Ellen Rosenberger

Four years have gone by since Luke and I were married! Though it seems like not that long ago, a lot has happened in these four years. Here are some things that have happened in our married life so far: Lived in two different houses. Traveled to: Bolivia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, the United States, and around Nicaragua. Both turned 30! Got our dog, Bella, a lovable and loyal Weimaraner. Welcomed our first child, David Luke. Now expecting the arrival of our second child, a baby girl! Sold our previous five-seater aging vehicle and have been blessed with a newer, eight-seater vehicle. Said goodbye to four graduating classes of youth we've worked with at NCA. Celebrated two siblings' weddings. Gained two nephews...with one more niece or nephew on the way! And in between all of that we've shared many laughs, memories, decisions, challenges, and joys! Marriage has definitely been a process of learning and growing.  We feel very blessed to be part...

....hmm....maybe not so much on the outside of the house (with the sunny skies, palm trees, etc.), but it's beginning to look a little like Christmas on the inside... Our tree upgrade this year (from our previous tiny one). Right after Thanksgiving, Luke and I majorly rearranged our living room and decorated for Christmas.  It is a huge improvement!  Now there is a lot more space to move around...and for the busy boy to scatter blocks! In a small house with one bathroom, two closets, and soon to be 4 people and a dog living here, you have to get creative with space.  We love where we live, especially because of the valley view and the cool breezes, so we'll keep working on fitting everything for as long as possible. Not only am I loving the extra space and enjoying the new arrangement, I relax with the glow of Christmas lights and the sounds of Christmas music! Even though we will be traveling to see family this Christmas, I'm really e...

We are so very thankful for this little guy!!!     Luke, David, and I enjoyed a very non-traditional Thankgiving vacation and loved every relaxing minute of it!    It started off with a trip to the grocery store to buy a few last minute food items and to catch our Thanksgiving lunch which consisted of mashed potatoes, pollo con salsa jalapeno, and carne al ajillo.  This was topped off by apple pie gum in the car on the drive down to Lake Nicaragua.    We were blessed to be able to stay at a guest house right on Lake Nicaragua with beautiful views of the island of Ometepe, home of two volcanoes.  Here are some snapshots of what we enjoyed during our time there.   Yes, he does smile and giggle!             It was fun to have some friends join us!                 David has alwa...

    Celebrating 32 years of blessed life today!   I'm so thankful for my husband who fills so many roles incredibly well: husband, father, teacher, youth leader, friend, and mentor.  He is a real example of servanthood and commitment in all he does.  He not only leads his home well but he also is a great youth leader and teacher!  He shoulders so many responsibilities and expectations, yet strives to keep his focus on Christ. Luke, you are my best friend and I am so blessed to be married to you, a wonderful godly man - HIS perfect gift to me!   And...it's an especially fun birthday because of the exciting news of a little girl on the way! We found out yesterday at our doctor's appointment and are thrilled! :)  This will be the first girl on Luke's side of the family. She will be joining a brother and 6 boy cousins!

  Philippians 4:8   Finally, brothers, whatever is true , whatever is honorable , whatever is just , whatever is pure , whatever is lovely , whatever is commendable , if there is any excellence , if there is anything worthy of praise , think about these things .   (ESV)     A few weeks ago I decided to try to put those words into action.  Though this is a very familiar verse, can I really think of actual things that are pure or things that are just?  Things that are commendable or honorable?  What are lovely or excellent things?       I knew I had to begin to identify those things before I could be able to think about them.  So to help with this, I made mini posters where I could write things that are true, praise worthy, commendable, etc. It was harder than I thought but a really good exercise.    They are hanging up on my closet so I see them...

  David absolutely loves to be outdoors!   I am so thankful for a good yard for him to run around in.  Plus, we love our view of the valley!    A few days ago we did a little picnic in our backyard and it was a hit!  Especially for our dog, Bella, who got some unexpected food. :)                        

   This is not fun, Mom!           Standing on the winners block at Mom's 5K race in September.                 And, lastly....my absolute favorite goofy face...  

                              "famNfun" was an event hosted by our Youth Group a few weeks ago.  It had never been done before and we were thrilled by it's success!  As our youth were starting to raise money for World Vision's 30 Hour Famine (happening this weekend, by the way), we wanted to give them a unique opportunity to fundraise.    So, instead of regular Youth Group on October 19th, we hosted a "famNfun" night, inviting families in our community.  The youth really took it away and impressed us with their participation and creativity!    It was great to see a ton of people come out on that Friday night and enjoy all the activities that the youth had planned.  There was everything from a cake walk to hair braiding to a fun and silly photo booth to Korean food to face painting to ...