Carmi and I are doing very well in our relationship with each other. God continues to mold and shape us. Like any couple we have our hard times, but we really do have fun as a couple and God knew what He was doing when he put us together.

Ministry can be so draining at times mentally, emotionally, and financially. At times we would like to just move out in the woods in Oregon and hide from people. But we are smart enough to know that we would not be happy. It is in our blood (it is our calling) to be ministers of the Gospel. I guess we are 'addicted' to touching lives.

Since November 2005 Carmi has been working as a bank teller. She wanted to get back in the work force and we really need some additional income. Because of it being a new career the job has been very challenging to her. In just a few short months she is now the #1 teller because of the loss of several employees. This creates additional stress.

Our goal was to have more income so we could get caught up on bills and start paying off some debts. But what has happened is that my income has reduced drastically because of ministry responsibilities and my main customer is having me do less work. We did get caught up on the bills, but we have just been hit with several vehicle repair issues and dental costs.

The good news is that both of us have been staying healthy and we are not being drowned with bills like we have been in the past. Of course, being self-employed, April 15 is always bad news.

We know there will be a day when we will be able to be set free from the financial struggles. Even with all that is happening, we will be able to be debt free in about 18 months. We will owe no man any money.

Joshua had his hernia surgery. At first there were a few complications, but he is healing well now. He should be starting boot camp soon. He will be graduating around the end of June. Carmi and I will be having our wedding anniversary in San Diego during his graduation. He really likes th military-much be crazy. :)

My mother's health is going back and forth. One moment she is doing well, but then she gets worse. She now has pneumonia. The doctor says this up and down battle will be happening until she dies because of her emphysema and her weakened heart. I am glad I was able to see her and have a good time.

Since being married to me Carmi has made many, many sacrifices. I know it has been hard for her. All her friends married wealthy husbands, have many things, can travel, etc. Carmi actually had better living conditions in the Philippines when she left her last job there than what we have here. Being surrounded with so many people with problems, it is like living in the mission field. So, I really appreciate her willingness to go through the hard times with me. We both know deep in our hearts that it is all worth it. It is a good thing that it is deep or we would give up at times.

It always amazes me when I look at my life now. At one time I hated everybody including myself. And now I reach out to the downcast. I had great jobs, recognition and made plenty of money. Now I have very little but I have more peace than I ever had. God is an amazing God.