Feeing a little sentimental

5 weeks from today we will be standing in our new apartment in Oxford and I am starting to feel a little nervous. There is so much to think about, so many people to see (far too many that we haven't seen at all!), so much to organize and subsequently pack and I of course still have all of the daily tasks like cooking and cleaning.  As excited as I am to be back in England, I am pretty much choosing to ignore how much I know I am going to miss my family.  This past year in Atlanta has been one of the hardest of my life and there have been many many times when I have questioned our decision to come home.  The one thing that I have never questioned is how much I have loved being within reasonable driving distance to my family.  Although I haven't seen them as often as I would have liked, I have had the opportunity to save up many memories that I will always cherish.

In order to keep myself from turning into a blubbering mess, I will end with simply saying:

Dad, Mom, April, Austin and Anslee...

thank you for going out of your way to spend time with us this past year,
thank you for loving Madeline unconditionally and investing in her little life,
thank you for your encouragement, friendship and laughter,
thank you for the hugs,
thank you for promising that you will come to England,
thank you for reminding me that we are not perfect but God's plan is and we can trust in that.

I love you,
A

New Beginnings...

Once again we are setting off on a new adventure.  Chris has been accepted into the Doctorate of Philosophy program at Oxford University (yes, in England!) and begins his course on 4 October.  He will be studying Music Composition and the degree normally takes 3 to 3 1/2 years.  Plenty of time for everyone to come visit!

We are very excited to be returning to England after being in Atlanta for the past 13 months.  It has been a great time to see family and friends but has unfortunately not been the best time for us professionally or financially.  We chose quite a time to move back and look for a teaching job!!  We have made it work and are extremely grateful to our families for their support.  Now it is time for a new chapter and we believe God has ordained every step we are taking.  We do ask for your prayers as this a big step of faith and as always we have no idea what is in store for us.  

All the details are taking shape and we are scheduled to fly into Gatwick on 29 September at 7:00am!  I am a little apprehensive about a 9 hour flight with an almost 2 year old but hopefully as it is a night flight she will sleep for the majority.  One can hope!  :)  We will be living in university family flats again which wasn't our first choice but did make the most sense seeing as we don't know the area at all.  The plan is to find a house to rent once we are more settled and can see them in person.  

I thought I would post a few pictures of Madeline from last weekend.  She is growing up so fast and we see lots of personality!  I am amazed every day by her sweet spirit.

She loves flowers!

Where are my pants?!

Cousin Brody is so much fun!