Asher Daniel Chappell

I'll never be the same!

Hi everyone,

This is Casey and I just wanted to write a little bit as I have a little down time in our last evening at the hospital. I can't begin to fully explain or tell all that I have experienced the past few days. But I wanted to just share a few moments that impacted my life forever.

First, my water broke on Saturday and wow, what a feeling of excitement and fear and sheer joy. I'm having our baby...today!!! I never saw that coming but I guess God had His timing for Asher. We had just finished that morning putting our nursery together as mentioned in our last post.

So off to the hospital we go... Dan was such a nervous new daddy and drove like a madman! I kept telling him that we could take our time because I wasn't havng any contractions. Still he wanted to GET there fast!

We were admitted and had to wait a little while for the c-section due to the time I had last eaten... thanks to Kristin loving me with some m&m's (who knew) meanwhile we got to know our medical staff for that evening. All of them were amazing and great! I had the best nurses and surgeons! They were so kind to me and Dan. Both nurses (Amy and Viterose) were believers and I know were covering me in prayer that night. My anesthesiologist Bridget was AMAZING! She was a huge calming and comforting factor before the surgery.

I almost passed out right before going back and then after a little while calmed down and pretty much was fine the rest of the surgery. I was horribly sick to my stomach the whole time though...which doesn't make it any easier. We had met with the NeoNatologist team before going back and he had said that they would do everything they could do help our baby and that it would be a real chaotical time in the OR with so many people working iin there on him and me. Well when they finally got Asher out (it took them quite a while) the Neonatal team took him and I could see all of their backs and no one was making a sound they were silent and some were shaking their heads.... I felt so helpless. So finally I yelled "it's way too quiet in here I REALLY NEED someone to start telling me what's going on NOW". So Dan came back over and was pretty concerned, confused and worried.... The Surgeon came over to me and was trying to explain a lot of stuff and I just looked at him and asked if Asher was still with us. And he shook his head and said he wasn't. Dan and I were crying hard and though we had tons of questions and didn't really know what was going on or had gone on... it was something concrete knowing that our child was in the arms of our Savior!

After that it felt like it took hours to get me sewed back up and able to be moved. But the whole time they let Dan wrap Asher and hold him and let me look at him and be really really close to him. It was a horrible time for our hearts and bodies but our souls were so happy that we were finally holding our son and that he was whole and completely perfect in Heaven and beholding the face of God.

Dan went out and told those in the waiting room and came back and was able to change Asher into a sweet little outfit and blanket we had brought for him. The Medical staff then took us to a big Labor and Delivery room and let our family and friends come back and have all the time we wanted with him.  So many held him and loved on him and was able to see what a beautiful baby he was. He had such curly hair and so much of him looked just like me. I know he would have had Dan's brown eyes and I know their are parts of him that once I compare pics will amaze me even more. He was BEAUTIFUL! I beemed with pride and joy as his mother. I still don't know what to do with that feeling of being so proud to be his mom and yet he's not here to tell that to. I am a mommy and don't really know what to do without him to take care of. I miss him SOO much.

Dan and I then got to have him spend the night with us in our room that night. We didn't sleep but a few hours and in the morning had a precious time of devotion and prayer over him and said our final goodbyes. I would have thought before all this that I would never have the strength to do something like that or that it might be a little strange to have him there with us. But it was so sweet and right and I don't know something comes alive inside of you when you're child is born and we were his parents and we would have done anything for him. It was such a precious time of communion with God and just a special time for Dan and I to be in a room alone as parents to this sweet baby. We never will be the same.

Since then we have had lots of visitors and family and friends come by and I don't think the hospital has really seen such support as we've had. One friend got asked by the check in guy if we were famous?  I had to laugh at that one. However, it has made me ponder how anyone goes through something like this without this kind of support. I will really look at hospital visits totally differently now that I've been on this side of things. 

We've caught up a little on our sleep and my stomach pain is still pretty painful but on it's way to healing. we are both REALLY worn out and found out tonight after trying to plan some of the service/burial details, that really we just needed to put down everything and cry together as dad and mom. We are both missing our son so badly. We are different now and  each step is a new one and each day is a new day and though we have great hope and peace we have great sorrow and many tears. God has drawn very near to us during this time and He is such a Great God.

We are planning our son's memorial service and hope to get things and information finalized and official soon. But please....Plan to come if you at all can. It will really be a real special time of worship and a huge support.  It's Thursday at 5:30 at Open Door Baptist church in Raleigh, NC (www.opendoorlife.com).

I know you are all dying to see Asher's sweet photo and we will post them tomorrow I promise!!! I can't wait for you to see him.

Keep praying for us and Thank you THANK YOU for loving us the way you do!

Love, Casey 

laughing and loving

I wanted to blog about a story that I've been meaning to tell you since our trip to the beach! This is such an example of pregnancy hormones kicking in!
I was starving so we stopped by Subway and I went in to get a sandwich, and I walked up and ordered a " 5$ footBALL" seriously... I got tickled and couldn't stop laughing to tell him what I really wanted... the guy looked at me like I was on drugs or something. So finally I told him what I wanted and then went out to the car and said "dan, you won't believe what I said" I told him and we both gut laughed for a few minutes and I said "gosh, I could just cry..." and I did... I sobbed for like 10 minutes. Dan kept asking me if I was embarrassed in there and I said no, I really wasn't upset or sad I just was crying and couldn't help it. Such a strange feeling, like you're not in charge of your body! Earlier in the pregnancy, I ordered a soda at a a restaurant and I guess used my hands A LOT as I talked to the waiter and Dan laughed......and I smiled and then just started bawling. Oh, My. Anyway, so we still have been getting some good chuckles about my veggie football.

Also, Last Friday was my sweet husband's birthday and I just wanted to publicly say what a source of strength and hope he's been for me. God is really just giving him such vivid insight into His word and how He is working in our lives presently. I was telling our small group ladies the other night, Dan is so genuine and real and since I really battle being "fake" at times (more so with God ironically... like you can be fake with Him!) and also, with the above mentioned hormones kicking up... it's so good to really just have someone stable and consistent and Spirit-filled walking besides me each step of the way. I'm so blessed to have him in my life. We've pretty much been together 24/7 the past week and a half and I don't know what I'm going to do when he has to go back to school on Monday. I always miss him so much during the day. He is truly my Best Friend. I'm so glad I am his wife and his ministry partner for the rest of our lives.

Baby,
thanks for sharing your heart with me on God, Politics, Life, Family, everything!!!! I learn so much from you every day. I love your heart towards God and want to have a better walk with Him because of you!
I hope I am a good mom to your son and long to show him how to be a man of God by respecting you and pointing him to be like you! Thank you for loving children and loving God's heart of what a family should be like. I can't wait to see what God will do with this Chappell Family. I'm so glad you are the leader of this home and I love you more than ANYTHING!!! XOXOXO, Your Wife

Asher Daniel Chappell!

As you can see from the title our initial results are in and we are having a little baby boy! We are also overjoyed to let everyone know that the initial results show that Chromosomes 13, 18 and 21 are normal and there s no sign of a trisomy at this point! This is great news and our great God deserves all the glory for He has given great grace today! The results mean that the "lethal" issues they were suspecting, are not there. The genetic counselor told us that it is not impossible for there still to be other chromosome issues present in the full and final result. She said that the initial test showed the most common ones and since that is normal it isn't likely for it to be chromosomal but it isn't impossible. We are optimistic that Asher is just small and that the Omphalocele is causing much of the "problems" they think they are seeing.
Asher still has a long road ahead but God is still forming him and caring for him in my womb. Please continue to pray and that God would heal any heart issues that are present, heal any scoliosis or Spinal bifida that may be there, and that he would shrink the overall size of the omphalocele.
God alone deserves the glory for this day and we praise him for he is good! thank you to all of you praying with us and to those who joined us in prayer and fasting yesterday. God has heard the cries of His people! Let his glory and renown be made known today through this!

More to come......

a few posts to read...

Here are a few posts that I've been meaning to write and update you all on.

Dan and I are doing well and we have been striving to live in a spirit of hopefulness and of perseverance. Dan only has two more weeks of summer before 08-09 school year begins and even though he's really looking forward to spending his days with the students he's trying to really enjoy these last few days of freedom!
I have two more weddings to photograph, tomorrow I"ll be in Winston Salem shooting and then next week back in Wake Forest! God has been so good to allow me the strength and ability to fulfill my responsibilities to these families this summer. We will have photographed 13 weddings this summer and each one has been wonderful and unique! Though I could not have done it without Kristin and Angey who are amazing photographers and love and serve me so well.

I'm almost to the 35 Week mark! Each week goes by so fast and I'm so thankful that God has given that week to us.
Dan and I are going to the beach this whole next week to get away and relax and spend some much needed time together before the real hectic time is upon us. So pray that we are able to relax and that we both are able to put aside work for a few days and just focus on God and each other. (this is really hard for me because I'm always thinking about what I need or already needed to have accomplished, though I"m blessed to have clients that are very patient and understanding!)

Just to update you on what is to come in the next few weeks;
This Sunday Dan is preaching at Forest Park Baptist Church where he used to be the youth pastor at (it's also where he was at during our falling in love/time of engagement) The people are so precious and we always enjoy going back to be loved on and hopefully to edify them as well!

Then we'll leave to go to the beach until Friday August 1st which is Dan's 34th Birthday!!

August 2nd I'll photograph my last wedding pre-baby!

August 4th at 10:30 we will go to UNC for an amnioseticess..... now, I know you might be thinking, I thought you weren't going to do one of those and we didn't due to the risk of preterm labor, and we weren't going to do one at all. However, after several OB visits and listening to them inform us that they really won't do anything to the baby as far as aggressive treatment until the results come back for the Trisomy and then depending on that the treatment will or will not be offered. So, we would rather not be waiting when treatment might be needed and if the baby does has a Trisomy we would rather know that we have found a Dr. who is already willing to use his skills on a baby who might not live as long as most. This might be a difficult task but we are hopeful that there is a Dr. at UNC who would be willing and able if needed.
So, we will have FISH results back in 3-4 days that will tell us the bigger things such as the Trisomy issue and also gender... We'll have a baby with a name finally!!! I can't wait to announce that on here!
And then in 10 days we'll have the full work up which will tell us I think the extent of the Trisomy or Genetic issues and I guess some more information that will hopefully be helpful to the medical staff in treating our child.

They have scheduled my C-section for August 27th at 11:30. I will finally get to meet this little one!! Pray he or she stays in my womb until this day!

So, a lot is going to happen in the coming month and we will definitely keep you up to date as best we can.
There hasn't been a lot of new info lately thus my lack of posting... I'll try to get better about that!

Thanks for reading and for being so faithful to comment and encourage in so many ways! We feel very loved and cared for.

Have a great week! ~ Dan and Casey

Guest Author on POH Blog

I had the great opportunity to be a guest author on a blog that I have followed for quite a while now. Prayer of Hannah is a blog by five ladies who have a passion for raising families and honoring their husbands as unto the Lord. Last week was a week they dedicated to grief and loss and I was able to share as one who hasn't walked down that road but has been told I might. Click here to read my post!! and Ladies, this blog is a great weekly read for you!!

I went ahead and posted here my post!

Hi, My name is Casey Chappell and I'm a friend of Hollie's. First I just want to say a public thank you to you POH Ladies who have been so faithful in writing on this blog. What a blessing it is to so many. Thank you!!
Secondly, I want to thank each of the ladies who have written and shared the depths of their soul this week. I've learned so much and I know your words will continue to impact my life in the next few months... even years.

I am writing during this "Dealing with Loss" week not because I've had a miscarriage or a loss but because I've been told that I will most likely have a loss in the coming months. My husband Dan and I found out we were pregnant on Christmas Eve... well, I found out then and then waited to totally surprise my husband on Christmas morning! I still can't believe I kept it in those few hours, but it was totally worth it!! We were both so happy! ....fast forward past those first few months that every woman deals with normal fears of miscarriage, and so many potential unknowns that we have no control over. {If you are reading this and are in those precious early weeks of pregnancy, those fears are not to be minimized by what others may be going through but are rooted in the same sin of fear that each of us have had to face even when nothing was going wrong... fight it now, because it will not go away just because you have a great pregnancy and delivery... it
will continue to take hold of your heart and rob you of years of peace...fight fear mommies and rest assured by a God of peace!} well, we made it to 20 weeks, "what? we can't see the gender? That baby just doesn't want us to know I guess. let's try again in a few weeks... still, no clear shot of boy or girl.... ughhh..." So in our search of this child's gender we headed to Prenatal Peek in Durham. And you'll never believe that they saw us 3 different times trying to find out what this child was (they kept saying that the baby was so curled up and sitting so low that they couldn't see anything) Finally, our last try... The lady who was doing the ultrasound kept looking and looking and I thought her frustration was due to the fact that she was failing to answer the question on our minds. But we found out the next week that she was upset because she was seeing something that the Dr.'s and past ultrasound techs missed and it wasn't good. So she called
our OB and they called us and scheduled a level two scan and indeed we found out that our baby had a giant omphalocele and most likely a lethal Trisomy. We couldn't believe our ears... it had been such a perfect pregnancy so far, how could this be happening to us at 28 weeks?

Since that day we have been thrown into a world of high tech medical scans, heart echos, genetic counseling, sobering talks with Doctors, NICU tours, and hospice packets. We are told no matter what our baby ends up being born with, we have a long road ahead of us and a high chance that our baby will only be with us for a short time, if the baby overcomes the 50% chance of being born alive. Talk about HOPE ladies, I don't think I have truly hoped and prayed for something like I have been the past 5 weeks.

But I do want to briefly touch on a few things that are currently helping me fight for daily faith and provide a future hope.

First, a theology of a Sovereign God. This has been something that for years I've been trying to really wrap my head around and now God is wrapping it's amazing truth around my heart. The fact that I can place my trust in a God who is totally in control and sovereignly ordains suffering in the lives of His children for His Glory and their joy is so comforting. That fact frees me from Fear, Guilt, Despair, Bitterness, Control, and Anger, and so many other sins that would be so easy to become engulfed by. It's a hard truth that so many don't understand and that many reject. But let me say that He is a Good God who has every detail of this pregnancy and the life of this child ordained and for His glory. My husband wrote Here on this more extensively.

2 books on this that I have found extremely helpful:
Trusting God by Jerry Bridges
Future Grace by John Piper

Secondly, God's People have been so used to bless our lives and to encourage us and lift us up when we couldn't. They are prayer warriors on our baby's behalf and they are there to help us fight sin that can so easily seep in to our lives when we are weak. Many have asked us how we could be so open about all this while going through this trial and all it's unknowns, but we can't imagine not having so many surround us during this time. I encourage you, if you are going through a trial please surround yourself with God's People and call upon your Church to walk through this with you. You have no idea who will impact you and how many your struggle and story will impact as well. That is how God designed the church body to work. (I've found that when I'm not sharing my burden with my church Dan and I take out so much anger and frustration on each other, the Dr.'s, and even the ladies who check us out at the Dr.'s offices.)

2 Practical ways to live this out weekly:
Start a Blog: it will give your church body and family a way to read updates and your hearts cries in a way that prevents you from becoming tired of sharing your story over and over. Many need to hear it but we can grow weary in talking to others especially when you are being vulnerable. Great Blog sites: Blogger, WordPress, Typepad.
Place yourself in a small group or Sunday school class in your local church body: You may even have felt like you didn't fit in in the past or lacked the discipline to go, but there is something about a smaller group that allows them to really take ownership in carrying your families struggles and joys during a time of great hardship. There are so many aspects where a local church can help, from finances to medical connections to transportation to giving you scripture that you need to get through this time.

Lastly, The fight for faith is a daily one. I was telling someone, it's like I'm being told I'm going to have to go through something that I can only look at and say there is no way I can go through that. But God hasn't given me the grace to get through next week or next month yet. He's given me the grace and strength to get through TODAY... and often it has to be enough to get through this hour. I find that when I'm looking ahead and focusing on those coming trials that I am missing the present grace needed to speak rightly to my husband now, the strength to get my responsibilities for today done, the joy I have complete access to in order to endure with joy my pregnancy during it's 33rd week, and the desire to run to God's word for wisdom that I will need for a conversation later this afternoon with my neighbor. We miss out on so much because we aren't living in the grace provided for today. Which ironically is the same promised daily grace that will
be given to get through those coming days that we worry about and look to with dread. (Ref Mathew 6:25-34)

2 daily acts that will encourage this outlook on grace:
Listening to hymns are a great way to saturate your hearts with sound scripture and theology of this good sovereign God! Click here for some music I have found so helpful.
Rejoice in Today: do things that celebrate what today holds. (we can be tempted to live in the quest of something to come... healing for our child, a positive pregnancy test, our due date....) But God has given you today and given you what you need for today. So, parents-to-be, go do something that you won't be able to after the baby comes (dates, trips, salon visits and even grocery shopping) Are you waiting for healing or medical answers? there comes a time where you need to turn off the computer and stop researching for a day or more. Celebrate special days, birthdays, 100 days (in the hospital, out of the hospital, of life,) bring gifts to your medical staff or special people you meet through this. Here is an example of a couple who really celebrated each day! Can't make those two pink lines appear for anything? Go on Mission Trips. You won't always be able to do those and you are seeing the world. Babysit for others. That will keep your heart soft and your vision of what kids will be like in a right light.

A side note to those who may be presently walking through medical issues with your pregnancy, lack thereof, or with your children. I am so amazed at the technology out there and the medical minds that God has given these Dr.'s. But I am also astounded and horrified at the absence of the knowledge of God in most of these hospitals and Dr.s offices. Some times Dan and I feel like we are alone when we have to stand on our ethics and beliefs in front of these people. But we still stand. We have really found that you have to really question and research EVERYTHING they tell you in regard to treatment and procedures.... especially when you're dealing with an unborn child with a possible lethal condition. But Moms, God gave these children to you and you have to fight for them, even at times with those who are supposed to be the ones giving them the best medical care possible. The medical world often clashes with the theological world. Stay alert and seek advice from Believers who are in the medical world and from your Pastors. Stay true to your instincts. We have had to leave two medical practices because we did not feel as though they respected our beliefs and desires for this child. And though that was so scary to be out on a limb like that, it was such a great decision in the end. We have had to tell a Neonatologist that she was beating a dead horse in what she kept saying to us because we felt differently about a certain procedure and that we needed to move on to a different topic. We have had to cancel procedures that we had appointments for just because we didn't feel right about it and were not comfortable doing it. All those things are not easy to do when you have someone with a specialized medical degree telling you the opposite and saying that your reasons are not valid. But Please stand strong. You won't regret it and God will be your source of strength.

3 Websites I have found so helpful:
Wikipedia (so great for looking up definitions to just about anything!)
The Ethics and Religious LIberty Commission
A Great List of medications that have been researched on the effects of an unborn child

Thanks for reading this long post. I hope you have found it helpful and resourceful in walking through what today holds and will help to equip you in trusting in a Sovereign God who WILL sustain you in the coming days and months and until He returns. It has already reminded me and convicted me of areas where I fall short daily. Blessings to you all. Casey Nichols Chappell.

To My Child

Dear Baby of mine,

I brought you along to a wedding I photographed yesterday. It's funny how I'm becoming more and more aware of the fact that I'm never alone anymore...and I like that feeling. Your momma is a photographer and I really hope you like having your picture taken because I think it will be a very common thing for you growing up. I find myself talking to you while in a big crowd of people or in a sanctuary waiting for a wedding to start.
I was at the reception yesterday and there were two teenager boys dancing away and playing with the smaller kids... I couldn't help to hope that if you are my son that you will be like them. Love life. Love children. Love to dance. I laughed when I saw them because I could hear the future conversation between you dad and I if you were out there cutting a rug...(me) "Look at your son" (dad) "you know me and dancing... that's so your son" (me) "but look at him charming this whole room of people... I"m so glad he's like you" (dad) "he's the center of attention and is totally loving it... our boy is acting just like his momma" (me) "he's so his father...I miss being that age... I'm going out there to dance okay!"
Then I was talking to a young lady who is about to be a senior in high school and she was so easy to talk to, and just had this maturity and kindness about her. She seems very well educated and balanced... Again, my mind raced forward to if you were our first daughter and how I would pray for you to be like her. Between me and your dad I know you will be a driven and purposeful teenager. We both had such high goals in high school and wanted to change the world. I bet if we were in high school at the same time we would have run against each other for class president..... we still try to run against each other for household president nowadays when I'm not loving him well by abiding in the Spirit. I hope I demonstrate to you as you grow up how much I love your dad. And what an amazing man he is.
You have lots of people praying for you little one, and I know there is a world out there that wants to be impacted by you. Your dad and I laugh about what you will be like and how you'll be such an original creation. I can't wait to meet you and hopefully if God allows be able to watch you grow up and learn how to talk...be humbled when you say things that are probably truthful and innocent but as adults we just don't say to people.... and then beam with pride as you talk with maturity with people twice your age. I can't wait to take you to weddings where you can dance and charm the socks off people. And to be able for your dad and I to constantly debate who you're more like when you are the center of attention. I can't wait to listen to your goals and I pray that God will give me the wisdom to let you run towards them and not to be fearful of the challenges you will face reaching them. You have Grandparents on both sides who were excellent examples in pushing and encouraging their children to reach for the stars and change the world... especially the world right around them. So I hope we're able to do the same for you.
I think you're a fighter for life. I want you to fight hard... even the first day you are born. I know that so many people are saying that the deck is stacked against you and that you are facing many challenges ahead of you. I say, you just don't know our child and that whatever the challenge in life that you have, you can face it and will strive to exceed whatever expectations are placed on you. God may want you with Him sooner than we want to let you go, and we trust this God with you fully. But hopefully and we ask Him this every day, He will let you impact and forever change our lives (which you already have done) but also He'll let us watch you grow and become the amazing person He created you to be. We are so blessed to be your mom and dad, we love you little one and can't wait to meet you.

lovingly, your momma!

Today's musings....

I'm always thinking to myself.... I should blog about this...this being whatever I"m thinking about or experiencing at the moment. funny things, ironic things, sad things, I want to share it all with you blog readers. What's sad though is that I have started blogs before and feel behind in them and so every time I would go to write something current I would feel like I had to catch up first and then that funny-ironic-sad moment doesn't seem as interesting weeks later. So, I'm trying to be better at this blog now.

I had a photo session in Wake Forest tonight of a Senior Class of 2008. (I'm able to shoot a limited number of those this summer but I'm almost done with sessions until post baby! I already feel very funny with a camera bag, camera and my ever growing belly in the heat and humidity.) But I ran across two hair clients that I've known for a long time and it was so great to see them. After living and working in WF since '99 I can't ever go there without seeing people I know!! But the thing everyone is always so sweet to ask me is "how are you doing? how are you holding up?" and I really just wanted to share on here that I am doing Wonderful!! I really have had the best pregnancy a girl could ask for. I mean, I've got the normal aches and stretching pains and such but it's all because this baby is growing! I'm so thankful that the safest place for this baby to be is within me! What a honor as it's mom to provide my child that right now. I am realizing that I am really REALLY becoming more and more attached to this baby and overwhelmed by my love for him or her! I really can't wait to meet my firstborn. I really REALLY hope each one of you have that opportunity as well.

Love you all!! I"m off to the movies on a date with my husband!! I love him!

Getting to know us!

Well I've been totally blown away by the amount of new and old friends that we've come into contact with and met through this blog! THANK YOU each of you for your comments and sweet emails... all of which is going into a scrapbook that I'm calling "my book of evidences of grace" It's so helpful to flip through the pages of verse after verse and encouraging words and words of truth.

But in these inbetween times of Dr.'s appointments and just waiting for Baby Chappell to grow... (which he/she is...my belly is really starting to feel more like a bowling ball!!) I want you to get to know us more and deeper than just our current struggles. So here is just a few facts that you may not know about us!

I (Casey) am the oldest of nine, yes NINE kids, of which the three oldest of us are happily married to wonderful spouses! I grew up a Preachers Kid in Alaska. I still miss those long summer days up there! And I am forever ordering salmon at resteraunts only to be disappointed because it's no where near Alaska standards!

I (Casey) have been a Hairdresser for the past 10 years and just recently stopped working in the salon and am now working full time as a photographer! I've balanced both jobs for the past 3 years and it's been tough to do and now with a baby on the way it was time to just work out of my home and on the weekends doing photography! Click Here for My Photography Website and Here for my Photography Blog

Dan is a highschool teacher at North Raleigh Christian Academy. He teaches 11th and 12th grade. He teaches Christian Theology and Worldview, Honors Economics, and Honors Philosophy. (Yeah, he's pretty smart!) He also coaches High School Football and Middle School Basketball. He stays busy up there but he really loves his job and sees it as so much more than a job but as a ministry to these students. He grows to love them each year and even I benefit from getting to know some of his students!

We have a Weimaraner named Blue that is such a part of our family and I know will be great with our baby! He's already very protective of me!

Dan and I met in the spring of 2000 at, and graduated in '03 and '04 from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. We both studied Bible, Philosophy and Biblical Counseling and still love those studies and find that we use them so much in every day life and especially in times like these.

We live in downtown Raleigh and live in an area that although is growing and getting better is still a great area of ministry. We have many women who sell their bodies on the street to support their drug habits. We have gotten to know a few of them and although we don't give out cash have been able to provide a meal or two when they are in need. Hopefully that will lead to them being open one day to the gospel which is the only thing that will get them off the street for good.

We have been a part of our church since it very first began 3 years ago. Treasuring Christ Church is a downtown Raleigh Church that is committed to Sound Theology, Racial Harmony, and Ministry to the Poor. It's been such a different church for both of us and we are so grateful to have been a part of this from the ground up. Starting a church is hard work and our pastors have done a great job in persevering with the people and preaching the word.

Dan and I are licensed foster parents for the state of NC. We started that process a while back because both of us have a passion for kids and definitely want to adopt children in the future. Getting pregnant put that on a temporary hold for now but we still plan on bringing children into our home in the future and hopefully even have a multi-racial family someday! For any of you who have considered being foster parents here in NC, Wake County really was a great program to go through and they are super at preparing you for what's to come as foster parents! Dan and I both learned so much through the process.

We love to Travel. We especially love big cities, we went to NYC for our honeymoon and have been back several times since then. We hope to travel overseas someday and also to possibly live in a city someday such as NYC or L.A. (Dan actually lived there for 2 years a long time ago and I can't wait to go back with him and see California!!)

Dan and I love the movies! It's been our favorite dating activity since we got married. I think both of our jobs are so all consuming of our minds and energy that it's so nice to get away from reality and get lost in a good story line. We also really like shows like Law and Order and our most favorite current series is Smallville. (of course, anything involving super heroes I love, which is great considering all these great Marvel Comic Movies coming out lately)

Well that's all for right now! I hope you enjoyed a little peak into our lives! We'll post more later.
Thanks for reading.

~ Casey