In the meantime, enjoy:

How we met:

Obviously I met my dad when I was a baby, obviously.

Three things I appreciate about Randy:

1. My dad pretty much taught me everything I know. He taught me how to throw a football and baseball, how to fish, how to tie a knot, how to build a fort, how to swing a bat, how to shoot a gun, how to swim(threw me in a lake when I was two after I stepped in an ant pile), how to ride a bike, how to climb a tree, how to build a campfire, and on and on and on. More importantly, and something that I absolutely don’t take for granted, he taught me how to be a man, he taught through his example how to be a husband and a father and is now showing me what it means to be a grandfather. If I can be half the husband and father he is then Rachel, Johnny, Ruth, and Levi are very fortunate.

2. My dad is an incredible example of what it means to have an eternal perspective and to live in a way that it is obvious that he is seeking a heavenly country(Hebrews 11:16). It’s no mystery what is truly important to my dad. His relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, his family, and his ministry. All other things are added unto them. He seeks first the Kingdom of God.

3. When my dad takes interest in something he becomes passionate about it. Not only does he become passionate but he is always very good at it. Couple example: coaching football and white bbq sauce.

My favorite memory of Randy:

So many. I can’t really pick a single favorite memory. My mind is all over the place right now trying. I would, though, like to hear what others have to say and what some others memories may be.

One thing that I would say that makes me so proud of my dad is the work that the Lord is doing through him in Kisii, Kenya. His passion for the people there and the relationships he has built are incredible. I really hope to go over with him soon and be a part of what God is doing there. Maybe I get get some of those Kenyans to give me some running pointers too:)

I’m so so thankful for my dad, the relationship that we have, and the example that he has been to me in so many areas of my life but most importantly the fact that he is passionate about his love for Jesus. I love my dad. He’s my hero.

I met Matt Tuten through Zac, James, and Chris. I’m not sure the first time we met but the first time we really hung out was on a trip that we took to Weeki Wachee River.

Three things I appreciate about Matt:

1. One time at a Man’s Night at church Matt inspired me to get creative with my dinner. Let’s just say that it wasn’t healthy and I’ll never do it again, but it was good.

2. Matt and I share in our love for metal.

3. I am encouraged everyday by Matt’s quoting of CS Lewis or various Bible verses.

My favorite memory of Matt:

I have to say that my favorite memory of Tuten was the aforementioned river trip. He shared a canoe with our friend Todd. It was a mismatched canoe and was a doomed team from the start. The beauty of the river, though, is that no matter what obstacles lie in the way, when it is time to get out, climb 30 feet into a tree, and jump out over the crystal clear water into the deep blue hole below you all the cares and worries go away. By the end of the trip, friendships were restored, pulled pork sandwiches were eaten, and sweet tea was enjoyed by all. I really enjoyed that trip and the time I got to spend with Matt.

I met Daniel Gilman at Ottawa University the week I moved to Ottawa. I had seen him at church the first week and had lunch with his dad, the legend Alan Gilman during the week. Andy and I had to stop by the school for something and I saw Daniel outside so I approached him and we spoke. I think that is the day we became friends.

Three things I appreciate about Daniel:

1. Daniel is passionate, amiright? I greatly admire the ferocity in which he tackles those things that he is passionate about. Whether it is football or a Bible study, a shawarma or a friendship, you can count on Daniel giving it all. This picture sums up the way Daniel takes things on:

2. As passionate as Daniel is about anything, he is far more passionate about Jesus. He inspires me in the way he selflessly serves.

3. There is actually a saying in Ottawa, “There is not a Christian in Ottawa that doesn’t know Daniel Gilman. This is pretty much true.

My favorite memory of Daniel:

I am leaving here with many a good memory of Daniel. I must say though, that my favorite time with him was a few weeks ago when we went camping with Tyler and Cory. I had an awesome time with Daniel, hunting frogs, eating mussels and wild blueberries, swimming in a beautiful lake, jumping from some beautiful cliffs. What a sweet way to enjoy the finger work of our Creator. Some of my most intimate times with the Lord have been in the woods and on the water. I was so glad to get the opportunity to share that with Daniel. I am thankful that God has placed him and his family in my life and I can’t wait to see what God has planned. Daniel is a true man of God.

I met Esther a while ago. For some time we were acquaintances, sharing friends. We were pregnant around the same time – me with Ruth and her with Asher – and shared some motherhood bonds and whatnot. But we really began to get to know each other when we went through the 2:7 books over the course of a year and a half. I got to know Esther on a more personal level and we realized how very much alike we are.

Three things I appreciate about Esther:

1. Her creativity. She’s amazing at sewing, organizing and thinking outside the box.

2. Her realness. She always has perspective and doesn’t shake one way or the other from her convictions. She is real with people, always speaking in love.

3. Her strength. She went through some hard times in her personal life not too long ago and was dealing with things that I couldn’t even begin to relate with because I hadn’t experienced them. But through her struggles and sadness she garnered up supernatural and God-given strength to find her peace in Christ. She became victorious, and I think that her trials truly brought her out on the other side a stronger and more established woman of God. She pressed on, she kept running the race. And she persevered and God has blessed her incredibly because of it.

My favorite memory of Esther:

I have a lot of great memories of Esther. Most of them include her awesomely rad son Asher. And not to mention Asher and Ruth have this “affinity” for one another. But when I think about Esther, I think about how much she loves others and will go out of her way for others. Like the time that I bought a sewing machine and she came over to show me how to use it, how to do simple things on the machine and how to make button holes! I also think about all the hard work that she does for Feed My Sheep and how she organizes all the meals for feeding the homeless. When I think of Esther I see selflessness. And it inspires me to be a better person.

Chris Babcock… Chris is one of my best friends that has ever lived on earth. This is one I’ve been excited about. I met Chris at Harborside about 16 or 17 years ago but we didn’t really start to hang out until high school. We rode the same bus. Chris was a sophomore and I was just a freshman. Chris has some good stories from the bus that he likes to share a lot.

Three things I appreciate about Chris:

1. Chris has always been an example to me in his walk with Christ. Proverbs 27:17 talks about how iron sharpens iron and this verse reminds me of Chris.

2. Chris is selfless and goes out of his way for his friends and family.

3. Chris is another guy in the “I Married Way Out Of My League” club. As if Chris’ friendship wasn’t enough, he went off to college and came home married to someone cooler and prettier than he is. Chris and Kacy mean so much to Rachel and I and we really do cherish our friendships with them.

My favorite memory of Chris:

I have so many favorite memories of Chris, like when I invited him to come along on my first date with Rachel. Or when Chris Robinson and I called a guy who had an ad in the paper trying to sell his monkey and I told him I was Chris Babcock and I was very interested. Or when C Rob and I went to Furman to visit Chris and Kacy had the Dismemberment Plan come play at the school for Chris’ birthday. Or that one time we were in a band together called Amazing Larry and we melted the faces off the students at Furman University. Or when we sat outside at Mike Cartwright’s parents and talked about our ladies not too long before Chris and Kacy’s wedding. Or that time when we were in the room with the youth group at CIY and someone was sharing something really personal and intimate and they were crying but Chris wouldn’t stop laughing after he got an Altoid dropped on him. Or when we were standing in a circle praying and Chris accidentally grabbed my butt when he was putting his arm around me. Or when Dave Murray and I gave Chris a certain Christmas present that ended up being a bad idea in hindsight. Or our times in Mexico. Or when I pretended to be deaf in the pool at Converse College and Chris pretended to be my translator so that we could do flips in the deep end. Or the Chappelle’s Show and cheeseburger period that we went through.

I could really go on and on and on and want to but I’ll save some stuff for other people to comment. Chris is a huge part of my life and am so thankful for him and his family. Mary Anne and Chucky B did a great job in raising a godly man, husband, and friend. I miss Chris a lot and am excited to get back to Florida and get this thing going again.

I met Shawn about 14ish years ago at Harborside. Shawn started as just Cory’s friend but became both of our friends one day.

Three things I appreciate about Shawn:

1. I really appreciate Shawn’s humor

2. I appreciate Shawn’s desire to know Jesus more. Last year myself, Steve Musha, Shawn and and his friend Sam got together for a bit once a week before work to study through Acts together. I wish we could have done it longer.

3. Shawn is another guy who will always be in the picture as far as friends go. He is loyal. Sometimes this song reminds me of Shawn, Cory, Billy, Corey, Steve, Nick, Matt, Ryan, Stephen, Joey, Justin and some of the times we’ve had. Friends Forever:

My favorite memory of Shawn:

We have spent a lot of time together, doing smart things and doing stupid things. I have great memories of Shawn at Innisbrook, the lake, the beach… I think that one of my favorite memories though, and I think it’s ok to share this now because it’s been about ten years, is the trip to CIY when we all shared a room. Cory, Shawn, Nick, Joey, Justin P, and I shared two adjoining rooms that were connected by a bathroom. We were at Milligan College where Greg had gone for the conference. Greg had been telling us these stories of secret places you could sneak into and cool things that the students got into sometimes. We started getting antsy and had to figure this stuff out for ourselves. Unfortunately this conference is notorious for their after hours security and the strict consequences. It was definitely a risk but a risk we were willing to take. Armed with a couple black hoodies and walkie talkies we made our way out of our dorm. Slipping past security we darted into the shadows. With Greg on the other end giving us instructions and telling us where to hide we were able to make our way past all of the security and safely into some of these fabled Milligan landmarks. I can’t share any further to protect any potential political careers innocent but let’s just say that it was a trip that will be remembered.

I met Jerry at Calvary Chapel Palm Harbor.

Three things I appreciate about Jerry:

1. Jerry makes it a point to say “hello” to everyone at church. If only the rest of the church could be that way I think the church would benefit greatly.

2. Jerry has a gift of encouragement. I know that if I have something going on and I see Jerry, he will ask what’s up and always have some encouraging words to say.

3. Jerry is consistent and faithful. Whether it’s saying hello, offering to pray, or just smiling and waving. You can always count on Jerry.

My favorite memory of Jerry:

When we received the news that I was going to be deployed Jerry was a huge encouragement to me. He would go out of his way at church to come and see how we were doing and asking if there was anything he could do. He was a huge source of peace and encouragement for me. I’ve missed him over this past year as we’ve been gone and I’m looking forward to more fellowship and worshiping with him again soon. I thank God for Jerry.

I met Chelsea here in Ottawa. I met her at church and her and Randy must have been newlyweds for only a couple of weeks. She was newish to Ottawa and wanted to get involved in a women’s group. We got to know each other through our Saturday mornings.

Three things I appreciate about Chelsea:

1. She is a gentle and sweet spirit. When she talks, she brings such peace and calmness. She always has something kind to say and when she smiles, you can’t help but be filled with joy. Her smile is contagious.

2. Her determination. Even when the odds seem to be stacked against her, she perseveres. She doesn’t back down. She went to Mississippi for three weeks to mentor and disciple young women at a ballet camp. And she was 7 months pregnant, with her first child!

3. Her thankfulness. God has done some pretty incredible things in her life and her thankfulness for all that He has done for her shines through.

My favorite memory of Chelsea:

My favorite memory of Chelsea is the night her and Randy came over to our house after Levi was born and actually cooked us dinner! Fajitias and mexican rice. She really knows how to get straight to my heart. (Mexican is my favorite food) Her willingness to drive across town, cook us dinner and hang out and watch a movie was awesome. She makes amazing food. And the time I got to spend with her that night was memorable, to me at least. I’m going to miss Chelsea when we leave Ottawa. She is due with her baby boy Noah in a few weeks. Take a minute to pray for her!

I met Mike when his family moved to Florida from New York many years ago. I think it was probably about 17 years ago. Little did I know the impact that the Fretto family would have on me and my family.

Three things I appreciate about Mike:

1. Mike has an amazing heart for other people as evidenced by his creation, Rosa Loves. Check it out here: http://rosaloves.com/

2. Mike has an awesome sense of humor and is always a joy to be around. I’d do about anything to be in a room with Cory, my dad, Mike, Uncle Danny, and a plate of ribs right now.

3. Mike’s whole family is amazing. He got super lucky, married up, and ended up with an awesome wife in Mary Joy. Nora and Uncle Danny are basically a second set of parents to me, which I guess would be like an aunt and uncle. Amy and Meghan are my sisters and Mike is a brother. Both of our entire families get along so amazingly. I thank God for the Frettos.

My favorite memory of Mike:

Again, many memories. I have to say that one of my favorite things about Mike was how he used to run the football. He wasn’t very big but he always ran like no one was in front of him. Even recently we’ve all gathered in the living room at the Frettos and watched old football videos. Mike approaches everything as though he knows he is going to get it done no matter how big the opposition or how unreasonable it seems. I love how mine and Mike’s paths always seem to cross as we’ve grown up and I look forward to the next time. I’m proud to know Mike and thankful to have him as a brother.