We Need SLEEEEP!

As I type, there is a cute, slumbering 10-month-old upstairs who will be awake in a few hours tonight. Eli is proving very difficult to sleep train. He is very cuddly and needs human contact for comfort. 

While we love cuddling with him, we'd appreciate said cuddling to occur during the 16 hours of the day not devoted to sleep. All we need is 8 and we'll be well-rested, sane human beings. 

So, we are calling all people who pray: you're on deck. Here are our requests...

1. Please pray that Eli would have peace in his mind, heart, and body to enable him to sleep soundly (when he wakes in the night, he sounds distressed). 8 hours, please Jesus. 
2. Strength for me (Katy) as I get up with him during the night. Part of the training involves not taking him out of bed - great in the long run but makes for long, miserable nights. 
3. Strength for Blake, who takes the early morning shift when the boys wake so that Katy can grab a nap. 

While we've gotten some amazing advice on sleep, we would appreciate just prayer and encouragement for now. 

Thank you guys so much for being the best team members we could ask for. We feel the love and encouragement from all over the world. 

Kid Update

Here's a few updates about our boys...

Eden is enjoying his Montessori school. He will turn four in July. He has SO MUCH ENERGY! He's exhausting to chase around all day, but it's so amazing to see how alive he is. He makes the most of life and enjoys every moment.

Eli is working on sleeping through the night (still). He's doing great though. He's healthy, happy, and very laid back. We call him our little koala. He is crawling so fast now and really starting to pull himself up. He's such a beautiful boy.

This kiddos are amazing. They are both very healthy and are so lovable. Here's a few pics for you to enjoy.

LSU Chi Alpha Team

We had the best time hanging with the crew from Louisiana State University Chi Alpha. They came for a week and just left on Saturday. They helped us out at St. Marks Central and St. Marks South. They painted, handed out fliers, did surveys on two different campuses, and even babysat our kids. 

We have actually never before encountered a team that was so content, flexible, and friendly. They were truly the essence of what a short-term ministry team should be: a blessing for the long-term work that is happening. Their leader, Jonathan Buras, goes way back with us. Jonathan and his wife, Ali, were students with me (Katy) at LSU back when I was a student. They later came to work at OU with us a few years later. Upon returning to their alma mater, they kept in close contact with us and others in our ministry circle. When they told us they'd like to take a missions trip to Ireland, we were overjoyed! 

We cannot thank every member of the team enough for coming and helping. Jonathan, Morgan, Cade, Meaghan, Allie, Saraya, Alex, Katie, Cindy, Aaron, and Claire - you guys are da bomb. We absolutely loved getting to know you for a short time and hope to see you again soon.