So many things seem to happen on the World Race. Each day brings new faces, new experiences, and new thoughts; however, when it comes time to blog it becomes strangely difficult to recall all of those moments. If I didn’t have a camera and take pictures I would be out of luck. Therefore, today as I am wondering what to blog about I realize I should blog about the one thing missing, the one thing on my mind all the time, and the one thing I love the most: My amazingly beautiful wife, Marissa!
 
   
 
 
 
We were all in Bangkok this morning. We head to Africa in less than ten days and so we are giving one last push for ministry here in Thailand. However, this week it looks a little different than it has over the past 5 months. I am leading the guys on a spiritual backpacking retreat in Khao Yai National Park. We hope to rest in the Lord, challenge one another spiritually and physically, and continue to grow into who we are in Christ.
 
    With the guys heading into the woods for the week, we will be away from the women and I will be without my other half and my true companion for the next week. I just thought I would express my feelings for her, since it seems to be what is on my mind all day and night. First I want to thank the Lord because he has truly blessed me with the perfect girl.
 

 

Her laugh melts my frustrations away.
 
Her beauty shines through any amount of darkness.
 
Her eyes show a real compassion and love.
 
I get lost in peace and warmth when she is in my arms.
 
She is my fruitful vine within my house.
 
Genesis 2:24 states, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” I speak in truth when I say that we are like one flesh. It is a very real feeling. There is always a part of me that is not whole when we are apart.
 

Proverbs 12:4: “An excellent wife is the crown of her husband…” Marissa is without a doubt my crown! I am so blessed to have her in my life and I am so excited to see what plans the Lords brings to our family.
 

It is difficult for me to describe Marissa better than her maker:

Proverbs 31:10-31
 A good woman is hard to find,
   and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
   and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
   all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
   and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
   and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast
   for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,

   then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
 

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
   diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
   reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
   their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
   when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
   and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
   and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
   her husband joins in with words of praise:
“Many women have done wonderful things,
   but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
   The woman to be admired and praised
   is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
   Festoon her life with praises!

MARISSA —I LOVE YOU!