Above Eliot’s crib hangs a large white canvas, decorated with fabric that outlines the world’s continents. In the ocean spaces notes are written to Eliot welcoming him into the world, declaring the joy abounding at birth, sweet voices of excitement and promises of God’s faithfulness bursting from the surface. My best friend Meg made this for us at a baby shower while Eliot was still in my belly, making me round with anticipation (and a little bit of exhaustion). We decided before... Read more
{ This series is dedicated to the reflections and remembrances of my travels, both near and far. I invite you to dream of the places you’ve never been, and remember where your feet have trodden. Let us adventure together. } Dear Traveler, Meet Mutyaba Dunkan. He is twelve years old today. I started sponsoring him about five years ago through Compassion International. That day I told God that if I were to start sponsoring someone, I would need... Read more
It’s been weeks since I’ve entered this world. I’d like to tell you where I’ve been. Let me warn you, it’s disheveled and wonderful. It’s confusing and blessed. The past few weeks have been full of moving, graduating, accepting, celebrating, mourning, re-evaluating. They have been full of change and chaos with few quiet moments. We moved into a house five lots down the street. Days have been spent moving items big and small, back and forth, carloads full. Friends entered... Read more
We sat outside in the backyard with our coffee, dogs and son. We made plans. A trip to the Tulsa zoo. Climbing at least once a week. No television in the living room. Exercise. Outdoor trips at least twice a week. More reading. More French. People over. The drive-in. Mornings together. Freshness. Newness. Life. A summertime bucket list of sorts began to grow as the months ahead blossomed before our eyes. In one week, graduation. The chapter we opened now... Read more
Trav, We’ve had the talk numerous times. We’ve truly been blessed so far along this journey. We’ve been provided for, we’ve been a little spoiled, even. You’ve gotten jobs you applied for, we’ve been accepted for grants and programs we wanted to get into. When we moved to Fayetteville, I told God it would be okay if we suffered a little bit. I thanked Him for the blessings and admitted that I desired a little of the holiness that comes... Read more
Be still, my soul, the Lord is on your side… Eliot has been having a rough time with napping lately. The transition to rest comes with tears, sobs, and screams of resistance. This morning we placed him in his swing– his favorite napping spot –and I sat in front of him on the floor, my hand on his belly, singing those words for the millionth time. It’s always been one of my favorites. Funny enough, I never can remember all... Read more
Travis, Maybe when I say it, I’m saying, “I will follow you.” And maybe when I say that, I’m saying, “You’re the one I trust.” Man has failed me and still fails me. Man has broken my heart and taught me that it stays broken for a while. Man has given me reason to mistrust every other man. You, Love, will fail me. You will break a piece of the heart you’ve been given. And in that moment, we will fall... Read more
More and more I’m noticing the importance of mornings spent together. The act of gathering around the table, or snuggling close and facing each other on the couch, coffee steaming up against our chins as we share ourselves. It is a holy and magical thing. I’ve never been good at sitting still. When I became pregnant, I was forced to rest, forced to put off all the housework, all the homework, all the worrying, and close my eyes for a... Read more
Travis, When I was young, I always thought it was so cute and perfect, the little nicknames people in love gave to each other: “Sugarmuffin.” “Honey.” “Sweetie.” “Darling.” I met you. I searched for the perfect name and found nothing. After maybe a year of being married, I called you “Trav,” but what kind of in-love nickname is that? So, I waited for one to come naturally. You always called me “Love” or “Babe” –the latter a name you actually... Read more
The past few nights Eliot has been sleeping in his crib. Believe me, I would rather keep him close in the co-sleeper by the bed or watch him rest on Trav’s arm, quietly stroking his face. But Eliot is in a new season, one with no swaddles and the freedom to roll around and figure out what sleep really means for a 5 month old. I lie in bed and listen to his every move over monitor speaker…and my new... Read more
Stories - with Kaitlin B. Curtice
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