As our departure date to Papua New Guinea draws near, Dave and I have been thinking more and more about our relationship; what sustains us, what motivates us, and what encourages us.  It’s been an interesting and somewhat difficult few months as we look to the Lord for guidance and preparation for our big move.  The Lord has been continuously gracious and patient with us and it’s been both difficult and fun learning more about one another each day.  We want to have the kind of relationship that is centered around the Lord and not ourselves or our environment.  We want to be motivated by Christ’s love for us and for others.  And, we want to encourage each other to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.  It’s not always easy, but it’s neat to look back during these two and a half years of marriage and see how the Lord has really grown and matured us.  I’m definitely not perfect and Dave is definitely not perfect, but I am really blessed to have a husband who strives to be more like Christ...and challenges and encourages me to do the same.