If it's the beaches

We have been on vaca for the past TWO WEEKS!! (prepare for picture overload) With family currently being so far away, this was the first time Cam and I have retreated on our own! The first week was spent with 9 other seminary students in Isle of Palms, SC.

We had a house right on the beach and it was beautiful! Though the weather was a bit shady, we still had a blast enjoying our friends as we all prepare to scatter in a few short weeks!

Humble abode

vaca on the east coast means Yuengling for this guy 

We celebrated two years of marriage during our time with friends. It's hard to believe this trip started two years ago when a group of friends came here for the week following our wedding. We enjoyed our day with lunch over looking the water and taking time to talk about our story thus far and our hopes for year three. 

We only got one day actually on the beach and these boys took full advantage of it -- football, bocce ball, reading, and the most entertaining game, "king of the log"

On one of our last nights we all drove into Charleston for dinner. Since Cam and I have never explored downtown Charleston, we bundled up and brought our camera. 

It was great having these friends as our tour guides -- Cam and I really enjoy stepping into the stories of our friends. It makes places like these more unique; we appreciate Charleston more seeing it through the eyes of our close friends.

The architecture of all these buildings blew my mind. My amateur photography skills do not do this place justice, but I tried. 

After our week in Charleston, Cam and I headed inland to a lake house. We were incredibly thankful for the sweet couple that let us stay here for free!! Trips like these would not be possible with out others giving so graciously to us. 

I was so happy to see these bikes ready and calling out our names to be ridden. Cam laughs at my desire to ride bikes -- one because I really am terrible at it, two because 6'6 men look silly on bikes, and three because my amusement with them runs out quickly. Luckily, for Cam's sake, we couldn't figure out the bike pump so these bikes were simply photographed.

The last day I saw this budding flower out of the corner of my eye. Glory, hallelujah spring is coming! We caught wind from STL that they received 12 INCHES of snow this past weekend. My thoughts were "good get it all out before we come home". 

After a couple days by ourselves we headed back to our old stomping grounds. This place draws us back time and time again. In a way, it's where we come from.

We spent sweet time with the Patricks and the other families we've missed in SC. This time is always bitter sweet for me. I get highly emotional just driving down the dirt road towards the Patrick's house and towards "the barn". They are such vivid reminders of being adopted as a child of God. As time carries on the memories are only sweeter, this family even more cherished, and thankfulness is overwhelming. 

God is at work, and you Patrick family remind me of that each visit! God has been so good to me through you and I am left humbled and grateful every time we leave. 

Easter Sunday was spent here, in St Louis. Vacation is such a luxury, but boy am I glad to be home! I'm thankful for such a tangible reminder today that the Lord provides. We're in a season right now of feeling completely out of control, funny since the reality is we're always out of control. But this morning as we celebrated Jesus' victory over death I am comforted to know our future lies in the hands of a man who CONQUERED DEATH for me, and I can sing with confidence -- praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Team Smith Birthday

Happy 2nd Birthday Team Smith (Cam). 

Like many, it's hard to believe it's already been two years AND I feel like we've been married forever. Today as we celebrate amongst some of the same friends who were at our wedding two years ago, I am baffled at where the Lord has brought us. Through great joys and great sorrows, He's been faithful in our marriage, and grown our capacity in ways we never thought possible. All the while, we've fought together!

There are many different topics I blog about, but rarely do I get the chance to simply brag on you, hubs. I am so proud of who you are Cam Smith, and I'm honored to be your bride. From day one I knew in a big picture kind of way, that the Lord was going to use us in each other's lives for redemption, growth, support, love, nourishment, care, correction, etc. But now after 2 short/long years I am getting glimpses of the details in that big picture story and they're beautiful.

You've spent two years with me in counseling and not only taught with your words, but with your actions that I am a loved, liked, and wanted Child of God. You show me in a very tangible way how much the Lord fights for me and wants only good. Redemption is beautiful and the Lord is using you to shine light in a very dark place. 

You pray for me! In times of great sorrow and in times of great joy you go before the throne and plead for me! The same wife who tries, but fails you constantly. You pray and ask for that wife, and I am completely humbled by that. 

You were a parent with me. I know we made a beautiful child that for unknown reasons went to be with Jesus before we wanted. How I wish things were different, and how I wish our child could have lived to experience you as daddy. I look forward to watching you when that time comes with our future kids, but for now I know that Jesus is telling our precious child how much his parents love him and is allowing our child to see the beauty of his parents from afar. 

You have taught me how to love and care for people. Though to many this may sound easy, it's not always for me and you hold my hand through those times. You never shame me for failing, but present the beauty of each person and remind me that they too have a story. 

You teach me as you learn. It's very easy to fall into the role of a seminary wife who just financially puts her husband through school. I am so thankful that because of you, I am part of your education right now. You don't just leave your school at school, you bring it home. You are patient as you process with me all the treasures that your professors are giving you. I know the Lord more and what He's doing because of you. 

You laugh with me. You are seriously the funniest person I know, and even though I'm only #4 on your list ;) I still love to laugh with you. You balance well when to be serious and when to be silly. 

You are valued by others. Though I love to have you to myself, I greatly enjoy watching you around your friends. I like that they bring out new pieces of you for me to cherish. I like that you care for them and their story -- and I can see how thankful they are for you. 

I know I have not listed all the things that make you who you are, or even all the things I have learned to value. However, on our birthday especially, I want you to know that you are loved, adored, appreciated, liked, wanted, cherished, and of great value to the Lord, to your friends, and always to ME!

So here's to 50 more years Team Smith!

Love,

Your wife 

Frances Jane

Dear Frances,

Today is your 2nd birthday, and I can't believe it! In just a few short hours Cam and I will head to your house to celebrate with all your family. As I've sat here today thinking about you, I've become incredible emotional! I am not looking forward to the day we leave STL and leave you. 

I'm so thankful for your mom and dad, and that they gave me the honor of taking care of you almost 1 1/2 years ago. Though the first months were incredibly difficult, I can't think of a better gift I've received since being here in STL. Whether you know it now or not, you have been my side kick through many life events!

You were there the first time we had visitors in St. Louis. You were there to smile or even just need me when I felt worthless. You were there for adventures in the city (play grounds, parks, the zoo, the science museum, the magic house...) You were even there in the waiting room, running to give me a hug, when we found out our sweet baby had died.

Sweet girl, you are beautiful, hilarious, stubborn, independent, content, loving, patient, and full of joy! You have changed me Fran, for the better! It has been an honor to get a first hand glimpse of watching you grow up. And some day I'll visit you when I can tell you that and you'll understand.

Love,

Kaela

RUF at "The Barn"

Today I start work with what feels like a million thoughts running through my head

- What to do with Fran today?

- I really enjoy my sweet time in the car with Cal

- I can't believe I have to leave them in 3 months

- Where will Cam and I be in 3 months

- Campus ministry? Associate? A job outside of ministry?

- I can't wait to share our life with kiddos

- Will the Lord give us kids?

The reality is there are so many unknowns in our life right now. There are things to be thankful for that leave us humbled and grateful. There are things we are grieving; situations, circumstances, feelings that are groaning from the pains of the fall and leave us crying, come Lord Jesus. 

And as all of those thoughts scramble through my head, my heart is brought here, to "The Barn". And in the quiet whispers of my heart I hear...

- Turn on those songs Kaela, the ones that first taught you who I AM

- Sing them Kaela;  "All must be well", "In the Hours of Pain and Sorrow, "Abide with Me"

- That's who I AM Kaela

And now, 2 years out of college, I am still being ministered to by RUF. I check my inbox... an email from Paul to Cam and me. It's the outline of Sunday's large group titled "Living Faithfully through the Ups and Downs of everyday life" -- praising God when things go right and when things go wrong. 

The Importance of Theology and Preaching in the Christian Life: 

Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; the trusted, and you delivered them. To you the cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

Psalm 23:3-5

- Thank you Lord for RUF

- Thank you for "The Barn" and the promises you made to me there and continue to uphold

- Thank you for the Patricks who faithfully love on their students even after college. 

- Thank you for music that reminds me of true things

- Thank you for scripture that tells your story and mine

- Thank you for always being faithful to me even though I am not faithful to you.

And so as we wait Lord to see what you have next for us, give us patience and trust. Give us expectations of hope and joy. And Lord I pray that in whatever you have for us, please give us opportunities to love on college students in the same way we were loved. Use us -- let there be another Cam and Kaela out there who need to be adopted into your family and called child.  

Valentine's Day

With Valentine's falling on a Thursday this year, I didn't really expect much in the realm of celebrating from Cam or me. A simple card and a reminder that we love each other -- then out the door to work and class at night. 

Instead, I found this on our kitchen table when I got home. This year we celebrated with an adventure. We adventured into the world of making our own sushi!(Cam you are very creative regardless of what you say) So with 45 minutes before we had to leave we enjoyed some delicious appetizers and went to class anticipating coming home. 

Delicious red velvet cookies with cream cheese icing!

Two beautiful roses

Preparing our ingredients -- we've watched the legit sushi makers many times... some how we weren't quite able to chop the avocado like they do. 

And the final product

Rolling them wasn't our strongest asset and our rice was a little bulky... actually we didn't use the right rice at all haha but it was still good!

In the end, I enjoyed yet another adventure with you Mr. Smith. Thanks for making Valentine's special. I look forward to many more as the years go on.

Harry Potter World

This past weekend Cam and I flew to Orlando for a couple of days. It was a blast! We had anticipated, when making the plans, for it to be a get away trip for the two of us. But being with family while we were there ended up being great and relaxing!

About 3 years ago we received Harry Potter World tickets for Christmas presents. This weekend, we finally used them. It was incredible -- so detailed, so many intricate things to see, hear, smell, and taste. We escaped into a dream world for a couple hours and it was glorious!

We visited my mama for a day -- not sure how she managed to avoid my camera. Surprise, surprise... we spent our time eating at all the local places I miss. Food has quickly become a main part of our traveling :) We looked at old pictures and played a new card game. Now, being a little older, I'm relearning who my mama is. I was able to see and value so many new things this trip and now having a husband, I'm able to listen to him describe the ways I'm like her. I enjoy that!

Time with Steve and Allyson was great! We watched movies, spent a ton of time on the back porch, and ate delicious food.

I'm thankful for our family and how they've sacrificed and graciously given so much to Cam and me. We don't deserve it, but we wouldn't be where we are without them! Thank you Jesus.

I would buy this stuff in the store!

Couldn't quite capture it, but it's the warning flyer of Sirius Black

The Three Broomsticks

Hogwarts

Olivander's -- they act out the scene where Harry gets his wand, but use a person in the audience! So cool!

mmhmm! Butterbeer

Beautiful 72 degrees outside!

FL seems to be on our new list of job searchings :) - this guy would move there in a heart beat!