4 months, just like that!

Full Transparency
Nothing could have prepared me for motherhood. People tried. I joined Facebook groups. Like, a lot of them. All designed to help a new, single momma navigate the adventures of motherhood and foster care. I had mentally prepared for elementary-aged kids because that was where my 'experience' was. But the infant stage is no joke! There has been more laughter and tears in my home in the last 4 months than there has been in a long time. And more cups of coffee that went cold and got lost throughout the house 🤣. But, I wouldn't have had it any other way. I've learned a lot about myself, the faithfulness of the Father, and what it means to raise a tiny person to love the Lord and others well. I am so very thankful for family and friends who are there for the weird questions, the tears, and the crazy excitement over milestones reached. Thank you!!

The range of emotions, y'all! The first few days, I questioned my sanity for choosing to take an infant. Now over 4 months later, I can say this precious baby is worth all of it (and my emotions are much more normal, praise Jesus!).

Little Miss is an Army-crawling champion with an insane amount of risk-taking energy and a LOT to say 🥰. I am LOVING watching how proud she is of herself when she conquers one of her milestones. She is 100% a people person who smiles so easily. I think she's pretty perfect 🥰.

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Closing out our 4th CBCC!
This past month, we finished our 4th CBCC. It has been a blast studying the Word with these ladies! I love how each class is so different, with each person asking questions from their own unique perspectives. I've learned so much from these ladies about what hunger for the Word looks like. Please keep them in your prayers as they go on to their next chapter. 

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Best Weekend Ever!
In April, my nieces came to visit! This was the first time I've been able to have family visit me since I went into missions 14 years ago. It was a bit of a whirlwind, with a tour of Texas A&M Corpus Christi, all of the board games, a visit to my church, snuggles with their newest family member, and of course, much time at the beach. It was seriously one of the best weekends ever!

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Growing the Fleet
We've been incredibly blessed with the possibility of not one, but two vessels joining our fleet! The first is the m/v Glory Bound. Our base directors are currently in San Francisco, meeting with the gentleman who would like to gift the vessel to us. If she joins our fleet, she will primarily be used in the Gulf of Mexico, as a place of connecting with community, maritime training, and discipleship.

The second is the s/v Redemption, currently located in Bocas del Toro, Panama. It is being offered to us by Nathan and Christina Pinault, former base directors of YWAM Outpost Panama. Next month, our base directors will go to Panama, to determine if she will join our fleet. If she does, her primary and initial purpose will be as a support to the work that is being done in Panama, specifically in ministering to the indigenous who live on the isolated islands of the country. I'm so excited to see our pioneering dreams starting to take shape!

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Over the last 2 years, I have made many great memories in my current apartment - my nieces' visit, dozens of meals, meetings, and game nights with friends and YWAM family, and getting to love on my first kiddo, to name a few. While I have loved being in this apartment complex, after getting my first placement, it quickly became clear that it was time to move to a place better suited for a single foster momma with a little one. A couple of weeks ago, I found a great place in a quiet neighborhood, single story, bright, great green space, and with space for a washer and dryer (boy has THAT become necessary!). 

I am needing to raise some extra funds to cover moving expenses, as well as the repeat inspections and safety items needed to get the house recertified for foster care. Would you pray about making a special donation to help us move? 

• Tax-deductible donations can be made through MEI (#AN3667) or New House Richland
• Non-tax-deductible donations can be made through PayPal or CashApp

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Thank you for your sacrifice in prayer, encouragement, and finances. I wish I could fully express how much it means to me to have such a wonderful support system!