Wednesday, July 28, 2010

God's Beauty...


Our friends Jennifer and Bonnie love to treat us to a few days in God's beauty while we are in CO on summer home assignment.  It has become a tradition to go to Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park for a few days.  It is relaxing and very beautiful.  I LOVE it and am so blessed to be able to share in viewing God's beauty with friends.  Enjoy the pics below.
an interesting bridge



a babbling brook

Mills Lake in Estes Park, CO - Our final destination

Monday, July 26, 2010

Colorado update

Amanda and Carrie in Estes Park at Mills Lake
As of July 26, we've been..


Buying: vitamins
Considering: the idea that the summer with family and friends is to short
Cooking: Quinoa and chicken
Eating: cabbage and corned beef
Googleing : nothing recently - this is quite surprising!
Learning: that my brother John's dog Cashew is an escape artist
Listening:  to my mom tell me stories and share her heart with me
Loving: my family so much
Planning: what to pack for MI and wondering if everything will fit in our suitcases for Vienna
Reading: books by Earlene Fowler
Watching: American Pickers - my dad really likes it and I now know why
Wearing: shorts and a tee shirt
Wishing: my family could come to Europe
Thankful: for the encouraging meetings with supporters
Writing:  directions 
Hoping: that my friends and family know how much I love them

Monday, July 19, 2010

A praise...

As many of you know Carrie and I are missionary teachers in Vienna, Austria.  We are following the Lord's leading to impact the world through teaching at the only English speaking K-12 Christian School in Austria.  Since we are missionaries we are required to raise our own support.  All throughout the year and during the summers while we are on home assignment we are continually trying to get our support level at 100%.  We desire to serve the Lord but not go into debt while doing it.  The only way to make this happen is to continually be 100% supported.

When we stepped off of the plane into beautiful Colorado on June 22 we both needed to raise $1000 in monthly donations to be at the desired 100%.  This is the moment where I am sure most of you are gasping and believe me I gasped a few times myself at the daunting task before us.  During this time of complete reliance on God, because I knew I could not do this within my own power, I always remembered that the Lord is in control.  He called me to be a missionary teacher in Vienna and He already has plans to provide for all of my needs including the financial ones!  Well, neither of us are currently at 100% but we are sure close and it has been amazing to see supporters come out of the woodwork!  I (Amanda) currently need $350 in additional commitments and Carrie needs $300. Will you join us in rejoicing at the Lord moving such huge mountains and carrying our burdens?  Please also join us in praying that the additional monthly commitments come in soon and those that have made monthly commitments follow through with their giving!  Thank you for blessing our lives with your prayers!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Meet Elsie!!


This is Elsie the newest member of the happy Brunker family!  I fell in love with her from the first moment I was able to touch her after I had stepped off the plane in June!  She has officially stolen my heart!  I love that little one!  My brother and sister-in-law (I just call her my sister) are sooo good at taking care of her.  I am not successful at feeding her without giving her the hiccups but they are!  I've always known that they would make wonderful parents!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Things we've observed...

  • DSW is huge and there are no shoes that will work 100% of the time!  frustrating!
  • There are crazy drivers - I have been almost hit many times this last week of driving from Elizabeth to Denver and back.
  • It is possible for Amazon.com companies to send the incorrect item and then not believe you when you inform them of their mistake!  frustrating!
  • God's continual provision is AMAZING!
  • The summer time with my family is certainly not long enough.
  • The stores are huge and cold due to air conditioning!
  • Ice cream isn't as good here.  It is fun, however, to get ice cream with cookie dough in it!  :)
  • Friends in the sates are wonderful!
  • 6 month old Bernese Mountain dogs are a bit ADHD-ish but hilariously fun.  She thinks I am her best friend.
  • Sunsets in CO are hands down one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen!  I am reminded of this every year but the beauty still amazes me.