work, play, sleep... all in one handy location!

Matthew and I are entering the mixed up world of owning a home. Seriously, I'm scared to death. Not of owning a house, but not being able to pay for said house. We've been dreaming about this moment for so long (everytime our scizophrenic neighbor comes to harass us) but now I am plagued with the what-ifs. What if Matthew is forced to quit his job by our friendly US government AGAIN? What if I get pregnant and can't work? What if our money doesn't stretch as far as we think it will. Somebody slap me PLEASE!

I'm worrying too much, I know. Okay, it ends here. You are all my witnesses. If you catch me worrying about this again, I give you permission to kick me in the knee then pull out 5 eyebrow hairs. Eyelashes are off limits because, well, they are still white and rather delicate. You wouldn't pull out a white eyelash would you?! They are practically an endangered species.

Anyways, we are looking seriously at a couple of homes in Roseburg, and here is your chance to put in your 2 cents. Opinions please!

This first house is located on Broccoli Street and well, how neat would it be to live on a street named after my favorite vegetable?

Plus, this house reminds me of Jon and Kelli's house. We love Jon & Kelli... so that means we must love this house.

Here are the bonuses to this house:
-fireplace in the living room
-newly updated kitchen
-landscaped yard
-lots of space inside to 'spread out'
-wood floors- nice, dark, wood floors.


This second house is only a year old. It's in a new neighborhood that is currently being developed. New neighborhood= young neighbors.
Here are the bonuses to this house:
-really neat fountain in the front walkway
-office right inside that window overlooking said fountain (with french doors!) Since I will be working from home, an office is huge in my book.
-two sinks in the master bathroom. Matthew is determined to prove that my sink will be dirtier than his. Yeah right. Hairy face means hairy sink!
-huge deck in the back that overlooks mountains and any new neighbors that will inhabit the upcoming houses (we'll always have a view because the house is built on a hill.
-2 stall garage to escape the winter rain. I've never owned a garage before... or anything else with walls! This is exciting!

Held.

"This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is
torn from your life And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held."

This song by Natalie Grant took on so much meaning when it was played at a student in our youth ministry's funeral this spring. If you haven't heard it before, check it out on itunes- you won't be sorry you spent $.99 on it.

Last Saturday when we were on lunch break from installing the used theatre seats into the Epicenter, Jon's Dad (Mike) sat down next to me on the front lawn. We sat and talked for a really long time, and I can honestly say that was one of the most meaningful conversations I've had in a long time. Jon's birthday was the day before, so the whole family was in town to spend time together. The pain is still so fresh, yet he chose to spend his day working on the youth center that Jon was so looking forward to being apart of. I doubt Mike has any idea what an impact he makes on the people he talks to (as well as the rest of his family). He told me about the groups he is now involved with; grieving family support groups (within the church and with families that don't know the Lord), organ donor advocating, as well as the amazing involvement he still has at the school Jon attended (the students still flock to their house to spend time with Mike and Gwen). We also talked about how we cannot truly understand someone else's pain until we've been there personally... and that suffering can be a doorway to a powerful ministry (or despair).

I was blown away that Mike would sit down next to me, even though we'd never had a conversation longer than about 5 words before that day. He really blessed me with his outlook on life- real, without cliches, and full of peace. In the midst of his sadness, he poured unexpected wisdom into my life, and mine and Matthew's upcoming move to Oregon. Mike, if you ever read this- thank you.

I heard that Natalie Grant song on the radio tonight when I was driving home from Kelly's, and it really got me. Why does life have to be full of so many goodbyes? I can't help but feel a knot in my throat everytime I think about saying goodbye to people I love in two months. We'll visit, yeah, but it won't be the same. Lives are forever changing. Even if we stay in Willmar, one by one our friends would move away themselves. I'm trusting that God will carry me through this transition to Oregon in one piece. Being tossed back and forth from Minnesota to Oregon as a kid...this move is going to be really emotionally confusing for me. It's easier thinking about staying in Minnesota rather than reliving past hurt. Safety is not a good excuse, though, to hide behind doors that seemingly have been flung wide open for Matthew and I.

So when I sat in my car listening to that song, I had one of those rare glimpses of what Heaven will be like. No more death. No more sadness. No more goodbyes.

Home again.

We arrived home awhile ago from our weekend in the cities. What a blast!!! There were 12 of us altogether (leaders from our youth group) and we had such a good time together. We stayed in the Grand Lodge across from the Mall of America and IKEA, which has a waterpark attached to it. This was not just a rinky dink waterpark- this place was HUGE! They had a series of waterslides, all different styles- story single rider, double on a tube, 3 or 4 on a big tube, and a 10 story single rider. They also had the surf and boogie board machine, a wave pool, several hot tubs, a huge kids area, and a river that floats you around the whole place. It usually costs $32 per person per day, but when you stay in this hotel, you get a free pass.

I have to admit, when I first heard we were all going to a waterpark, I was a bit hesitant- like somehow I shouldn't be enjoying waterslides because I'm 28 years old. Why is it that just because we are adults now, we give up on our adventurous, inner child? It felt so good- screaming the entire way down several crazy slides that seemed to go forever. I especially loved the part when I'd get ejected from my tube at the end- I'm sure because Matthew is a bit heavier than I am. The surf machine really got my heart going, too. Not just because it was hard trying balance on a board on top of incredibly powerful waterflow, but because they only allowed one person at a time and tons of people were standing around watching. Oh, and because we saw several people lose their swimsuits during their turn! The lifeguard at the top of the machine was always waiting with a towl to throw on someone who didn't tighten their swim trunks enough. One kid completely flashed everybody, and didn't really seem to care! I managed to keep my swimsuit on and stay up for awhile... by no means a pro, though.

In any case, as myself, Matthew, and another leader were waiting in line (she's about 35)... we talked about how important it is to do things you wouldn't normally do (things that scare you or make you feel foolish) because it keeps us young, both physically and mentally. As soon as you give up on your inner child, you start feeling old. She has two kids and can really connect with them on their level because she's willing to do things most moms won't, like skiing and racing bmx bikes. I think that is so great. I want to be that kind of mom someday... and I want to take my kids back to this waterpark- what a place!

Waterpark Weekend

Tomorrow is going to start early for the Cherry household. We are installing and cleaning the theatre seats in the Epik youth building tomorrow morning at 8am. Exciting, thinking about how soon we'll be crossing the finish line and area students will be swarming the place! Since I won't be able to sleep in tomorrow, I had myself a little nap tonight. I fell asleep for about 3 hours on the couch! I've been exhausted the last few days- Matthew said I started snoring really loud. Of course he didn't bother to stop me... he just sat there watching MIB and random tv shows. The shows he picked all worked their way into my dream plots, which was not always so enjoyable.

At noon tomorrow, we are heading to the twin cities to stay at the Grand Lodge Hotel across from the Mall of America. I guess this place has a ginormous waterpark including a surfing area. I haven't surfed since I lived in Hawaii on a YWAM base, so this should be great! And what a blessing that we get to spend the weekend with some of our closest friends in the meanwhile. We also get to go to IKEA to pick up some things for the Epicenter... yeah!!!

Our weekend plans will leave Bertie home alone for the next two days. I guess we just have to trust that we've taught her well- that she won't open the door for strangers or call up all of her friends for a party. She's been walking around all suspicious looking - like she's hiding something! You sneaky little dog, you.

11:08pm

Time to share a little letter I like to call "Goodbye Willmar". We sent this out to our family and friends here in town with mixed feelings.

To Our Closest Friends and Family,

You are a true blessing in our lives, and that is why you are receiving this letter. We are writing to let you know about some exciting changes about to take place for us this Fall, and to ask that you cover us with your prayers during this transitional time. Because of several doors opened to us, we are planning a move to Roseburg, Oregon.

Matthew has accepted an offer for part ownership in Inerseshen, a Christian Media company, in Roseburg, where he will be a designer and videographer. What started as a casual meeting, exchanging ideas in the parking lot of a Sizzler, has since turned into an incredible career opportunity. Not only will he be doing something he loves, but this company shares our passion for missions. Each summer, Inerseshen takes time off to offer their media services to overseas missionaries. They recently returned from ministering in Kenya.

As many of you already know, Cristina's parents (Doug & Kathleen) moved out to Roseburg nearly three years ago. We are looking forward to living near them again, as well as other family, not too far from our new town. Being realtors, Doug & Kathleen will be helping us pick out our first home, which, after several years of apartment dwelling, we are thrilled about.
When we began praying about Matthew taking the position with Inerseshen, Cristina had many questions about what she would do for a job. She has been working for R&J Tours, a local Christian tour company, as their graphic designer. God has blessed Cristina with a great position at R&J and the thought of leaving has been hard on her. God answered this dilemma, however, when R&J offered to let her take the position with her to Oregon. We will be setting up an office in our home, where she will continue to design all of R&J's catalogs and advertising.

With these exciting changes, obviously comes heartache as well. We have grown close to many wonderful people and, although our friendships will continue, we will miss the frequent interaction very much. We understand this transition will come with many challenges, which is why we covet your prayers.

Our plan is to be ready to move early November. During our remaining few months here, we are looking forward to spending some quality time with you.

Thank you for enriching our lives, we love you.

Matthew & Cristina Cherry.... and Bertie!


Some of you we will be seeing a lot more of once we move, others we will be really sad to say goodbye to. The latter group, we WILL keep in touch... our friendships are not over because we won't see each other every week. Anything worth having, is worth fighting for.

Besides, you've always wanted to see what Oregon looks like, RIGHT!?!

Radio killed the graphic designer.

The other day at work we got a call from the radio station in town. They heard about our catalog with the wrong phone number- news travels fast in a small town. They want to do a 'lighthearted story' about it. Uh yeah... not interested. I was slightly irritated that they even called to ask if they could make a laughing stock of a highly respected company. Most of the 20,000 people in Willmar didn't even receive our catalog (most of our clients are from the twin cities). Those that did, we've already taken care of it.

But enough about that ordeal. Let's talk about something else.

It's Saturday! Matthew and I have been so busy lately that there are probably 5 or 10 things I'm forgetting to do right now. This weekend we are trying to get our vehicles in working order. Our new truck must be sad that the Focus is in the repair shop. Last night when we took Shane and Amanda to the ski show (all of us crammed into the front seat), the CHECK ENGINE light came on. Even though the bill for the Focus is at a running total of over $300, we trust that God knows what's happening. In the end, we'll be fine. We have to 'roll with the punches', Matthew says. I love you, wise husband!

Do you guys want to see something great? Go to: http://web.mac.com/wajero/iWeb/waderobson/Ramalama.html
I got addicted to the show 'So You Think You Can Dance' this season. I loved the energy of the dancers and creativity of the choreographers. This dance was one of my favorites. Yeah, it's a little strange- victorian zombies dancing around- but I really like it. I bought the song off itunes the other day. Matthew and I love dancing to it like maniacs. If you're interested, it's 'Ramalama (Bang Bang)' by Roisin Murphy. Check it out!

I imagined today going so differently.

Today was the day to end all days.

My car decided it didn't want to go with me to work today. It wouldn't start. I'm pretty sure that stemmed from last night's automatic lock breakdown. Matthew decided to check the fuses last night and I think the Focus felt a little violated. Nonetheless, it was next to impossible to manually lock and unlock the beast.... and now it won't start.

Matthew had to come back home to bring me out to work this morning, and on the way I told him that today HAD to be a good day... our long awaited catalogs were arriving at work! I worked several months to complete our 120 page catalog, and after many frustrations with out printer, it's done!

The nagging feeling I couldn't shake all day, was well justified even before the long awaited catalogs arrived at the office. One of the more than 9,000 customers that received our catalog today called to report a misprint in our catalog. It seems that our 800# was printed incorrectly. The panicky feeling set in when we realized that the wrong number was printed on every other page of the 120 page book! I hurriedly called the number to find out who our customers will be calling, thinking they're calling us. It is a recording for another telephone number, and when you call that number... it's a phone sex line! No lie. I thought my head was going to implode. It's not just an introductory, 'You've reached such-and-such company' but a raunchy, 'come-and-get-it' recording.

Thankfully, our 800# is printed right in a few places, but 3 to us versus 55 to phone sex... not such good odds. So I had to whip up a correction postcard today that will get to customers the end of next week. I feel like it is all my fault because I was the graphic designer on the project. Yeah, it wasn't caught by the several people proofing the catalog... but I'm the one who copy pasted it throughout the catalog.

I feel blanketed in my own stupidity... and can't help but chuckle a little at the irony.

can't... stop....myself...

Last night I wasn't feeling well, so I stayed home while Matthew went and helped at our church's 'Kidsworld'. Since I wasn't feeling well, Matthew brought home a present for me... all of the leftover cotton candy bags he could shove in a trash bag. I'm not a doctor or anything, but I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to gorge yourself on cotton candy when not feeling well.

Meh. Like I said... I'm not a doctor. For all I know, it very well could be just the thing!

Today I decided to have a little... and then 3 bags.

I love you Taco Bell.

Today I find myself mourning the loss of the only Taco Bell that ever existed in Willmar. It was one of those little guys that they put in a gas station. When I was in highschool, I was so excited it came, that I worked there for about 3 months, just so I could eat it every day. Perhaps I would've stayed a bit longer, but the boys were jerks. They enjoyed squirting guacomole on my legs while I was running the cash register. Amusing, yes. I'll give it that... but I drew the line when they started hiding out in the gas station cooler boozing it up. Ever try running a taco stand with drunk coworkers?

So here I sit, Taco Bell-less. An hour is a little far to drive perhaps... for a taco. Or is it?

Yesterday Bertie's new house came in the mail. She's a little freaked out by it, but she'll adjust. I love that I can fold it down into suitcase size. And it has two doors. And it's that black, rubbery coated metal. And that my life is so exciting that I'm going on and on about a dog kennel.

In other news, Kristin and Piergiorgio (her Italian fiance), and Rebecca DeHoog are coming to town today! Hooray for Heather getting married this weekend. There will be even more college friends arriving as Saturday approaches. Seeing far-away friends makes my heart smile.

Spreading the love... one sty at a time.

This weekend was so much fun with my family. Yeah, we had 9 people and 2 dogs crammed into our apartment for 2 days but, as little as we get to see each other, it was such a blessing to spend the time together. The next time we'll all be together again will probably be next September. I wish the distance between Minnesota and Oregon was not so great. We have definitely learned to appreciate our time, which many families miss altogether.

Interesting thought: did you know you could give a sty to someone else? Yeah, I gave mine to Matthew. Saturday night his eye started hurting too and swelled up. He was not wise as his wife, though, and decided to pop his- without prior advice from his wife or opthamologist father-in-law, both sitting in the next room. His eye is now infected, while mine is healing quite nicely. I still have to go in today, though, because my eyelashes have mysteriously been turning white. Apparently that can be a symptom of bad things. Interesting. I thought I was just getting sweet highlights- like the girl in XMen- but in my eyelashes.

My new friend.

Yesterday at work my right eye started hurting. It got worse as the day wore on, and when I got home, I figured out why. I've got myself a full blown sty. For those of you who have never had the pleasure of acquiring one of your own, here is what happens. If you aren't careful to wash your face/eyes good everynight, your tear ducts can clog. That's when the fun starts. Your eyelid then puffs up until you feel it may explode. Until it subsides (drains), usually in about a week, your eyelid throbs and causes all sorts of fun. Thankfully mine isn't the nastiest kind, although it is very painful.

Between 3-6 times a day, I have to put scalding washclothes on my eye for 15 minutes at a time. I can't wear any eye makeup or my contacts until it goes away... leaving me wearing my broken glasses that have mysteriously started turning green. Sorry, folks, I will NOT be posting any pictures.

I have to comment, though, on what an amazing day we are having here! Truly the perfect Saturday. My parents are on their way back to our apartment today before they leave for Oregon tomorrow. My sister, bro-in-law, and their 3 younguns are coming too, which will be fun (granted they aren't pointing and laughing at my swollen eye the whole time). The interesting part, we need to find places for 7-9 people to sleep tonight... in our apartment. I think I'll go clear out a few dresser drawers for the kids.

Can I get my hopes up NOW?

Today Matthew made the 2 hour drive to the cities to get his biometrics done again (fingerprints and pictures) for his Permanent Residency Paperwork. Before he left, he came by my work to switch vehicles so I went outside to pray with him about the appointment. Generally these appointments last all of 5 minutes before they shove him out the door and tell him to go home and continue waiting (not willing to answer any questions). Today I prayed that he would have a divine appointment at the biometrics office- that he would meet someone that would be willing to help us.

Well he did. I'm trying not to get my hopes up so high only to be crushed by more unanswered questions, but here is what happened.

While Matthew was having his picture taken, he made conversation with the gal working there. She became so outraged at his situation (that we've been waiting over 2.5 years) that she said, "Do you have a minute? I'm going to go talk to my boss about your papers." Matthew's response was, "If you are willing to help me, I will sit in this chair for the next 3 weeks!" So they went through his paperwork and discovered what we had already assumed- his paperwork has been sitting on someone's desk in Nebraska- untouched- all this time. Right now they are working to find out where EXACTLY it is. Matthew, is waiting at a nearby Borders for them to call him back to the office after they've had a chance to research his paperwork more thoroughly.

Lord, please let this be IT. Could this actually be the day that we are set free from all of this waiting and frustration?

Lord... please have mercy on us.

Remember yesterday's temperature of 97 (heat index 107) when I posted? Today's high is 75. I just have to say... I LOVE YOU COOL AIR! I think I'm going to move my couch and tv outside after work tonight to get out of the sauna for awhile. Even though it's cool outside, it's still hot in here!

Now on to the 'main event' if you will. We are now entering August, which means stress month in the Cherry household. August is the month every year that Matthew's work permit expires. August is the month that every year, the government decides to NOT renew Matthew's work permit until months later. August is the month that Matthew goes in and pleads his case before government officials, only to be told to go home and wait. August is the month that Matthew's poor wife carries knots around in her stomach, knowing that she will probably have to support the household financially... again.

So now I plead with you... and perhaps anyone out there who has a shred of care for the plight of the 'legal aliens' in our country (aka the ones actually trying to go through the process legally) please help. "How?", you ask? If you know of ANYONE who has gone through the naturalization process POST 911, please send us their email address or phone number. After all the doors we've had slammed in our faces, we need all the help we can get. We've tried going through senators and congressmen. We've tried calling over and over. We've tried showing up at their offices. Our government is a mess when it comes to the immigration process. Nobody seems to know what's going on... or willing to help.

So here we are again. Matthew has to take another day off of work to drive 2 hours for a 5 minute appointment this week to have his fingerprints taken... again. This is the 3rd time they've had him do this since last fall. It's becoming real again, how far off his permanent residency and citizenship are. We just want to live a normal life (own a house, have kids, move where we want) without the goverment watching over our shoulders and telling us we can't live that life.

Our only option, after exhausting our options, is to trust that God knows where Matthew's papers are. They seem to have been sitting in the same place, untouched, for over 2 years (they'll only tell us what state the papers are in). Being way past the processing dates, we have to trust that the right hands will pick them up and put them through the system- soon.