the end of an era and starting of a new...BLOG

Dear guests. I believe there are few of you left out there as my blogging has dwindled to a near nothing. So I'm going to wrap this one up. I have had this blog for three years and it served me through my first support raising, Costa Rican language school, and my year in Colombia. Now Aaron and I are starting our new journey of missions together and I think it appropriate for us to start a blog together. I would say that we can each have our own, but I don't believe Aaron will keep up with his all too often. So we'll take turns writing in our new one. The url is: aaronandzoedas.blogspot.com and I hope you will visit it often. Thank you for staying in touch and keeping me in your prayers. Here's to what lies ahead and so long to "they call me Daniela"!

In our Beloved Colombia!

Here we are in Colombia (pictures to come soon). So much time counting down to this moment! Medellin is a beautiful place and when they say it sits in a bowl, they MEAN it! We are surrounded by extremely steep mountains in every direction. Sitting here, I feel the amazing breeze, hear the buzzing of cars driving by (way too fast I'm sure), and as we rode through the city today, I smelled about every possible smell in the course of one mile. From fresh bread to fresh sewage... But it doesn't bug me. Nor did my freezing cold shower this morning or the bed I slept in last night that is quite a bit firmer than I'm used to. Nope. At home, "some" (my father and husband) might tell you that I'm a princess. And I might agree with them on occasion (hey-just being honest here). But when I come here, its like no amount of rain, heat, mosquitos, or days without a real bathroom visit can bother me. (too honest?) :)

What DOES upset me greatly is some of the things I see here and am helpless with. The 5 or 6 people I saw sleeping next to eachother under a bridge this morning covered in newspaper. Or driving by the poor areas where the homes in NO WAY qualify as a house. This country, like EVERY country, is in need. And for some reason, God has placed Colombia in our heart. We're ready to be here, living amongst them and sharing His love. And so the be-patient-and-wait-on-God game begins.

More news to come as time allows. Please keep us in your prayers this week!
Z

Running a Race???...

What to do what to do? (sigh) I'm currently trying to decide on whether or not I want to try and run a full marathon. I feel like if I'm ever going to do it, NOW would have to be the time. I can easily find one here in the States (pre-missionary-move) and I'm currently in somewhat good enough shape for it (pre-babies). I know I KNOW, plenty of women run marathons after babies, but I'm not sure how motivated I would be at that point. I have done several half marathons and I know that the memory of those seems to miraculously omit the pain I felt at miles 9-13 and how, as I approached each finish line I would say to myself "why on earth did I do this to myself????" But then the pain goes away and you do it all over again.


So I say to myself these days "I know I could do it, I could run 26.2 miles if I really put my mind to it". And then I go out for a 6 mile jog, come back a little sore, and say "then again, maybe not." Six miles, not a big deal...6 miles + 20 more....OUCH!!! Any thoughts out there in cyber world?

Puppy Woes

Oh the challenges of puppy shopping. "He'll be too big" "She won't be a runner" "They require too much attention" "He's not even interested in the dang ball!" "I'm just not feelin that one"

We may be 75 years old before our four-legged member arrives. We decided to definitely get a dog, but now we have to wait until after our May Colombia trip because there is no sense in getting a dog and then leaving for week right afterward. Patience....I'm not a fan of that word! But I'm dealing with it because, as our landlord said, "God has the right dog for you and it'll be here right on time!'

In other news, we head to beloved Colombia in less than two weeks and I'm SO READY! We also just celebrated our 8 months of being married. I know for all you tenured folk out there that 8 months is NOTHING. And I would basically agree. But it is still true that those 8 months FLEW by. And what a happy 8 months they have been.

Sure do hope you are all enjoying this amazing spring (minus the pollen) and that 2010 will be a blessing!
Till next time!!
ZD

Puppy Love

Aaron and I are trying to decide when to buy a dog. Its not a matter of IF-we know its going to happen. But when is a good time for it? For those who still read this blog (not sure how many of you are out there still) I would like for you to comment and tell us what you think. We both are split on it. Here's some info to help you vote:

-We want to adopt a mid-size dog (25-35 lbs) that is already housebroken (about a year old) from a reputable adoption agency
-We have been wanting a dog since before we got married. Aaron has never had I pet, I have and love it!
-We can take our dog with us when we move to Colombia for a little $ but not too much extra hastle
-We can buy a dog in Colombia but its harder to find a reputable adoption agency as most dogs for sale are pure-bred
-We are hoping for an early 2011 move to South America (but we know it may be later) which would give us plenty of time to bond with a dog before a major lifestyle change

We have a going Pro's and Con's list which include the following items:

PRO'S/Reasons to buy now-
1. Give us yet another reason to spend time together outside and going to parks etc. with our four-legged family member
2. We have been wanting one for a while and will help ease any baby fever that might be setting in :)
3. We are at the point where we would like to take something on that will give us some responsibility but isn't quite as expensive or serious as having a baby
4. A running buddy for me which I'm dying to have!

CONS/Reasons to wait-
1. It is an added expense every month that, while we can afford it, will dip into the amt. we are saving every month
2. We both are gone every day from 8 am to 6ish pm. I work close to home and can go home during my lunch to take care of it, but its still a long time to leave him alone
3. There may be some time when we first move to Colombia that our housing will be unsure. The dog would probably have to stay with somebody Stateside for a few months and then be shipped down to us once we had a permanent home

So, if you can think of any more pro's and con's to add, let us know in a comment as well as any other thoughts that will help us decide. Thanks for your help everybody!!!