Anyway, this was a recent Sunday in their room before church. I just love them!
11.21.2010
the boys
I really should do a better job at capturing them on a more regular basis... I forget that photography is a passion and not an obligation or something to stress over! I do need to brush up on my knowledge of lighting... I'd rather fix it with a sweet image stabilizing lens, but can't afford it...so I should probably do some reading on aperture and the like. :)
Anyway, this was a recent Sunday in their room before church. I just love them!
Anyway, this was a recent Sunday in their room before church. I just love them!
11.20.2010
My Daddy's gonna be a doctor!
We had a potluck last week with the med. school crew. Unfortunately we don't see the group much anymore because 3rd year was so busy and now everyone is on different rotations. There are a variety of different types of medicine being chosen by the crew. Kory is going into emergency medicine, Keith (and Lindsay and Kale) is going to do be a GI doctor. Matt (Kerrin and baby boy on the way) is going to be an ENT, Chris (and Leigh) is doing family medicine, Scott (and Kristen) is undecided- either internal medicine and peds or internal medicine and family, and Justin (Jenny and Max) is doing ER.
I know none of you care, but it'll be fun to update you all when we find out where everyone is going. :)
So here are the sweet baby BOYS!!!
I know none of you care, but it'll be fun to update you all when we find out where everyone is going. :)
So here are the sweet baby BOYS!!!
11.14.2010
cottage trip September
We had a great trip up North in September with Micah, Scott and Kristen.
One of the things that I really love about where we are at is that our boys are being loved by amazing Christ loving people. I love that these friends who are dedicated to justice, life, the inner city, and seeing communities transformed- and that they are pouring into my boys' lives. It's so great. :)
One of the things that I really love about where we are at is that our boys are being loved by amazing Christ loving people. I love that these friends who are dedicated to justice, life, the inner city, and seeing communities transformed- and that they are pouring into my boys' lives. It's so great. :)
my friend, Davida and a plea for prayer
This is my friend Davida. She is 20 years old. She has 2 beautiful sons- Josh who turned 2 last week, Dan who turned 1 a month ago, and a baby due in January. You do the Math.
Davida's mom lived next door to us for a year and we grew very close to the family. About 4 months ago Davida began coming to our house daily as we drove her to her GED classes and then she would spend the whole afternoon and evening here. I grew very close to her and we became great friends.
About a month ago she stopped coming over. This is related to a variety of different things- none of which I am going to post on my blog, but know that it wasn't drama...
I didn't realize that I had grown such a love and affection for Davida. I prayed for a year that God would give me the opportunity to love her and He totally did... and now I can't get her to text me back, let alone call. I try to callous my heart and move on, but the absence of her friendship is very painful.
Pray that God will break down the walls of her heart and allow us to grow close. Pray that she will choose Christ as her Savior and that she will rid of all the unnecessary drama. Pray that she'll see herself as a daughter of our King- that she'll give her life over and see herself as holy and pure.
And pray for me because my heart breaks for her.
11.13.2010
11.10.2010
scattered thoughts and updates
We have a lot going on here all at once so I better just do a clumped update to catch you all up!
On death...
David's grandfather passed away on Oct. 24th in Ann Arbor surrounded by his daughters, wife, and 3 grandchildren (David was one of the three). He had been in the hospital a few weeks and caught pneumonia. He had been battling a rare genetic lung disease for several years and his body just couldn't fight it this time. We went to the hospital a few times- we were able to take the boys before he was moved to ICU... the last 36 hours were quite powerful. David's grandmother didn't leave his side. His cousins and aunts lovingly took care of him. We all shared stories, and he gave advice. He was so encouraging. It was a very peaceful, God-honoring place. He was in a lot of pain and pleaded to go "Home". Grandma and Papa were married 62 years. They were a beautiful example of love and commitment. I am so thankful to have experienced such a profound event. It encouraged me to be a loving committed wife. Also, the experience shed light onto Papa's impressive career life. He was a landscaped architect who founded the firm JJR. Along with many other extensive accomplishments, he excelled. I had no idea he had done so many things. He met Desmond Tutu while in South Africa and was sent flowers from Billy Graham himself. All that is cool, but at the end of the day it was his family that surrounded his bed that morning. May it be a reminder to me and to us- that doing things for others- and having a good job are important, but it's our family that is with us in the end. That may be your biological family, your family by "law", or the family that God has give you in a church or community. The whole experience drew me closer to my family and for that I am thankful.
On Bentley and preschools....
I stayed in Ann Arbor for the week so that the boys could spend time with their grandma (David's mom). While there, I took Bentley to his old therapy location for the 2 year old program that they have- I wanted to see how different it was from what we do in Detroit. I can't believe how much better it is in Ann Arbor. It's totally unjust. Children with special needs in Ann Arbor receive exceptional services, care, and support. In Detroit it's like their trying to create an environment for children with special needs to learn, but it's chaos. All that to say, I am not going to pull Bentley or look for something better here because he does enjoy it and he is learning... but it does make me long for more. Because of unions and rules and this and that you can't really change the system... but I am still trying to figure out ways to alter things. So next year Bentley will go to preschool. There aren't any preschools in our zip code- and the real only option are Head Start preschools. I am not impressed with this option. So my friend Kristen Selle who is a special needs elementary teacher- might open up a preschool for typical and high functioning special needs kids next year. The first year would probably be a Co-op, but then we'd look for a real building if it works out. First, I have to convince Kristen and her husband, Scott (our old housemate) to stay in Detroit. He's currently doing the interview rounds and trying to figure out where he wants to go for residency. I hope they stay in Detroit because they are very dear friends of ours and I would genuinely miss them. Also, I really can't do the preschool without Kristen so there is a selfish element of wanting them to stay. We'll see. I think it would be really cool if they stay.
Back to Bentley!! He's doing really well. I really need to work on his speech now. I am trying to get him to pronounce syllables- I am really hoping to get this kid talking soon! He has about 30 signs, so he is able to communicate, but we need some words!
On the future living situation...
I have posted several times about praying for us in our decision about where we should be next year. It has been such a wonderful process. After some challenges from people we love and then thoughts from the current Galatians sermon series at church, we feel God allowing us to make this decision. We don't have this sense of God is calling us here or there... but more of Him graciously allowing us to live anywhere. After some serious consideration and prayer it looks like we'll be ranking Detroit as number one on the residency match. David interview for the Internal medicine/pediatrics residency program at DMC last week and loved it. It's a 4 year program. We have such a strong network of community and friends in Detroit. The next few years are going to be busier than the previous and I am going to be alone quite a bit, and we figured why would we start all over to build a network when we have one here that we love. Also, we love the ministry that we are part of. We love our church. If we moved, we would want to be part of a very similar ministry- so once again- why start all over? David still has some important interviews coming up- so we'll see what happens... but Detroit is looking like the most likely future home.
with that...
On buying houses at auctions
If we choose to stay in Detroit we have a house! It needs a lot of work. But it's a beautiful brick home on a corner HUGE lot. I love it. I haven't been inside :). But I love it! It's a block from the local elementary school and near many of my friends. I will post pictures later. We secured the house for unbelievably low price (if you know me well you can ask! :) Anyway, it's going to be a great place for our family.
So there's the Crawford family update.
On death...
David's grandfather passed away on Oct. 24th in Ann Arbor surrounded by his daughters, wife, and 3 grandchildren (David was one of the three). He had been in the hospital a few weeks and caught pneumonia. He had been battling a rare genetic lung disease for several years and his body just couldn't fight it this time. We went to the hospital a few times- we were able to take the boys before he was moved to ICU... the last 36 hours were quite powerful. David's grandmother didn't leave his side. His cousins and aunts lovingly took care of him. We all shared stories, and he gave advice. He was so encouraging. It was a very peaceful, God-honoring place. He was in a lot of pain and pleaded to go "Home". Grandma and Papa were married 62 years. They were a beautiful example of love and commitment. I am so thankful to have experienced such a profound event. It encouraged me to be a loving committed wife. Also, the experience shed light onto Papa's impressive career life. He was a landscaped architect who founded the firm JJR. Along with many other extensive accomplishments, he excelled. I had no idea he had done so many things. He met Desmond Tutu while in South Africa and was sent flowers from Billy Graham himself. All that is cool, but at the end of the day it was his family that surrounded his bed that morning. May it be a reminder to me and to us- that doing things for others- and having a good job are important, but it's our family that is with us in the end. That may be your biological family, your family by "law", or the family that God has give you in a church or community. The whole experience drew me closer to my family and for that I am thankful.
On Bentley and preschools....
I stayed in Ann Arbor for the week so that the boys could spend time with their grandma (David's mom). While there, I took Bentley to his old therapy location for the 2 year old program that they have- I wanted to see how different it was from what we do in Detroit. I can't believe how much better it is in Ann Arbor. It's totally unjust. Children with special needs in Ann Arbor receive exceptional services, care, and support. In Detroit it's like their trying to create an environment for children with special needs to learn, but it's chaos. All that to say, I am not going to pull Bentley or look for something better here because he does enjoy it and he is learning... but it does make me long for more. Because of unions and rules and this and that you can't really change the system... but I am still trying to figure out ways to alter things. So next year Bentley will go to preschool. There aren't any preschools in our zip code- and the real only option are Head Start preschools. I am not impressed with this option. So my friend Kristen Selle who is a special needs elementary teacher- might open up a preschool for typical and high functioning special needs kids next year. The first year would probably be a Co-op, but then we'd look for a real building if it works out. First, I have to convince Kristen and her husband, Scott (our old housemate) to stay in Detroit. He's currently doing the interview rounds and trying to figure out where he wants to go for residency. I hope they stay in Detroit because they are very dear friends of ours and I would genuinely miss them. Also, I really can't do the preschool without Kristen so there is a selfish element of wanting them to stay. We'll see. I think it would be really cool if they stay.
Back to Bentley!! He's doing really well. I really need to work on his speech now. I am trying to get him to pronounce syllables- I am really hoping to get this kid talking soon! He has about 30 signs, so he is able to communicate, but we need some words!
On the future living situation...
I have posted several times about praying for us in our decision about where we should be next year. It has been such a wonderful process. After some challenges from people we love and then thoughts from the current Galatians sermon series at church, we feel God allowing us to make this decision. We don't have this sense of God is calling us here or there... but more of Him graciously allowing us to live anywhere. After some serious consideration and prayer it looks like we'll be ranking Detroit as number one on the residency match. David interview for the Internal medicine/pediatrics residency program at DMC last week and loved it. It's a 4 year program. We have such a strong network of community and friends in Detroit. The next few years are going to be busier than the previous and I am going to be alone quite a bit, and we figured why would we start all over to build a network when we have one here that we love. Also, we love the ministry that we are part of. We love our church. If we moved, we would want to be part of a very similar ministry- so once again- why start all over? David still has some important interviews coming up- so we'll see what happens... but Detroit is looking like the most likely future home.
with that...
On buying houses at auctions
If we choose to stay in Detroit we have a house! It needs a lot of work. But it's a beautiful brick home on a corner HUGE lot. I love it. I haven't been inside :). But I love it! It's a block from the local elementary school and near many of my friends. I will post pictures later. We secured the house for unbelievably low price (if you know me well you can ask! :) Anyway, it's going to be a great place for our family.
So there's the Crawford family update.
11.04.2010
more details
So our friend, Joel, was just visiting Kibuye Hospital in Burundi. He's a family doctor in Spring Arbor. He's married to a physician, but currently stay at home mom to their 4 beautiful kids. Anyway, they were missionaries in Mexico City for awhile and are considering Burundi as a possibility for their future. So he was scoping it out for the family. Well, thanks to facebook I was able to download some pictures of the place we'll be going.
It's so great to have an idea of where we'll be!
Enjoy the pictures.
Kibuye Hospital (where David will be working)
water that comes from the Nile...
View from Hope Africa University (HAU)
It's so great to have an idea of where we'll be!
Enjoy the pictures.
Kibuye Hospital (where David will be working)
water that comes from the Nile...
View from Hope Africa University (HAU)
11.03.2010
tickets purchased
We are so thankful to our church body here in Detroit for buying us the plane tickets to go to Burundi!! I thought I'd post the itineraries... it's sort of fascinating how far away Burundi is from us and how long it is going to take. We will be traveling 8,288 miles.
Anyway, thanks to this amazing travel agent, we were able to purchase the tickets for a reasonable amount using a missionary discount. AWESOME!
Detroit to Brussels Flight 1
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Departure:
10:15
Arrival:
11:37
Washington, USA -
Dulles International
Duration:
1:22
Change of plane required. Time between flights = 6:25.
Flight 2 Tuesday, January 11, 2011 DC to Brussels
Departure:
18:02
07:25 +1 day(s)
Duration:
7:23
Brussels to Bujumbura Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Departure:
10:40
Arrival:
19:50
Duration:
8:10
RETURN
Bujumbura to Brussels Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Departure:
20:50
Arrival:
07:05 +1 day(s)
Duration:
11:15
Brussels to Detroit Thursday, February 24, 2011
Departure:
09:30
Arrival:
10:30
Frankfurt, Germany -
Frankfurt International
Duration:
1:00
Change of plane required. Time between flights = 3:20.
Flight 2 Thursday, February 24, 2011
Departure:
13:50
Frankfurt, Germany -DC
So if you made it this far... basically that's a lot of flying with 2 boys! Begin praying for our travels, please!!!
Anyway, thanks to this amazing travel agent, we were able to purchase the tickets for a reasonable amount using a missionary discount. AWESOME!
Detroit to Brussels Flight 1
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Departure:
10:15
Arrival:
11:37
Washington, USA -
Dulles International
Duration:
1:22
Change of plane required. Time between flights = 6:25.
Flight 2 Tuesday, January 11, 2011 DC to Brussels
Departure:
18:02
07:25 +1 day(s)
Duration:
7:23
Brussels to Bujumbura Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Departure:
10:40
Arrival:
19:50
Duration:
8:10
RETURN
Bujumbura to Brussels Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Departure:
20:50
Arrival:
07:05 +1 day(s)
Duration:
11:15
Brussels to Detroit Thursday, February 24, 2011
Departure:
09:30
Arrival:
10:30
Frankfurt, Germany -
Frankfurt International
Duration:
1:00
Change of plane required. Time between flights = 3:20.
Flight 2 Thursday, February 24, 2011
Departure:
13:50
Frankfurt, Germany -DC
So if you made it this far... basically that's a lot of flying with 2 boys! Begin praying for our travels, please!!!
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