti and my dad in Chattanooga. Just a few minutes later, my dad walked in the room, having flown in early this morning to surprise me! What a fun day!

So Lisa, Dad, Adam and I went out to lunch (at a place called "Potbellys"...I think that was a hint about my current state), went shopping at Target and at Joann Fabrics, two of my favorite places, had ice cream, and later will go out for dinner. I feel so very blessed to have such a wonderful family, and the only way today could have been any better would have been if Matt were here.



Matt, meanwhile, is working hard to stay ahead on his master's and to teach his last two days of "Isaiah" this week. His parents and brother are coming on Monday, so he is preparing for that as well! It has FINALLY started to cool down, and Matt's slept under a blanket with no fans for two nights in a row. Needless to say, he is THRILLED. The students, however, have been QUITE unhappy, all huddling through class with coats and suit jackets. Friday in chapel, one of the professors prayed that the Lord would help them endure the terrible weather, and that they would remember to continue to praise Him, despite the freezing temperatures. Matt thought he was kidding, only to hear "amens" from the whole crowd :) How varied must the prayers of the world be :)

We've got just 2 more weeks apart and a little more than 4 weeks before the baby comes, Lord willing! Please keep praying, especially for Matt as he continues to teach and minister in Haiti!