Sweetness in Starlight

so much to catch up on...

2012-02-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

Due to the fact, there IS so much to catch up on, a list will have to suffice for this posting.

1. Bub's head is DOWN. We were in awe of all the prayers and words of encouragement we received in this process. Thank you doesn't seem to be enough. Just know you all blessed our socks off. He continues to be our little miracle. {Vitals: 37 weeks & 6 lbs 7 oz}

Check out those long feet and toes//just like daddy

2. We finished Axel's Nursery! We couldn't be more pleased. This was a labor of love. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into this by so many family and friends. We are truly speechless of the love that surrounds us.

3. Momma at 38 weeks...
more of 38 weeks...
4. Since, I have missed some postings, I'll play catch up//37 weeks.

Anxious momma to meet Axel!

We are almost there! I think the Lord has taught me more this last 4 week stretch than my whole pregnancy. He's teaching me so much about taking my thoughts captive. Its not something that just happens. Its a choice I make. I can choose to allow the enemy to take control of my thought life OR I can take them into submission to the Lord. I don't have to live in this bondage. There is freedom. And I'm choosing FREEDOM daily...

Showers of Blessing...

2012-01-17T14:10:00.001-08:00

As corny as the title is, we've been incredible blessed by some truly spectacular showers. All so beautiful, creative, and generous. One of them was a surprise by my 7th grade girls small group, so there aren't any photos of that shower. However it was super special.

Abundant Life Shower {35 weeks}

Future Grandma & I

A time of devotion with prayers of blessing over our family. I blubbered!

Justine & I.

My hostesses...some of the bestest friends EVER.

Springfield Shower {33 weeks}

Auntie Lea, Nana, & I

Sister Pic!

Amazing hostesses...couldn't ask for better friends or sis!

RBC lovin!

SBU girlies!

Beautiful decor

Opperman Shower {30 weeks}

Spectacular hostess...not a better sis in law out there!

Soon to be grandma's & I

Can you see why we feel so blessed?! Axel is so loved by so many family and friends.

Completely unrelated, I have a prayer request. I went to the dr. today and found out there is a GREAT possiblity Axel is breach. If so, he has 2 weeks to turn, before other arrangements must be made. On January 31st at 8:45am we have an ultrasound scheduled to verify his position and further arrangements will be made based on what they see. We would so welcome your prayers, that if our precious little man is breach, that he would turn. I'm not gonna lie, I burst into tears as soon as we left the doctor. I realize this isn't life and death, however, in my type A little mind, this WAS NOT the plan. However, God is bigger. He sees the bigger picture. And I'm CHOOSING to place my trust in that very fact. These are just the beginnings of my mommy worries!

34/35 weeks?!?!

2012-01-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

How Far Along: 34/35 weeks; depending if he's born on his first due date, Feb 14th, or the latter due date, Feb 21st. We're praying for the first;)

Size of baby: About 18 inches long and almost 5 lbs

Gender: BOY...Axel James Opperman

Sleep: I'm so blessed in this area. So far, no issues sleeping. I am starting to wake more frequently to pee, but I go right back to sleep.

Movement: He's my little (well, not feeling so little anyway) WILD man. I'm not just feeling movement in gentle kicks or in a nice confined space. He is ALL over. From pushing on my pelvic bone to shoving my ribs, he's got it all covered. Despite the physical discomfort I cherish the signs of life and glimpses of his personality.

Symptoms: Still nesting like a mad woman. More frequent trips to the potty...matter of fact he's began the "dropping" process, so my bladder is getting headbutted by our little man:). A bit of acid reflux, but nothing too crazy.

What I miss: CAFFEINE.

Cravings: Still the same: Greek yogurt with berries and honey, salad with gala apples, dried cranberries, and a sprinking of sunflower seeds (I eat this EVERY day for lunch-so good); and popcorn.

Best Moment this week: JOY. The Lord has really pressed on my heart the importance of my relationship with Him. Which doesn't sound like a novel concept, but I've found myself absorbed in all things of motherhood: nesting, setting up the nursery, showers, home projects, setting a newborn schedule, etc. And the Lord has been speaking to me the BEST thing I can do for Axel is cultivate and spend time with HIM. Are those things important, yes. But what kind of mother or strength can I obtain without him? So I've set aside QUALITY, uninterupted time with Him and made that my focus, instead of the other. And I've experienced JOY unspeakable. And MORE time in my schedule to do the other...amazing how God works, huh?! I shouldn't be surprised.

What I am looking forward to: Our final shower is on Saturday. So stoked! We've been so blessed by the love and generousity from family & friends.

"Let Loose"

2011-12-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a break from the preggers posts/updates to share something on my heart this Christmas season. I'm sure many of you, if "many" even read this, are doing a victory dance due to growing weary of my growing belly pics and updates-ha!

This Christmas season has been especially meaningful to me. I don't know if its because we've been knee deep in ministry preparing for services for our 1st Christmas as B being on staff, or because I'm pregnant with our first born son, or maybe its the hormone rollercoaster-ha. But my Spirit has been more sensitive than ever before. As I've been digging in and studying the Christmas story, Luke 2:19-20 challenged me for this season and to carry on into this new season of our life.

Luke 2:19-20 "Mary kept ALL these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and LET LOOSE, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It truned out EXACTLY how they had been told." MSG

The words "let loose" stuck out to me, as it was written in this translation. What do you think of when you think of "let loose?" I think of jumping up and down, screeching/laughing in celebration, and of course DANCING. Whatever picture you get, its letting go of all inhabitions. You can't be inhibited and "let loose." Why did they do this? It was all an expression of praise to God for ALL they'd heard and seen regarding the birth of Christ. They'd found the birth EXACTLY how the heavenly host proclaimed. God's plan was coming to pass, just as the prophets foretold, and the angels proclaimed to them. They were praising because he had finally sent Jesus; the Saviour, Lord, and Christ. And their response was just as ours should be today; they LET LOOSE. How many Christmases do we let go by and simply awknowledge (if that) our Saviour's birth? When was the last time you (or me) truely LET LOOSE in our response to the birth of our Saviour and the saving grace through Him? When was the last time we couldn't contain our joy of the coming of our Christ, but had to SHOUT it from the rooftops or we'd explode? The shepherds provide such a clear picture of what our response should look like this season: LET LOOSE: let go of all your inhabitions, dance in joy, screech/laugh in delight, and then SHARE it. Let the JOY of your Saviour and salvation LET LOOSE this Christmas season.

Merry Christmas from the Opperman's!

pReggErs PiCs

2011-12-15T11:26:00.001-08:00

so blessed.

The Bump

Had to get some jumpin photos. Bri got a lot more air than me!

This was supposed to be a serious photo of him sweetly kissing my belly. This is how it turned out;)

Don't worry, Axel was NOT harmed in the process. We did a baby position check prior to "lift off"

Does he really think he stands a chance in a belly bumpin' contest with me? I think not...

This is his attempt for a baby bump...not so much.

We are at 30 weeks, folks, not long! We are getting more and more elated for Axel's arrival each day.

a babymoon, a couple gobble photos, & 29 weeks

2011-12-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

So I'm behind...shocking I know. So much has happened since the last posting...babymoon, Thanksgiving, childbirth classes, maternity photos, and Christmas is in full swing. Which in our house means heaps of Christmas decor, shopping for gifts, Christmas parties galore, and church activities/rehearsals a plenty! Instead of a lengthy post here are some photos of lately....

My sis and I at Thanksgiving. We weren't expecting her & my bro in law to come, but it was a last minute surprise. So thankful.

On our babymoon...I was excited to feed Axel this yummy salad at this amazing restaurant with a killer view of the lake.

Our accomodations on our babymoon. Quiet cabin on the lake. It was PERFECT!
We had the best time. We just loved spending every second together. We played games, fished (tried, a little cold), watched movies, read, shopped (B is a trooper), relaxed, and LAUGHTED a lot. Loved our quality time!
Technically this was at 28 weeks, but we're gonna use it for 29 weeks since I'm officially 29 weeks...almost to the 30s...woohoo!!!

How Far Along: 29 weeks

Size of baby: About 15 inches long and 2 1/2 lbs

Gender: BOY...Axel James Opperman

Movement: Still such an active little man, so much so, that at my last dr appt she commented he was one of the most active babies she's seen/felt. However, he is growing and running out of room. His movements are getting bigger but are more rolling than sudden jolts. This could be a challenge in my smaller body with a boy growing like daddy;)

Sleep: I'm so blessed in this area. So far, no issues sleeping. I am starting to wake more frequently to pee, but I go right back to sleep.

Symptoms: A fairly new symptom: NESTING. I've been on a cleaning/organizing/decorating/baking frenzy. And I LOVE it. However I'm worn out by the end of my "episodes." Also, sugar and my digestive system...not friends. At least it helps minimize weight gain;) Gotta find the upside!

What I miss: CAFFEINE.

Cravings: Greek yogurt with berries and honey, salad with gala apples, dried cranberries, and a sprinking of sunflower seeds (I eat this EVERY day for lunch-so good); and popcorn.

Best Moment this week: So many great memories these last couple of weeks. Highlights would be our babymoon, my last dr appt which consisted of my glucose test and rogham shot (just glad to have it behind me...literally), childbirth prep class, and getting our preggers pics taken. Tiffany from Growing Roots Photography did them and I can't wait to see how they turned out. It was such fun. You know you have a great photographer when you take photos in 30 degree weather and have a blast! We'll definitely post them when we get them!

What I am looking forward to: Our first shower is Saturday. I'm beyond thrilled. Brian's sis is throwing me an Opperman Family Shower. Photos to come!

Progress {total} of the 2nd Trimester

2011-11-18T11:44:00.000-08:00

I'll start the last update of my 2nd trimester with progress photos. You'll definitely be able to see a distinct "bump." He's a growing boy! {I got bored with the "typical" poses, so I spiced it up and had fun with it...shocker, I know!}

{side view}

Here is a "normal" one.

I was testing my lighting. And it came out to be a decent photo. I have to take those when I can get them these preggers days...call me vein, but I'm just being honest!

This will be the last progress update for my 2nd Tri. I'm exactly 26 weeks and 5 days. As of the beginning of next week I will begin my 3rd Trimester, well according to my doctor, its all approximate. I LOVED my second trimester, but I'm looking forward to the 3rd. And then for Axel's arrival. Without further adeu...my last progress update for my 2nd trimester of my first born...

How Far Along: 26 weeks and 5 days

Size of baby: 14 inches and 1 2/3 lbs...almost 2lbs...such a growing little man!

Gender: BOY...Axel James Opperman

Movement: We definitely have our hands full is womb personality is any indication of his true personality. Our little man is extremely ACTIVE. His movements grow each day, and he's establishing a routine. He lets me know he's there after breakfast, around 1pm, and laying in bed. His movements are so big that he's shaking my whole belly. I just love bonding with my little man.

Sleep: Like a baby;) The more I read about newborns the more confusing that saying is...cause it doesn't seem they sleep much. However, I'm true to the saying. I'm sleeping soundly. It just takes me a bit longer to get comfy.

Symptoms: I'm feeling a bit stretched as the baby bump grows. I kinda feel as if I've swallowed a bowling ball...ha! However, the doctor did warn that he's looking to be built like his daddy. Ouchie for mommy! And I can't remember a thing. I literally write EVERYTHING down. But I really can't complain in this department. I've been blessed.

What I miss: CAFFEINE.

Cravings: Again, I think this is a myth. Mine change weekly if not daily. Right now we're loving greek yogurt with fresh blueberries.

Best Moment this week: So many great memories these last couple of weeks. We got and assembled the furniture for his nursery, started decorating the nursery, made appts with the maternity care coordinator/childbirth classes/parenting classes, picked out/met with our pediatrician, and lots more like this. Its making it all so real. However, my absolute favorite highlight is watching him move and being able to distinguish his little features. We've felt elbows and I think his little booty. I'm pretty sure he "moons" us often...ha!

What I am looking forward to: Our babymoon! We leave next week and I'm beyond thrilled (don't worry we'll be with family on Thanksgiving-just a little getaway).

Ode to the Second Trimester...

2011-11-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

Its been awhile folks, its been awhile. Its been a whirlwind around the Opperman household lately. Between all things Axel, getting ready for the holidays, and busy season in ministry, its been crazy-but a good crazy;) Believe it or not, I only have 5 precious days of my 2nd tri left. I cannot believe it. Its going by so fast. So far, my second trimester is my FAVORITE. So I thought I'd do a little ode to the 2nd trimester of all the wonderful things it brought.

Ode to my 2nd Trimester...

Oh, second trimester I can't believe its time to bid farewell. You brought so many wonderful things, and here a couple to name a few...

No more hanging my head over a porcelain stool

ENERGY!!

Less trips to the bathroom

A proper baby bump

Great reports from the doctor

Fun with the registry

Assembling of the nursery furniture

Decorating the nursery

Reading, Reading, Reading

Making appointments for check-in, childbirth classes, and parenting classes

Bedtime stories with Axel

Kicks, squirms, stretches, and in general a TON of movement from our active little man

Most of all such a LOVE for precious Axel and an attitude of undeserving gratitude to our Heavenly Father...what a gift!

Stay tuned for one last "bump" picture from the 2nd Trimester. I cannot wait to see what the 3rd trimester brings.

22 weeks...

2011-10-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

How Far Along: 22 weeks and 2 days

Size of baby: 11 inches (think a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 lb!

Gender: BOY...Axel James Opperman

Movement: ALL THE TIME. The question is when ISN'T he moving?! Ha! He's starting to jiggle my whole stomach when he moves...so fun!

Sleep: Sleeping like a champ! For now, anyway;)

Symptoms: Not a whole lot right now!

What I miss: NOTHING. So worth it. I LOVE being pregnant.

Cravings: I think this could be a myth. Mine change day to day, but nothing has been consistent. Maybe it picks up as I get into my 3rd tri?! Who knows. I'm learning every body is different!

Best Moment this week: Getting our little man all registered. Brian had too much fun with the scan gun;)

What I am looking forward to: Our first meeting/appointment with our pediatrician next week. She told me to come with questions. Ha! She may regret that!

Birthday Madness

2011-10-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

So I had a phenomenal birthday. It all started the week prior, when my mom gave me a family birthday dinner. I failed to take any pics...darn. But it was so amazing to celebrate with my family for the 1st time in 3 years.

Then "the girls" took me out for a birthday lunch and shopping. We had a great time chatting, laughing, being ridiculous, and spending money...ha!

And last but not least, my amazing hubby planned a fall fun day for me! It all started with pumpkin pancakes and ended with one of my favs...Jane Eyre. It was perfect. Since living in Sydney, I'd missed my birthday being in the fall.

And last, but not least, it was my first and only birthday 20 weeks {5 months} pregnant with Axel. Undescribable. I love that little man!

I'm such a blessed girl. See for yourself.

Birthday Dinner with B. I LOVE this pic of him. I still make him laugh.

Yummo!

Very proud of my pumkin. It only took an eternity to pick out the perfect one.

Cider Makin'

After my day out with the girls...sporting my Rachel Zoe fur vest!

Birthday Lunch with the girlies and Parker & Brycen. LOVE them. I'm so blessed with family friends;)

Yummy Birthday dessert!

What's in a Name?

2011-10-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

Being my organized type A-self, I wanted a girl and boy name picked out and ready for our sonogram at 18 weeks. As the day approached we had both carefully selected. At the last minute I realized we did NOT check the meaning of the boy name we chose. And it wasn't a family name and it didn't have any significant personal meaning to us. We just liked it. So I checked. And it was awful. The meaning was terrible. And then my artsy self came out. And I remembered how significant the meaning of names were in the Bible. And I was convinced. We couldn't do that to our boy...IF we had a boy. So the BIG day came. And we did NOT have a boys' name selected. And sure enough...

Our little man at 18 weeks!

Our little man getting ready to suck his thumb...he's grown so much since his 12 week pics!

We are having a little man the 21st of February. I couldn't be more thrilled. I had a feeling. I like to say its my motherly instincts already;) Needless to say, we left the office ELATED that we had a growing healthy baby boy, but he was NAMELESS.

And then one day, I remembered a boy's name we heard in Sydney that I LOVED, and I was pretty sure B loved it too. So I rushed to the computer and checked the meaning. And it had a Hebrew meaning...and it was PERFECT. I presented all of this to B and we both KNEW it was perfect for our little man. Between the sentimenal value of Sydney and the Hebrew meaning...it was a NO brainer... we had a name!

He will be called...

AXEL JAMES OPPERMAN

Axel {"divine reward"}

James {his daddy's middle name & a family name on both sides}

We are so thrilled that we found a name so fitting & perfect for him. He's already lived up to his name. He is such a blessing to us, and truly, our divine reward.

17weeks/4days...

2011-09-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

How Far Along: 17 weeks 4 days
Size of baby: 5 inches long and about 5 ounces.

Maternity Clothes: A bit, yes. I'm wearing maternity jeans! I found some cute maternity skinnies...so fun!

Gender: Don't know yet!!

Movement: YES!!! The flutters turned to kicks this week. Never been so excited to be kicked in all my life! Ha!

Sleep: I sleep well most nights. Less trips to the potty for this momma-woohoo!

Symptoms: Not a whole lot right now!

What I miss: Almost daily trips to Starbucks....

Cravings: I think I'm weird. I don't have a whole lot of cravings. There are just things that sound AMAZING some days, but it changes frequently.

Best Moment this week: Definitely being kicked by our precious bubs!

What I am looking forward to: Our sonogram, which has been moved to Wednesday the 21st! Can't wait!! I think its a boy...

Stay tuned for our next blog...gender WILL BE revealed!

{15 weeks/6 days}

2011-09-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 15 weeks 6 days
Size of baby: 2 inches long and about 2.5 ounces. Our bub is the size of an apple!

Maternity Clothes: Not quite yet. We went shopping last weekend (couldn't pass up the good sale), but I'm not quite ready for them yet!

Gender: Don't know yet!!

Movement: Lots of flutters, especially during worship;) However, B can't feel them yet. Can't wait for that day to come!

Sleep: I sleep well most nights. Less trips to the potty for this momma-woohoo!

Symptoms: Not a whole lot right now! I LOVE 2nd Trimester. No more morning sickness or fatigue. However, I get some stretching aches and pains every once in a while.

What I miss: Nothing really-its all worth it!

Cravings: They seem to change quite a bit. Lately I'm loving cantelope and watermelon. But again, it can change daily. But pumpkin spice lattes just made a comeback, so that will be on the list too. Decaf and in moderation, of course!

Best Moment this week: Its been a rough week in the life of our church. We suffered the loss of a friend, which has been extremely rough in our community of loved ones. Just reflecting on the incredible blessing of being able to have bub has been so sweet. I'm treasuring and reflecting on just the blessing of it all.

What I am looking forward to: Our sonogram on Sept 23rd @ 9:30am, which will tell us the sex of bub!

Bub's 1st Family Vacation

2011-09-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of our family vacation to Abilene Texas! Back in August (it was sooo long ago-ha), we visited my sister and bro-in-law. And we had a blast. It was a perfect first vacation for bubsy, who was 13 weeks!

Yee Haw!

My handsome hubs at the Prairie Dog Park

Mr. Prarie Dog was VERY photogenic!

My sis and I should never be left to our own devices in a museum!

My beautiful sis and I posing with the buffalo at Texas Frontier!

Texas BBQ

Our lovely hosts

Dyess Air Force Base where my bro in law serves

i'd like to introduce you to...

2011-08-31T09:50:00.001-07:00

OUR BUB!!

{Vitals}

12 weeks

174 bpm

We are completely smitten. Over the moon. In. love. We just continue to feel more and more blessed each day I'm carrying our precious one.

Now this picture is a bit outdated (I'm slow, I know), because I'm currently 15 weeks and 2 days!! At our appointment last Friday little bub's heart is beating at 150bpm. Pretty drastic difference in heartrate, huh?! When I asked why, our dr. said its due to activity. On days they are extremely active its high and vice versa. Apparently bub was having a lazy day on Friday...ha! Both of us are healthy and doing fantastic! Praise the Lord!

In other pregnancy news, we went maternity clothes shopping. I'm not quite ready for them yet, but they were having a great sale this weekend, so we took full advantage! It was a BLAST! I thought it was going to be torture of grand proportions for B, but he LOVED it! What a hubby! What a daddy!

Okay, so I know I said this last week but I promise BUMP pics this week! We're having some progress, folks!

We want to hear from YOU...what team are you on...Team GIRL or Team BOY? Leave us a comment and let us know your vote!

the scare.

2011-08-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

WARNING: Graphic preganancy talk will follow. This post may not be appropriate for all males or those with a weak stomach. Or those who hate TMI.

Tuesday August 9th 2011 started out as a normal morning. Ran. Made brekky for Bri and I. Bri left for work. I went pee for the 15th time that morning...not really, but it feels like it. HERE IS THE GRAPHIC PART. When I wiped, I looked down and to my horror I saw bright red blood on the tissue paper. THIS IS NOT GOOD. I wasn't having any sort of cramping, and there wasn't any more blood aside from the one wipe, but I thought I should call the doctor's office to be sure. At this point I was calm....strangely calm. I called my OB's office and talked to a nurse. After I gave my story, still calm, she said, "We need an ultra sound immediately." "We are all booked today, but I'm gonna get you into an Imaging Center IMMEDIATELY." She proceeded to tell me I needed to drink 32 oz of water and be at the Imaging Center in one hour. I was NO LONGER CALM. Reality was sinking in...I may have lost bubs. And I was no longer calm. I was hysterical. In the midst of my tears (sobbing, rather) I called Brian and told him he needed to come home IMMEDIATELY. Side note, I HATE the word immediately now. While I was waiting for him to get home, I opened my Bible to a passage we've been studying on Sunday mornings at church: Daniel 3:17. "I know My God can deliever me, but EVEN IF He DOESN'T, I will still worship Him." Not an easy verse to choke down in a time of crisis. I pleaded with the Lord and told Him I wasn't ready for "even if You don't". More than anything, I just wanted bubs to be healthy and thriving. However, I also believe in the soverignty of God. And in those hysterical moments with my tears hitting the pages of my Bible, the Lord reminded me that bubs doesn't BELONG to me. Bubs belongs to the Lord. And He, if He so chooses, entrusts Brian and I to raise it while on Earth.

Bri came in the door, and I could tell he was trying to be strong, but I could see the sheer panic in his eyes. We prayed together, I drank the LOADS of water, and we headed for the Ultrasound. After what seemed like years....I just wanted to see bubs AND pee....we arrived. After a short wait, the u/s tech came and got us. She put the jelly on my belly, and then....

THERE WAS OUR BUBS. Alive. Thriving. And KICKING like a maniac! It was the most beautiful and precious sight I've ever seen. I immediately burst into tears of relief, joy, and thanksgiving. And I looked over and Bri was doing the same. Our tears turned to laughter after we watched bubs kick, punch, and flip flop! The tech said the baby looked PERFECT and HEALTHY. However, we did find out that I'm a week behind what we first thought. So my new due date is February 21st 2012, which makes me 14 weeks, currently. And the heartrate was 174 bpm...its increasing, folks! After the tech checked me and gave bubs and I the "all clear" I finally got to PEE! I was begining to fear I was gonna pee all over the tech...ha!

After my OB got the report from the U/S Tech, she called me to let me know that everything was normal. However, the reason for the spotting was due to a copus luteum cyst, which is completely normal in the 1st trimester. There is a very medical reason, but I won't bore you. The cyst will dissolve on its on during the 2nd trimester. But its no threat to bubs or me.

This is the toughest moment in the adventures of parenting for Bri and I, but I know this is just the beginning of many sleepless nights and days due to worrying... But I was thankful for the reminder that this bubs does NOT belong to Bri and I. We are just extremely blessed to raise bubs to love and serve the Lord. A lesson I'm sure I'll be reminded of...A LOT!

Be looking forward to pics of our 1st family vacation to Texas! And later this week, I'll have up my 14 week pic! We're officially in the 2nd trimester...woohoo!

{12 weeks}.

2011-08-02T07:39:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 12 weeks
Size of baby: 2 inches long and about .5 ounce. Our bub is the size of a lime!

Maternity Clothes: Not yet, but looking forward to it!

Gender: Don't know yet!!

Movement: In the last week , I think I have felt some flutters! It's when I am laying in bed late at night when I have felt this little movement.

Sleep: I'm sleeping great, except for the crazy dreams and trips to the bathroom! I LOVE sleeping on my side.

Symptoms: Fatigue in the afternoon and mild hearburn. ITS ALL WORTH IT!

What I miss: Starbucks. Caffeine in general.

Cravings: Fruit, anything salty, and cheese. I just want to smoother everything in cheese! Don't worry, I refrain!

Best Moment this week: Hearing our precious bub's heartbeat! Words cannot describe it. It was the BEST thing I've ever heard. Funny story, well it doesn't start out funny but ends up that way, so keep reading. Before our dr's appointment, my sweet friend told me not to freak out because it takes a while to locate the heartbeat with the doppler. However I did not listen. While we were waiting for the doctor, I was FREAKING out. I was so afraid we were not going to hear the precious thumping of our little one's heart. Bless Bri's heart, he tried to take my mind off of it, but to no success. As the doctor put the cold jelly on my stomach, Brian took my hand and we waited. Side note, can I just say that process was not comfortable?! So much pressure on my full belly! Anyway, the dr searched for the heartbeat. And searched. And searched. And all we heard was mine. Brian could tell panic had sunk in and he kept squeezing my hand and whispering prayers in faith. Can I just say he is simply amazing? He is going to be such a phenomnal daddy. As my anxiety was mounting I prayed that the Lord would prepare me for whatever was going to happen next. And then it came. That glorious sound. It was the quick thudding of our miracle's little heartbeat. I giggled in delight, and then immediately burst into tears of relief and joy. And I might add, both sound hysterical on the doppler. The dr proceeded to tell us the heart rate was healthy and everything was normal. In my euphoric and relief state, I forgot to ask the BPM. Can you believe it?! My first task as a mom....fail. Bad mom. It wasn't until we were having our celebratory heartbeat lunch that I realized I had no idea what the heart rate was. I went from joy to disappointment in a matter of seconds...thank you hormones. However, I called the dr's office and they were kind enough to tell me. I must say, that wasn't without the nurse laughing at me first. She thought it was humerous. I'm glad someone did. I will be writing EVERYTHING down from now on. The pregnant mind cannot be trusted! Ha! I'm happy to report our bub's heart is beating at 160bpm!

What I am looking forward to: Our first family vacation to Texas! Next week Bri, bub, and I all travel to Texas to spend time with my sis and bro-in-law. Yippee for family vacations!

Advice Needed...

2011-07-28T08:00:00.001-07:00

Okay, so this post is especially for all those mommies or mommies to be in blog-land. I'm in need of some baby book/scrapbooking advice. I love being creative and I didn't want to do a normal baby book/scrapbook, so when I heard about this particular creative idea I was stoked! I want to start an online baby scrapbook that also has a blog/journal feature. Yesterday I set out to research companies/designers that did this, and I was overwhelmed with all the options. So this is where you come in...those of who have an online baby scrapbook...do you like it? Who would you recommend? Your advice and wisdom is appreciated!

On another note, we have another doctor's appointment tomorrow, and we get to hear bub's heartbeat...cannot begin to express our excitement! I absolutely LOVE my OB, however, at the first appointment you get a pregnancy orientation of sorts, give blood and urine to confirm pregnancy, and thats it! So this is the first time we'll get to hear our precious bub's hearbeat. I'm packing the kleenex. Tear will be a flowin!

Important Announcement...

2011-07-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right, we're PREGNANT! We're both SOOOO excited. I'm 11 weeks, so our due date is Valentine's Day 2012! How appropriate. We've had a blast spilling the beans to family and friends. Its been such a blessing to be surrounded by so many that are absolutely elated for us! But my favorite moment, so far, was telling my precious hubby.

Here's the scoop...So let me back up about a week and a half prior to the glorious day. My monthly visitor was late and I'm NEVER late. I'm like clockwork. So I got a bit suspicious. And not gonna lie, giddy with the possibility we could be pregnant. Woke up the next morning, took the test, negative. I was crushed. And a lot more upset than I thought I'd be. Fast forward a week and a half. Saturday night. Still no monthly visitor. Along with some other 1st trimester symptoms, but I'll spare you the icky details. But I pushed the fleeting pregancy thought out of my head. I didn't want the disappointment, yet again. However, I woke up EARLY, EARLY Sunday morning with unexplainable joy and peace. I can't put into words what I was feeling. I went straight for the bathroom and took a pregnancy test. My hubby was still snoozing in bed. Sure enough I was pregnant. However, due to my negative test just a little over a week ago, I took about 5 others...OCD, much?! And they all came to the same conclusion: I was carrying a precious bubs. As much as I wanted to wake Bri up, I wanted to tell him in a creative way. So I contained my excitement, which if you know me, you know how difficult this was.

I knew Bri was due to be up in just a few short minutes, so I got back in bed, to not seem suspicious. However, I think the smile from ear to ear at 5:30am, might have been a bit of a giveaway. But Bri didn't let on that he knew. He did keep commenting what a great mood I was in so early! I sucessfully kept my mouth shut as Bri headed to prayer meeting before morning service. I made it all the way through student small groups and service. Since it takes Bri awhile to leave on Sundays, I left church a tad early and picked up a picnic lunch, a card, and 2 onesies. I picked him up from church and told him I had a surprise since he's been so busy with work (true, story).

I took him to our 1st date location: Lake Jacomo. We had a picnic lunch. Before we ate, I gave Brian the card and told him to open his present. As soon as he opened that onesie, his eyes welled up with tears and exclaimed, "Are you serious?!" We celebrated over our picnic lunch with many, many tears and laughter of thanksgiving. My hubby's tender spirit never ceases to touch my heart. I can't wait to see him as a "daddy."

Our concieving is so special. We were told getting pregnant would be extremely difficult, and possibly a hard road for us. But our God is ABLE! And we're spending this precious days so thankful for our bubs. Its inconceivable how much I love this baby that I've never met. So thankful. I will leave you with a couple more pics of our special day...

Whats in YOUR hand?

2011-04-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

After a night full of chronic coughing, chills, sweats, burning sensation in my nasal cavity, and really anything else that did NOT include sleeping, I decided to go to the doctor. My precious hubs took me to the doctor first thing on Wednesday morning. I must back up and say 2 weeks prior to this, I went to the doctor and found out I had a bacterial infection. Got some great drugs. End of story. Or so I thought. Back to present day, the doctor informed me on Wednesday that the zpack of antibiotics did NOT clear up the bacterial infection and it actually got worse. I had pneumonia. What? I don't think this doctor understood. I didn't have TIME for pneumonia. I had a full week and NO time for sitting in bed sick. As my to do list for the week was whirling around in my head I heard my doctor, "Erika, Erika...." I snapped back to reality to hear his strict instructions. He went on to tell me he was going to prescribe some heavy duty anitbiotics, but I needed to be in bed the REST of the week and then take it easy for the next couple of weeks. I think his exact words were "SLOW DOWN" until you feel 100%. If you know me, those are dirty words. Slow down? Does he understand my week? Or month of April for that matter? There is NO time to slow down. However, my coughing fits and exhausted state won over. I was just gonna have to do just that. Slow down. Sleep. Let myself be sick.... And this is where God began to work...

Before I go on, I must brag on my hubs. He has been nothing short of AMAZING through all of it. He has waited on me hand and foot. My love for him has only grown.

As I was lying in bed, absolutely miserable (feeling VERY sorry for myself), the Lord stirred my Spirit to pick up my Bible. "Really, God?! Now?! I can barely hold my head up." But I've argued enough with the Lord to know that he ALWAYS wins, so I decided to cut it short and just be obedient. I grabbed my Bible. And I began read story after story of women who used what they had to minister to others and bring glory to God. And I knew God was asking the same of me, "Erika what is in your hand. Right now. What do you have?" All I had in my hand was a kleenex. Ha! But in all seriousness, I didn't understand why God was asking me this question NOW. There wasn't anything I could do lying in bed with pneumonia. "God I don't have ANYTHING in my hand. Wait until next week. I'll use whats in my hand next week. But I can't do anything now." I closed my bible, and I went back to feeling sorry for myself. But that nagging question kept me from my pity party. "Whats in YOUR hand, Erika?" I gave up. Again. Grabbed my bible, journal, and kept studying these women's stories that all used what the good Lord put in their hand. And I noticed something about EACH woman in all these different stories, they used what God gave them AT THAT MOMENT. They didn't wait until they were in a position of more influence, power, or had more time. They used what they had at that moment. Let me show you.

In 2 Kings 4:8-17, 8:1-6 we find the story of the woman of Shunem. She wasn't, in the world's eyes, anything special. She wasn't a queen. Didn't have a lot of money. Wasn't in a position of power. She was a simple woman who used what she had, in this case her home, as a place of ministry. Later on when tragedy threatened to hit her household she maintained the right attitude and right atmosphere in her home, despite circumstances. She used what was in her hand...

The 1st chapter of Ruth, we see a broken Naomi who has LOST everything. But Ruth used what was in her hand. She refused to leave Naomi. She was loyal to her desolate mother-in-law. She didn't wait until she'd made enough money, or earned a position of prestige. She used what she had. "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severly, if anything but death separated you and me," (vs 16-17). Ruth used what was in her hand...

The story of Abigail, found in 1 Samuel 25, shows us that despite her wicked husband she used what was in her hand. She showed sound judgement, prudence, and a sober mind in her response to her husband's insulting behaviour toward David and his men. Because she used what was in her hand, she prevented her household from ruin.

I can recall so many times reading these stories of God using these AMAZING women and thinking, I can't wait for God to raise me up. I can't wait until God gives me my platform. I'm gonna do great things for him. And I don't think I'm alone in this thinking. So many times we tell God, "I'm gonna do great things for you...one day." "When you give me 100 people in my ministry, we're gonna do great things for you." Or "God when you raise me up as a person of influence in my community, we're gonna see a great revival." When I read these phenomenal stories over the other day, the ONE thing that struck me was, they USED what was in THEIR hand RIGHT then. They didn't wait until they had more money. Or power. Or influence. They used what God had placed in their hand. At that VERY moment. In that specific circumstance.

I'm typing you from Day 5, on the couch, with pneumonia. But I'm using whats in my hand. I'm not waiting for my circumstance to change.

What's in YOUR hand? For such a time is this...

Good.

2011-03-31T12:41:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite songs right now is "Forever Reign" by Hillsong...thats a shocker, I know. My favourite line in the song is the opening line, "You are good, you are good when there's NOTHING good in me." Nothing. Such a strong word. It sounds pretty harsh. As we sang this over the past weekend, I really began pondering the word "good." And then it appeared in a bible study I'm doing based on Titus 2. I think the good Lord is trying to tell me something...

Good. There is a big movement in our society to "do good." A big emphasis is being placed on doing for others. You see a lot of commercials on TV promoting all sorts of activist groups that Hollywood Stars are founding. In light of our current events with Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the list could go on and on; everywhere you turn people are "doing good" to help these victims of injustice. Do participating in these worthy causes make us good? Is being good defined by doing something nice or helping other people? Many scholars will tell you that as humans we are born good. There is some level of goodness in us. Leading psychologists teach that we are the product of our environment and that defines our state of "good." However, after studying the Word, it is NONE of these...

"I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, my sinful nature," Roman 7:18.

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and ALL our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away," Isaiah 64:6.

The list could go on and on of the scriptures I found on humanity and being good. And the conclusion was the same, there is NOTHING good in me. In other words, in my FLESH (key word) there is NOTHING good in me. Now this seems like a bummer, but here is some good news...

"Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" Jesus responded, "Why do you ask me about what is good?" "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments." Matthew 19:16-17 *I strongly urge you to grab your Bible and read the rest of the story. Its life changing, but its another post:)

These two verses teach us the definition of good. The LORD is good. He is the standard of goodness. We don't measure up. We can do good all day long, and we still won't make the cut...on our own...in our flesh...here is where it gets "good"...

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1st John 1:9

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16

These verses, among a ton others in the Word, tell us God offers his goodness to US. God who defines GOOD desires to cleanse us. We can receive his goodness. God can clean our "filthy" selves and make us new. We can try and give and do all day long, but on our OWN we will always come up short. It is ONLY in the saving power of Christ, through salvation, can we as humans receive goodness. If you are reading this, and do not know Christ or have recieved his goodness through salvation, and want to know more, please leave me a comment or email me at elopperman@gmail.com.

And here is the good news for us as Christians. In our flesh we are nothing but filthy rags. But by the power of salvation, we are more than conquererors (Romans 8:37). We are co heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). The same POWER that conquered the grave LIVES in ME (Ephesians 1:18-20). This is LIFE changing. Powerful. Doesn't get any better than this. If this truth doesn't make you want to jump up and down, worship, give HIM praise, please take a minute and check your pulse...

By receiving his GOOD, we can then and ONLY then give goodness to others. Bring justice to the unjust. Serve the unlovely. Dont' get me wrong, earlier when I discussed the world's view of good as doing good deeds, I wasn't downplaying or saying we shouldn't do good. But in order to truely DO good we must FIRST understand the definition of good. Without the Lord, our good deeds stop at that. Just a deed. But in the power saving grace of Jesus, who is good, it is only then that we can truely pass goodness on. It is only through Christ that it becomes more than just a deed. This is the call of the local Church. We are to give goodness to others. Bring justice. Be the hands and feet of Christ. Afterall, the SAME power that rose Christ lives in ME and every believer. Let this change your every thought, word, and action.

He is GOOD.

Back in Business...

2011-03-29T12:03:00.001-07:00

We're back in business with a new name, new look, and new location-back in the good 'ole US of A! I thought it was only appropriate that we change the name since we are no longer in Oz. Thus, "Brian and Erika's Aussie Tales," no longer fit. However, this crazy, amazing, wonderful adventure the Lord's placed us on is NOT over, so stay tuned for ramblings on love, ministry, and just life with us!

cleaning and sorting and packing...oh, my!

2010-11-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

I think I could probably end this entry at the title, because that is exactly our lives right now. Cleaning. Sorting. And packing. Oh. My. However, I'm trying to get better at updating especially during this precious season of our lives. We'll see how I go at keeping this promise. I'm about as good as a politician during campaign time when it comes to blog updating promises (insert laugh here). Since I'm making list after list right now, I thought that would be appropriate for this post. I mean, why not, I'm practically making them in my sleep...

1. Speaking of sleep, I can't sleep past 5:30am these days. Between the sun and my endless thoughts of EVERYTHING that needs to be done before December 3rd, I'm wide eyed and bushy tailed FAR too early these days. The hubby appreciates this-ha!

2. School is winding down for Brian...he turned in his last BIG projects/assignments on Monday. And he sighed a HUGE sigh of relief. However he has a HUGE Theology test on Friday, so say a prayer for him! Aside from this, he only has a couple small assignment left. I'm such a proud wife. I'm beaming as I type.

3. The end of the school year for Brian brings the Annual Graduation Ball, which is my FAVORITE part of the year. Everyone gets dressed in their finest for an evening of dinner and dancing at Darling Harbour. Its a BLAST. Perfect way to end the school year. Of course anything that requires me getting all dolled up will be a favorite of mine! I know you're shocked...

4. Brian graduates on November 29th. There will be tears. I'm stocking up on tissues. Words cannot express my pride or admiration for my husband's achievements. I know its probably obnoxious to read about all the gush and goo, but I can't help myself.

5. We are spending a majority of evenings sorting and cleaning for our Giveaway/Moving Party. We decided to have a BIG party complete with food, music, and good company, however, the catch is you can't leave the party without taking something out of our apartment with you. We are giving away everything from our fridge to hair accessories! It should be a functional yet a fun way to get together all our friends. Any excuse to have a party, right?!

6. At the moment, I cry at the drop of a hat. No seriously people, I'm EXTREMELY teary at the moment. Its becoming a reality that we are really leaving. This has been such a precious season in my life that I am going to miss dearly. I've grown so much in my faith and personal walk with the Lord, and made some of the best friends of my life here. Currently I have broke down in the following places: at a cafe getting coffee with a friend, after an extremely encouraging phone call, work, cleaning our apartment, and just walking along the beach over the weekend. You name it and I'm getting sentimental over it.

7. Christmas Music. I'm listening to it. Yep, it is ONLY November 4th and I'm in the full swing. I actually started 2 days later than last year...I don't know how I let that happen! Since Thanksgiving isn't celebrated in Australia (obviously), I start Christmas early! I'm not trying to overlook the importance of Thanksgiving because trust me, this girl, loves me some Thanksgiving, but I just can't resist those catchy Christmas tunes...

8. Speaking of Thanksgiving, we are celebrating with some friends this year! We're doing Turkey and all the trimmings. Brian is determined to find some American football to watch as the rest of us slave away in the kitchen. We will post pictures for sure!

Well, I think that sums us up in a list. I hope this season does find you thankful for all you have. I'm trying to savour each and every last moment in the beautiful country and thanking the good Lord above for all He's blessed us with in this season.

all our love,

b & e

Update on all things "Opperman"

2010-10-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

Sooo...neither Brian or myself have done an exceptional job keeping you all updated through the blog this past year. We tried. It was always in the back of my mind, "Erika you need to update the blog." I would even reach for the computer, but then something else would come up. Argh. And so this was the story for much of our hectic past year. However, you can count on us to keep you informed on the "BIG" stuff...so on with the "big" stuff...

Words cannot express our time in Australia. We have learned heaps about this fantastic "new" culture, ourselves individually and as a couple, ministry, but most of all faith. I have never understood what it was to COMPLETELY surrender and rely on the Lord until our time in Australia. I could tell you story after story of the Lord's provision and blessing that would nothing short of SHOCK you. Unbelievable. Part of our faith journey has been our future. The Lord's next step. The "whats next" question...

"What is next," you may be asking yourself (if not, please humour me). As Brian and I began praying about our "next step" the Lord kept bringing the word surrender to both our minds. Brian and I spent a lot of time in prayer surrendering our will to the Lord. And after much, much, prayer I told the Lord I wanted what he wanted. Whether that was to stay in Oz and do another year, or return home I just wanted my desires to aline with his. However, we didn't know what was next. Enter God. I will spare you all of the details of how the Lord orchestrated our next steps, but they are NOTHING less of a miracle. God never ceases to amaze me in how he provides and continues to bless us beyond our WILDEST imaginations (and if you know me that is WILD-ha).

Rewind about 2 months ago. We received a call from a church back home asking us our future plan. I really wanted Brian to say, "Your guess is as good as mine." However, he didn't. He kindly explained we were probably going to stay for a 3rd year, but were open to wherever or whatever the Lord had next (as corny and churchy as that might sound). As it turns out, they were wondering if we would be willing to be considered for a position in their worship ministry. After much prayer. And more prayer. And EVEN MORE prayer (got the idea, yet?). We told them we wanted to be considered for the position. So that began the process. A resume, video of Brian leading worship, much prayer for wisdom, and many Skype interviews later, they called to offer us the position. And we ACCEPTED.

Brian will be the Worship Pastor at Abundant Life Baptist Church in Lees Summit MO. Words cannot express how thrilled we are to serve at this amazing church. We had the honour and privilege of attending there for a couple of months before moving to Sydney, and absolutely fell in LOVE with the church. Before getting on the plane to go to Sydney Brian said, "If we could end up at a church like Abundant Life, it would be a dream!" And now look at us. God is so faithful. Blows. Me. Away.

As giddy as we are about returning to the States, this is a bittersweet time. We have days filled with packing and goodbye's ahead, which will be difficult. We have made some incredible relationships and it will be hard to say "goodbye" to our Australian "family."

But there you have it. You are officially updated on "all things Opperman."

We love you so much. And love doing the journey with you. We cannot express all of our gratitude to you for all of your love, encouragement, and prayer throughout this precious season in our lives. We are blessed. Beyond words. Our cup runs over.

perfectionism//the ugly truth

2010-08-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

I used to try to "glamourize" my perfectionist tendencies. For example in an interview, a common Erika response, "I think one of my weaknesses is my perfectionism. I expect my work to be perfect and won't rest until it is done. This causes me to stress, and I need to learn to balance my work and life better." Granted, I said it was a weakness but that is the oldest trick in the interviewing book. Pick a weakness that can ALSO be seen as a strength. However, I'm learning that perfectionism is a weakness and no matter how you spin it-its UGLY...

My name is Erika, and I'm a perfectionist. I say this with gest, but it is a serious issue. Ever since I can remember, I've struggled with perfectionism. As early as Jr High School, I've accepted nothing less than an 'A'. You would have thought tragedy struck my household, when I received my first 'B'. And yes you guessed it, after once, it NEVER happened again. This attitude has filtered over into my career. I accept NOTHING less than perfection for each and every assignment I'm given at work. I will stay late, lose sleep, and worry until the task is done flawlessly. And when I do make a mistake its a day spoiler. This has definitely put a lot of anxiety and stress into my life, but I've always been able to justify the behaviour and ignore any negative ramifications because, I felt, the positive results, outweighed any anxiety or stress. Until recently. Recently, my eyes have been opened to the way perfectionism in my life effects my relationships with those I love, outlook on people, and most of all my view of grace...

Due to a project I work, I was temporarily relocated to Maui for 7 weeks. Rough, huh?! As wonderful as Maui was, I missed my hubby dearly. I missed him so much I literally ached...I won't go into how much I missed him...I'll save you from wanting to gag...sweet, of me isn't it? Anyway, some of my experiences away caused me to take a painful look at myself. On the plane home, I did some heavy soul searching and reflection. This reflection process continued the first couple days I arrived back into Sydney. And it all came to a boiling point after sitting under an amazing, yet convicting, message on a Sunday eve. And what I discovered wasn't pretty. Most of us are familiar with the story of the prodigal son. And I've never identified myself with either one of the brothers. I mean, I've had moments of rebellion, but they never lasted long due to my perfectionism. And I've always seen, or wanted to see, myself as a loving, compassionate, and full of grace; so I never saw myself as the elder brother. Pssh...I was in denial. As I sat squirming in my seat during the message, I fell under conviction. I am the elder brother. I not only demand perfection out of myself, but I demand it of others, and when they don't live up to it, I'm either disappointed or feel I'm better (its harsh, but I'm trying to be honest). When I see or hear of fellow Christians "moments of weakness" or see the sin expose in them, I grow impatient and usually think "Why can't they get their act together." While I may give them some spiritual dribble about confessing, forgiveness, repenting, and grace...I'm really thinking "You shouldn't be struggling with this, I'm sure glad I don't have this sin in my life. I'm glad I have my act together." Then if anything good happens to them, I wonder "God, why would you use THEM, I mean come on...you know what they've done." My attitude shouts, "USE ME I'M BETTER!" Although I don't say it, all of my actions point to pride and arrogance. While some sin may be more visible, I'm just as guilty. If not more. I was in denial of my own sin. Until that Sunday eve, as I listened to that powerful message of a story I've heard a thousand times, when the ugliness of my perfectionism hit me in the face. I need GRACE. The very thing I was stingy in giving others, is the very thing I need MORE of in my life so it overflows in every area of my life.

All of this to say, I'm rediscovering grace. The Lord is working through me and I'm rediscovering truths that were buried underneath my "perfectionism". I've definitely been humbled. And while its painful, through the power of my Saviour, I'm seeing people different. With Love. No exceptions. No hidden expectations. Just loving people where they are. Including myself. Which I reckon, is the hardest of all. Although this process has involved a lot of heartache and more humbling than I care to admit, I wouldn't trade it for the world. And I'm so thankful that I have a Saviour that gives me the GRACE that I didn't want to extend for far less offences than I've done to Him...

Why admit all of this on a blog? Well part of being a perfectionist is pleasing those around you. Wanting others to see you as perfect. This is a step for me out of perfectionism and into the arms of grace...

~erika.

Grand Pacific Drive. Just the two of us

2010-05-09T23:34:00.000-07:00

blog=blah.

2010-02-26T16:12:00.000-08:00

so...its been awhile since we've kicked it old school and wrote out a proper entry. With some Christmas money, we bought a video camera and have enjoyed taking video! However, our old school blog can't handle the video and they seem to not work more than they work-blah!!! Because of this, we are blog shopping. All of you bloggers out there we need your help. Is there a better blog site that can hold video? Any suggestions would be appreciated!!!

not too much to report on. March 1 marks the first day of autumn! time flies... so in honor of our last summer nights, after church tonight I'm taking Brian on a romantic walk on the beach. shhh...its a surprise! we'll definitely post pictures! and if we're lucky the video will work!

all our x's and our o's,

b & e

valentines Day 2010 part 2

2010-02-14T23:18:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day 2010

2010-02-13T13:52:00.000-08:00

Australia Day 2010

2010-01-31T16:18:00.000-08:00

We were having so much fun, but didn't get to capture a lot of it, because the batteries died.

Erika likes to look pretty!

2010-01-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

Anniversary celebration

2010-01-10T15:10:00.000-08:00

Bon Voyage!

2010-01-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

countdown.

2009-11-12T21:04:00.000-08:00

20 days until we step on US soil. How insane is that? I cannot believe we've been down under for a year! Time flies... However, we've been crazy busy and have LOTS to do before we make it home for our visit. I think its time for one of my infamous lists...

1. We had a Hillsong Album recording on Sunday. It was one of the most incredible worship experiences I've ever been apart of. I am constantly blessed by such a phenomenal church. Be looking for the new album around July. It will NOT disappoint!

2. Brian only has 3 weeks of class. I can't believe he's nearly done with his first year. Its been an amazing ride for me to watch the Lord mold Brian into an incredible leader, musician, singer, and husband. I'm such a blessed wife.

3. I'm extremely psyched for Brian's Graduation Ball. Each year of completion, there is a Graduation Dinner & Dance for the students and their dates. Its a formal occasion. Fancy dinner, dancing, and most important FORMAL ATTIRE! I'm on the hunt for the perfect dress to wear at the perfect price (cheap)! Ha! Brian has a, how do I put it, unique style on the dance floor and I'm thrilled for all his fellow classmates, instructors, and Hillsong staff to experience it! Don't worry, we'll post heaps of pics. Oh, and its on Thanksgiving! So while you're eating Turkey, think of us as we'll be boogying down!

4. I haven't started listening to Christmas music-yet. And for those of you nearest and dearest to my heart, I know you are shocked. But its hard to listen to Winter Wonderland when you are sweating from 100 degree heat! I'm not complaining, I love my weekends at the beach but its not looking a lot like Christmas. But I'm gonna give it a go next week. I love me some Christmas music!

5. I love my job. I know heaps of people say this, but I really mean it. We had a boy come to us who could not read and he was in 5th grade. At the end of 4 weeks he is reading at a 1st grade level. How amazing is that? Not to mention, his confidence has gone through the roof. Don't get me wrong, its a lot of hard work but so worth it! And kids say the darndest things. For instance a boy today did not like my curly hair, "Erika did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed?" "No, why do you say that?" "Your hair looks like you did!" Heehee. Okay men, you can ONLY get away with this if you are 9. After that, you WILL get slapped.

6. Jillian Michaels is kicking my butt. Into shape that is. As most of you know, I am a fitness nazi (as my sis affectionately calls me). I've really gotten into fitness and working out the past 5 years or so. Its my stress relief! And normally I HATE workout dvds. I normally view them as "sissy". Until now. Jillian Michael's, she is the trainer for Biggest Loser, is one of the HARDEST workouts I've ever done. She does a circuit workout and I'm feeling it!!!

Thats about all for the Opperman household. We are so looking forward to our visit home, and reacquainting ourselves with all things "American"!

xoxo

erika

face-lift and eats

2009-10-17T23:45:00.000-07:00

Our blog got a new look! I have a habit of picking the girliest, well, anything. All things pink, leopard print, frills-I LOVE it all. However, the mister does not appreciate a girlie blog. So it was time for something new. This is the product of a two hour compromise! Ha! My pick that I designed was pink and cheetah print. Brian gagged. So we changed it. And this is what we came up with...not too shabby. I like it.

In other news, Brian and I are trying to eat extremely healthy. We ate at a Christian owned Organic Restaurant and learned a lot about our bodies, how they were created, and how & what we were intended to eat. It was very interesting. So we immediately went home and did some research. No, we are not on a diet. And no we are not doing this for weight loss. Just to make wise choices when we eat in order to live an even richer life! We are eating according to our blood type. Each body is different and needs more and less of certain foods-this is based on the chemistry make up of your body. Pretty much we've adjusted certain foods and increased our veges and fruit intake. We have been doing this for 3 weeks, and we have both noticed a huge difference. We have more energy, don't suffer from bloating, and feel better all around. On top of that, we've found some yummy healthy alternatives to our naughty favs! This afternoon, I baked banana carrot bread-wheat and gluten free! Seriously, it was AMAZING. I was concerned B wasn't going to like it-but it got two thumbs up!!

Well, that is about it! Not too much to report, but I'm trying to get into a routine of blogging so this is what ya get this week! This coming week is quite full, so we'll have more for next week. We have a birthday party of one of our dearest friends here, Gemma, on Tuesday; Connect Group on Wednesday; and I have an Open House at work on Thursday! Geesh, I'm tired just talking about it! On that note, I'm off to relax for the remaining of my Sunday evening.

xoxo

erika

the BIG 2-6 in photos

2009-10-10T23:18:00.000-07:00

My sweet hubby and friends threw me a mexican fiesta party!

Gem & I

Brian & Corey are REALLY excited for my party!

The ever popular jumping photos

All of us girlies at the party

I don't know why that number is on my cookie cake. I'm not THAT old.

Brian & I being silly on my special day!

Brian took me for a day of shopping and dinner-PERFECT-O.

It down-poured, but that didn't stop us from having fun!

As you can see, I was extremely blessed on my big day! I also was showered with birthday love from friends and family back home! My parents, sis, and soon to be bro-in-law sent me a package and I got to open it with them on Skype! How fun is technology?! A big thank you to you ALL who made me feel so loved. I'm a blessed girl!

xoxo

erika.

embarassing//

2009-10-01T04:11:00.000-07:00

The Market

Centennial Park

Its absolutely embarrassing how long its been since we've updated. Life has been a whirlwind since July, and I feel like Brian and I are finally sitting down and catching our breath a bit. Through all of the events of the past several months, I feel like I've learned even more to TRUST. Maybe when it doesn't make sense. Or when it doesn't seem possible. I feel like a cliche or like we say this a lot, but God has done some incredible, mind blowing, phenomenal things in our life! I know its not the most personal, but to catch up on the highlights during our absence in blog world!

1. I GOT MY VISA!!! thank you, thank you, thank, you for all your prayers. Nothing short of a miracle. I am working full time. And I've never been so thankful to be at work from 8:30-5:30! I truly love what I do, my boss, and coworkers-it really is a pleasure to go to work each day!

2. WE HAVE OUR OWN PLACE! Yep, that is right, Brian and I are in our 3rd place since we've moved to Sydney in January. But this time its just he and I. And its so beautiful. Each time I walk in from a full day at work (yippee), I feel so blessed. I cannot begin to express how wonderful it is! Its domestic BLISS!!! Pictures to follow:) We just are just putting some finishing touches on the decor!

3. Brian is getting some incredible opportunities at church. He has started playing/singing in the worship band at church for ALL church events. He's like a kid in a candy shop. He's learning so much. Its so amazing, as his wife, to see him achieve his dreams and get to do worship from some the people he looks up to most! I can't begin to tell you how much Brian has grown, not just as a musician, but as a leader. I'm so proud of him.

4. Spring has arrived in Sydney. Its time to get out the swim suits and hit the beach! I'm so excited! For the first time in my life, I get to celebrate my birthday in the Spring. On that note, Brian has something up his sleeve and, for the first time, I can't crack him. I'm clueless as to what he has planned for my birthday. I'm ridiculous. I'm giddier than a kid before Christmas! We will have pictures of our celebration next week, I pinky promise:)

**Above**I couldn't figure out how to get our pictures below. And its late. And I need to go to bed. So the pictures win. They stay at the top. They are pics of Brian and I on a lovely Spring Saturday! We went out to brekky at one of our favourite cafes, went to the park, and then hit the markets. It was a GREAT day!

pity. party.

2009-07-07T03:13:00.000-07:00

well, this week is probably the biggest week in the life of our church. hillsong church. its hillsong conference. some of the world's best and well known leaders, pastors, and worship artists gather for one week in acer arena. its huge. i mean a REALLY BIG deal. everyone who is anyone is there. as apart of the college's requirements, the students are required to serve. so brian and all of the other students are there. serving. experiencing. and loving every second. our housemates are there. experiencing and loving it. and where am i, you ask? i am sitting on our couch with a blanket watching tv. not at conference. and feeling sorry for myself. and why am i not there? well, i am blessed with an incredible job. i really do LOVE my job and feel so blessed. however, we are in the midst of an extremely busy season/translation: i work until 5:30pm-6pm. the evening session of conference begin at 6pm...just in time...right? well, its an hour and a half train ride. i would get there as it was wrapping up. boo. so that is why i'm on the couch during the biggest week in church life. okay, enough with debbie downer. as i was sitting on the couch feeling sorry for myself i realized how much i have to be thankful for...

*time to relax after an insanely busy day

*an incredible job that keeps me insanely busy

*amazing housemates who i love living life with

*incredible friends who will fill me in on every detail of conference

*a PHENOMENAL husband who puts up with my pity parties and loves me through them and teaches me what true serving is

*an incredible heavenly father who i get extra alone time with this week

so thank you for allowing me to get all that out. i feel much better. you never thought you would be my therapist, did you?!

xoxo

erika//

life in photos.

2009-06-21T04:07:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, we just wanted to share these with you so you could be a part of our day out in the city. We love you all so much and hope that you have a great fathers day in the U.S.

Driving in Australia and other things!!!

2009-06-15T15:38:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody it has been a bit since I have blogged so I am here to tell you a little bit of what has been going on here. I got to drive yesterday for the first time in 6 months. It was so nice to be in a car and driving around, that is until I pulled out onto the street and cars were coming at me!!! Oh yes out of such habit I started driving down the right side of the road, and good thing it was on a side street. There was no danger and I quickly went to the left side of the road, and had no trouble the rest of the time. I was quickly reminded of all the comforts of having just a mode of transportation and how nice it is to just get in the car and go. Most of the time we are waiting on busses and trains. While it wasn't our car and we are back to the public transport which is really good here, I had so much fun driving! Can I just start this post out by saying God is so good. I am learning so much through him and all the classes that I am taking.

I am learning in songwriting that when you get the most cliche thoughts, write them down, then go back and figure out new and fresh ways to say that same thing. I have learned so much about leadership and communication as well. I could write a whole wall posting on just what i have learned this semester, but will spare you a really long post.

Erika and I are doing really well. We are loving the new place and love our new flat mates. They are such a huge blessing in our lives and really enjoy having a friendship with people that are our age and in a similar place and situation that we are.

I have just about finished a song that i have been working on since we arrived here. I know that it's a really long time to work on a song, but I heard some of the best advice and wisdom about that from someone i just met today. He said "It's funny how you can spend months and months writing a song, and then there are the times where a song comes to you in about 3 minutes. The really frustrating part is when people like the song that took 3 minutes better than the one that took months. The good thing is that the 3 minute songs come through the learning and frustrations that come from a song that takes months and months to write." That was such a great revelation and help to me.

I hope everything is going well at home. I hear and see on the news that things are difficult in a lot of the country. I want to leave you with this verse John 14:27, which was also a great inspiration to the song that I am writing. Jesus says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."

We love you all and thank you for your support through prayers and finance. You are such a blessing to us and we are forever grateful.

brian

sick day with a sunny sky

2009-06-10T23:42:00.000-07:00

So...I (Erika) am home sick. For clarification, I am at home and sick not to be confused with being home-sick. Like clockwork, every time the season changes I get sick-boo. June 1 brought winter to the southern hemisphere and 11 days later...I am sick. Icky cold and allergies. Sore throat and cough combined with no sleep left me with no choice but to call in sick to work. Blah. When I was a kid I LOVED sick days. Sick days meant [fun and relaxation. Now I just pace around the whole place thinking about what I should be doing instead of relaxing and trying to get better. You should have see me at Brians parents house. I paced around their house from 8 am to 3 am the next day. He finally told me to shut up and go to bed. I think he was tired and frustrated. Oh and if my taster ever goes out. God help us all I really freak out then. If you can't tell by the writing style, Brian started writing where it says now I just pace. Isn't he a riot] Brian thinks he is SO funny. As much as I would like to say the above is NOT TRUE...alas, I cannot. Sorry for the imposter. As I was saying, when I was a kid sick days meant TV (in large doses that were not usually allowed), reading, soup, and my mom at my every beck and call. Ladies and Gents, it doesn't get any better than that. But today didn't look like that. I was home-alone. Brian at school and then work. So I got very bored. And thought about EVERYTHING I should have been doing. And wishing I was at work. Some people play hookie from work and love sick days, but I LOVE MY JOB. I hated missing it today. Not because I would be behind or I felt guilty, but because I truly missed being there. I did ALL of that but all I wanted to do was relax...ugghhh. So frustrating. But then came my silver lining...I had a mother/daughter date with my amazing mom over Skype. Praise Jesus for Skype when you are 10,000 miles from home. And I got to talk to her for two hours. So in a way, I got my childhood sick day-my mom. And then my awesome, amazing, phenomenal, HOT, and compassionate hubby came home from work and tended to my beck and call for the rest of the night. Folks, it doesn't get any better than that! After all was said and done and as much as I HATE being sick, it turned out to be an A-OKAY day!!!!

And the award goes to...

2009-06-08T04:07:00.000-07:00

I definately think that Brian and I should get the slacker award for blogging. In our defense the past month and a half has been a whirlwind! Since I know you all are dying to know what we've been up to the past month (ha!), I will give you snip-its into our life...

1. We MOVED! Thats right for the 3rd time since August we packed up our things and moved. We are becoming professional packers and movers! We are no longer in the college housing. We've moved to the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney near the bay. Its a BEAUTIFUL area. And we are able to save heaps of money by living here. We are so blessed.

2. I'm applying for my 2nd Visa in 6 months! Yeppers, thats right, I'm back to the Visa process. But its for a wonderful cause. My company, Lindamood Bell, promoted me and with the promotion I need to be able to work full time. However, on my current visa that is not possible. So they have agreed to sponsor me so that I can be full time status! Again, we are so blessed. However, we NEED your prayer. This is a very vigorous process. We (my work and I) are finishing up the application and submitting it this week. The business sponsorship is a hard visa to get approved. So we need your prayers! Please join us in praying and believing for my visa to come through, so I can begin full time work by July 3rd! We are believing for a miracle!

3. Brian is playing in Hillsong College Chapels! Brian has the honor and privilege of being one of the few worship students to play in the chapel worship band at college. If you know Brian, you know he is LOVING it! Anytime he has an opportunity to engage others in life changing worship, he is stoked. God is really raising him up in leadership.

4. KEYBOARD! God is a God who provides. And we've seen this to be true through this whole journey. God keeps showing himself as our provider...even in our wants. We've been praying for Brian a keyboard. As most of you know, Brian isn't just passionate about playing and singing but he is passionate about writing music. In order for him to practice and write he really needed a keyboard at the house. So we began praying. And in about 2 weeks we had a keyboard GIVEN to us. Thats right-given. For free. Amazing.

5. Brrr...As you all in the northern hemisphere are in full swing of summer, June 1 marked the first day of winter for all of us southern hemisphere residents. I am so confused. Each time I write the date, this messes with my mind. My internal clock is WHACKED. Winter in Sydney isn't too bad. Winters primarily consist of sunny and crisp days. Today it was about 60 degrees and sunny...I can handle that! And on Saturday we went to the beach...I'm not complaining! However, this was after about 2 weeks of rain...ick. Autumn is rainy season, so I was welcoming winter!

6. MEGA PRAYER. We got to experience our first Mega Prayer Night at Hillsong. This is a service the church gathers all campuses and has a 2 hour service of worship and prayer. Unbelievable. This was the BEST and most POWERFUL service I've ever attended. I felt like I had a glimpse into heaven. I can't begin to put into words. But the Spirit was thick.

7. Across the Earth...Hillsong United released another album May 26 in the USA. It hit #1 on iTunes beating Eminem...how crazy is that?! If you haven't listened to it-YOU MUST! This is my favorite United Album. Unreal.

Well, that about catches you up. I promise not to take such a long absence. At the suggestion of a friend, I'm gonna start carrying my camera EVERYWHERE and take pictures of our experiences so we can keep blog-land updated more frequently and with more pictures. Again, we are blog slackers.

xoxo

b & erika

If i have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

2009-04-23T05:20:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing in this world that I am thankful for, it is the life that I have been graciously and undeservingly given. I was hit today with a very harsh reality that was very amazing to me. http://www.globalrichlist.com/ On this website is a calculator where you put in your annual income and it shows you where you are on the worlds "Richness Scale." I put in on that scale what Erika and I were making when we first got married, and I was slapped in the face, when I saw in relation to the rest of the world, how well off we are.

I have been getting involved with I Heart Revolution, and I am so excited about this movement. I really think that it is going to be something that impacts this world in an incredible and mighty way. As I see and work with these issues, I am realizing more and more that we as Christians are supposed to have an attitude of love and generosity, and really to the point that we think is crazy or makes us uneasy. We weren't blessed with the money or the things that we have so that we could hoard those things and keep them all to ourselves. Thats not what it is about at all. I love 1 Cor 13, most people know it, but I really like where it says in verse 6 where it says' "Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth." I know that with a lot of homeless people in the states that the mentality is to just say that those people made the choices that led them to where they are, and they are just draining our society. Well I would venture to say that most people haven't gone up to a homeless person and really sat down with them to ask them their story. I would encourage everyone to do that, I think that many people will be surprised what they find out.

That goes with the rest of the world to, not just the homeless people in the States. There is so much going on all over the world that we don't see in the news, or media. There is so much injustice in this world, and it is so easy for us to get into a rut and ignore the strife of this world just so we don't have to leave the comfort of our routine lives. I encourage you to do things to make a difference in this world starting with just stepping out of your comfort zone and talking to the people that you wouldn't normally talk to, or help the person that helping them might be an inconvenience.

I thank you for reading what God is doing in us, please let us know what is going on in your lives, we love the feedback and hearing how people are doing.

I will leave you with this, If you haven't read 1 Cor 13 in a while, sit down and read it slowly and really chew on what it is saying.

blessings

brian

Colour Your World.

2009-04-17T18:54:00.001-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Hillsong Church hosted their women's conference, Colour Your World, where literally thousands of women come from all over the world. I was able to be one of 20,000 other women who had their life changed and turned upside down by what the Lord did at Colour. Here I am two weeks after the conference and I am still processing and journaling all I experienced. I have NEVER been so empowered as a female in leadership and woman of God. I am blessed to be apart of a church who places value and worth on womanhood and empowering us as leaders. Not in a feminist way, but in the way the Lord intended. At Hillsong, we have a ministry called "Sisterhood" and it shatters every stereotype you have of women's ministry. It is more than just a group of women at Hillsong doing a bible study during the week and bring a casserole to those in need every now and then. It is a company of women uniting in friendship and cause changing their world and the world around them. The hear of sisterhood is in this, "The Sisterhood is a company of women united in heart, using time and energy, strength and influence for the betterment of others...A company of women united in friendship, gathering their world, raising awareness, venturing into the realms of responsibility...A company of women united in cause, seeing the fruit, feeling the joy, knowing that they are making a difference." And Sisterhood isn't just for those at Hillsong. We do have a local group that meets at church, but there are women all over the world apart of this amazing movement of women. You can check it out at www.hillsong.com and then click on "sisterhood". Once a year the "sisters" from all over the world gather for the Colour conference uniting us in spirit and body for 3 days. And the result is nothing short of life changing. There is no way I can share with you everything the Lord wrote on my heart, but I would like to share some highlights.

We were blessed with amazing worship and phenomenal speakers (Lisa Bevere and Sy Rogers), wonderful entertainment, and had the opportunity to make friendships with women all over the world. However, the life changing part of the conference was the challenges and need presented to us that are all around us and the globe. The whole conference we were reminded that We are to be the Change because the "Spirit of the Lord is upon us...." It is so easy to go through life only serving ourselves. And this was not how the Lord intended life. We were not created to live for ourselves. The Lord really spoke to my heart about how I live my life. My heart broke as I heard the need all around the world and right where I am. And I get so caught up in me that I don't see the need right under my nose. I'd heard the need so many times before. And I walked away wanting to make a difference. But then just several days later, I returned living life for myself. But this time was different. The Lord whispered into the depths of my soul, "My daughter, love. Love in my name." And the quiet intimate whisper in my soul, joined together with 20,000 other whispers has become a SHOUT!! If we, as a company of sister joined together with Christ, can be the change in our world. The way I live my life today looks different than it did two weeks ago. Not only were we presented with a need, but practical ways we can be the change in our world and globe. My service is not coming out of a place of obligation or legalism. But love. The Lord has placed such a burden on my soul that my life be a reflection of love and service. And all who see my life can't help but see the love of my Saviour. So, I extend the challenge and mandate to you...the Spirit of the Lord is upon YOU, my sister. Won't you be the change in your world and globe?

Before I close this ridiculously LONG post, which if you've made it this far, you are special to us, I want to open your eyes to a need that grabbed my heart. Human trafficking. For those of you who are not familiar with this, human trafficking is modern day sex slavery and exploitation of women sexually. Roughly 2-4 MILLION girls are trafficked across borders each year. These precious girls and women are expected to service up to 20 men a day. 99% are NEVER rescued. How does this happen? Some women are violently forced. Others are given a promise of a good job overseas and then taken in trafficking. These victims are from all parts of the world and happen to all races of women. These women are subject to many abuses such as: malnutrition, sleep deprivation, emotional abuse, beatings, lack of healthcare and forced abortions. Many contract STD's and hepatitis A & B. And children are deprived of basic education and any sort of parental upbringing, and are completely dependent on their captors for food and shelter. Although this seems like a HOPELESS situation there is so much we can do RIGHT where we are. There is an organization called A21 that is seeking to abolish this injustice. You can join them in praying daily with guided prayers, financially support a victim of this crime, donate, etc. Please visit www.thea21campaign.org to find out how YOU can be the CHANGE!

xoxo

erika

Happy Easter.

2009-04-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter! We are sending a big Aussie shout out to all our easter peeps in the US (get it, easter-peeps...hee, gosh I'm a dork). We are on easter hang over. Its now officially the day after easter and we've got withdrawals. On a more serious note, we wish you fruitful easter egg hunts, many yummy cadbury mini and cream filled eggs, memorable family easter dinners, but most of all reflections on your freedom that was paid over 2,000 years ago.

Freedom. I found myself reflecting on that one thought over and over this Easter Sunday. Because of a sacrifice I don't deserve or couldn't earn I'm free from bondage. Free from the chains of performance. And that is such freedom. I struggle with performance. You see, I'm a perfectionist at heart and I base a lot of my worth on what I can do. But none of that matters to Christ. I don't have to earn his love or approval. You see, that is quite an elementary thought, but I would dare to say that very few actually live like they believe it. I think the world would be a much different place if we did. You see if we truly understood freedom not only would we not need to try to impress God with what we can do, but we would stop trying to SCREAM for attention from others as well. I find that there aren't a lot people in the body of Christ who labour (or serve) out of love. They labour to be loved. By God. And others. And this is in direct conflict with 1 Thessalonians 1:3. When members of the body (church) are striving to be noticed this only breeds disunity. This comes from a performance based mindset. Believing if we serve, serve, serve, someone will notice us and be impressed with what we can do. BUT, unity comes from a mindset of KNOWING we are loved. Realising we don't need to obtain love. Its already been done. Its vital as the body we live from a place of being loved not striving for attention or to be noticed. A relationship with Christ gives us the FREEDOM to LIVE from a place of already being loved. No performance needed. Its already been paid. There is nothing more I can do. What a freeing thought! I've heard so much on freedom over the years, especially at Easter, but for some reason it clicked today. I've been learning so much about freedom and experiencing freedom like I never have and I'm changed. I will never be the same. And I don't have to prove it. Its been done. So on this Easter, I hope you realise your freedom. Live out of your freedom. It will change your life.

xoxo

erika

ps. sorry it took so long to blog. its been crazy lately. but we've learned so much. and experienced so much. look for another blog in the next week to play catch up!

Here are some pics of the city finally enjoy!!!

2009-03-04T21:08:00.000-08:00

Hope you all enjoy these and hope they can give you a little glimpse of what the city looks like. We will continue taking pics and posting them. Thank you all so much for all your prayers and your love. I hear it is getting warm in hometown Missouri. Pretty soon it will be lake season. ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!

Brian

God is awesome!!!!

2009-02-26T19:53:00.000-08:00

Hello to all who read our blog. I first just want to say thank you so much for all your prayers and support that you give us.

School is going really well and finally our intensives have calmed down and we are in a regular schedule. Intensives were two weeks of brain exploding information about church, communication, God, and you name it. I have really enjoyed school so far, and God has taught me so much in the first few weeks. I have learned a lot about myself and have learned that in order to minister effectively to others, I first must understand why I am the way I am. I have a past, just like everybody has a past, and if that is not dealt with, if I can't figure out how to deal with my own stuff, then I can't help anybody else or be as effective in ministry as I could be if I deal with myself. There are things that God has shown me about myself, that I never saw as a big deal, and to most anybody it wouldn't be, but to God, It is a very big deal. So I have been working through those things, and it has been absolutely freeing and amazing. I am learning that God made me the way I am for a reason, and I shouldn't try to be anybody else except myself. Everybody is unique and should love that they are that way, because they are that way for a reason. A simple concept that we hear from the time we are kids, but not until I actually took the time and thought about it and understood it and applied it to my life did it really sink in. God is showing me what it is like to live in freedom and I am loving it. It will be a long journey, but I know it will be incredible.

I am also taking a songwriting class this semester and am learning so much about it that I had no idea about before. I am also taking an old testament class, and may I say I never spent very much time in the old testament before, but looking at it while in this class, I can see that I have been missing so much. So all of you out there that think the old testament is no longer important, I encourage you to get back in it. Its all there for a reason.

Thank you all so much again for your prayer and support. We have posted more pictures on facebook, we will keep trying here as well, but it is difficult to post them on this sight. If you have a facebook go see them on our sight and add us as your friends if you need too. I will try to do better about posting more. We love you all so much

Brian

Guess who's joining the work force?

2009-02-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

You guessed it I (erika) have a J-O-B!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your faithful prayers. I cannot begin to express my gratitude. I am so excited to start this new chapter in my working life. This isn't just a job to pay the bills. It isn't mundane or boring. Not a job I had to settle on out of desperation. This is a job I can wake up each morning excited about work and passionate about what I'm doing. God is so good. I'm just in awe each day of what he has up his sleeve.

As of Thursday February 19, I will be working for Lindamood-Bell. The organization is actually based in the US and has 40 offices there. There is also a office in London and the Sydney office just opened in February. This organization helps individuals with learning and developmental dissablities (dislexia, hyperdislexia, autism, ADD/ADHD). They use a cutting edge learning method which uses visualization and verbalization to increase the learning capacity for each of their students. I will be working as a clinician with kids and teens on a one-on-one basis. Their world renown learning method had been published in respected psychological journals, and the organization has done research for some of the world's top universities. I'm so excited to mesh my education in psychology and experience with teens in this position. Check out www.lindamoodbell.com !

I begin the 40 hours of training tomorrow (Thursday) and continue through the end of next week. Apparently its a pretty intense training where they will teach me their methods. Ready or not, training here I come! Have I mentioned how excited I am???? Heehee. I will post an update after my first couple of days of training and fill all you faithful readers in on my progress!

Love Ya:)

"Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty"

2009-02-03T15:21:00.000-08:00

So here it goes. I am going to attempt to put into words my experience as a member of Hillsong Church. Just as a little disclaimer, words will never due our experiences justice.

When you think of Hillsong Church, what comes to mind? "Shout to the Lord"? Darlene Zschech? Or maybe Brian Houston? Or even "that mega charismatic church in Australia". It is true Hillsong is known for all of these things. I would dare to say, that in the past 3 Sundays we've sat under some of the world's best preaching, teaching, and worship. I've heard preaching like I've never heard before. Scriptures come to light like I've never known. *Side note, if you've never heard Christine Cain preach you must log onto the Hillsong website and take a listen. She is one sista who can bring it!* And the worship...I can't find a word powerful enough to describe Hillsong worship. We've seen some of the world's best lead the congregation in raw and authentic worship. But the one think I've discovered, its not the speakers or the world renown worship leaders that make Hillsong. Its the body as a whole. The body of believers who truly flesh out the body of Christ. As I was worshipping on Sunday, I realized for the first time I wasn't focused on the great music or the awesome band, but I was fully enveloped in the presence of God. I experienced the Holy Spirit in a corprate setting like never before. I was surrounded by a body of believers, of all cultures and races, yearning and thirsty for the Lord. I've never seen such a group of believers so excited to worship the Lord. I've never seen a body of believers so humbled to worship the Lord. And I've never seen believers so thirsty for the Lord. And its authentic. I have to admit, that was the most suprising thing. Its easy to walk in and see a bunch of crazy people jumping around and dancing and it may appear that on stage and in the congregation its all for show. But then as you linger and experience more, you see that these people are just truly excited to be in the presence of God! I think as Christians sometimes worshipping becomes so routine that when we are surrounded by those who are truly excited and thrilled to worship the Lord, its easy to dismiss it as show (this isn't always the case). At least that was my case. As I surveyed the congregation on Sunday, I was convinced I was experiencing an itsy bitsy taste of what it will be like in heaven. Raw, unashamed, humble, JOYOUS worship to the King. And Iwas surrounded by people from all over the world. Europeans, Africans, Indonesians, Asians, Indians, Canadians, Americans, Australians, and so many more in one room lifting high the name of Christ. Indescribable.

Aside from great worship services, we've been welcomed like a King and Queen. People go out of their way to greet us and actually sit down and check on us. Hillsong has a coffee bar for people to mingle after the services. Each Sunday we've been we've had numerous people ask us if we'd like to sit down for a coffee. Now this is after morning service at like 12:30pm, when most families and people want to rush home or out to a restraunt. How guilty I was of that! After a hard Sundays work all I wanted to do was rush home. Gulp. However, so many people have sat down and had meaningful conversation with us. No hurry. No rush. Complete strangers spending an hour of their time after church just chatting with us. Once people find out we're a married couple from overseas, they go out of their way to make us feel at home. There isn't a day gone by without a friend or stranger call, text, stop by, or have us over for dinner. I've never felt so welcomed in my life. Going so far from home is hard at times, but when I'm having a hard time the phone always seems to ring, at the perfect time, with a friend calling to check up on us. The sense of community from such a HUGE church is simply unbelievable. I am so thankful and can't ever repay these people for the sense of belonging they've given.

This post is SO long and I haven't even gotten to "Vision Sunday" we had last week. But I'm going to leave you in suspense! I want to leave you with thank you. Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragment. You have no idea how much it means being so far away from home!

We love you!

Back To School!

2009-01-26T19:28:00.000-08:00

Yes, that is correct! Today is Brian's first day at Hillsong Leadership College! He was so excited! And so was I. I think I got a glimpse at motherhood today. I felt as if I was sending my firstborn off to school for the first time. I made him a hearty breakfast, packed him a sack lunch, and got him on his way! I was so PROUD! I even shed some tears after he left. I can't wait to see what the Lord has for my Bri. Here are some other goings on in our world...
*We celebrated our first holiday, Australia Day, in Sydney! Australia Day is the day the country was founded. However, Australia is NOT a completely independent country. They are a commonwealth of England. We had a great weekend of celebration complete with: a great dinner at a quaint cafe, trip to downtown Sydney, a trip to Darling Harbour (AMAZING), BBQ with friends, pool time, and movies! A great weekend.
*Internet. Still don't have it in the flat. Getting frustrated...grr! We rely on quaint cafe's and internet cafes near our place to get connected.
*There is a hole in the ozone above Sydney. I've been told this by heaps of people. However, I am now experiencing it, first-hand, with the burn I got laying out.
*Coffee. Coffee is divine. No exaggeration. I've never experienced coffee like it is here. However, there is NO such thing as "drip coffee" its all specialty. Just a note on how good it is...Brian has become a coffee drinker! And if you know Brian, you know just how great the coffee is here!
*J-O-B. I've applied to heaps and heaps of jobs. I'm an expert at the whole application/resume process now! There are lots of great opportunities out there. Please pray that I find a job that I enjoy soon! Brian cannot begin work until he has his school schedule which will be after Wednesday.
*Church...so much to say on this subject. In the short time we've attended Hillsong, I've learned SO much. As a matter of fact, I'm STILL processing. I am going to devote a WHOLE post on this later this week. Lets just say, God is at work in this place!
So good to be in blog world today. We love you all heaps and heaps!

Australian Dictionary:
Rubbish-Trash
Arvo-Afternoon
Sunnies-Sunglasses
I reckon-I believe, I think
Tomato Sauce-Ketchup
Take Away-To go
Lollie-Candy

A Taste of Sydney

2009-01-19T17:07:00.000-08:00

Sorry our posts are few and far between since we've arrived, but we don't have internet in our flat yet. Internet service is very different here. You must pay by download and not a flat fee each month. Crazy. So we're trying to find the best package for us. In addition, we are waiting on our debit cards to arrive, and can't set up internet until they do. So we're crossing our fingers to get wireless by the end of the week. So bare with us till then!!! However, we do have some pictures of the city. And can I say its beautiful here? Since we've arrived we've spent most of our time finding appliances and furniture for our flat. So we haven't had lots of time to explore the city yet. Most of these pics were taken at Rose Bay. Tomorrow we are FINALLY going to the beach, so we'll have heaps more pics later. So start the drumroll......here is Sydney:

This is us next to Rose Bay on our way to our friends' place. We had so much fun with them!!!

This is the view from our balcony in our room. Unbelievable!

Well, that is going to have to do for now. We'll post more after we visit the lovely beach tomorrow. Words can't express how much we appreciate your prayers. We love you all SO much. And miss you heaps!!!

Australian Dictionary:

Flat-apartment

Heaps-lots

*Thought you might need this, so you can learn the Aussie way too!!!

G'day from Sydney!

2009-01-15T15:05:00.000-08:00

Hello All!

We arrived safe, sound, and with all our luggage here in Sydney on Thursday (our time). While I'd love to tell you about our journey so far, we don't have phone or internet hookup yet. It is one of our top priorities so we can start communicating regularly. Just wanted to say we're here safe, LOVE IT, and will be up and running with internet soon!

Thanks so much for all of your prayers of safe travel over us! We felt them. It was such a smooth travel.

More soon!!

erika.

Bon Voyage!

2009-01-12T15:32:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the day! The day we've known about for 9 months! This journey leading up to tomorrow has had the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Nothing has stretched my faith like this process. Through all of the laughter and tears, God's hand has been evident in it all. I've witnessed miracles. Like I've never before. And I can't wait to see what he has in store. I know there will be more laughter and tears. But I know we'll see our faithful heavenly Father through it all. And for that I'm excited. I'm excited to see even bigger miracles than I've witnessed already.

As we travel, we'd love & appreciate all the prayer we can get! Those of you who have ever gotten on a plane and experienced delays know what I'm talking about! Here are a couple of requests:

*Weather-It is supposed to snow a considerable amount in Chicago, and unfortunately we are flying through O'Hare. Please pray that we will not experience any delays and arrive to Sydney as planned.

*Luggage-On a mission trip to India my luggage was separated from the plane. I went 2 days without anything but the clothes on my back. Terrible. However, this time we are traveling with ALL our belongings. Please pray that our luggage arrives at the Sydney Airport WITH us.

*Smooth Travel-Alert Pilot, safe travel conditions, etc. A gracious friend in Sydney has agreed to pick us up from the airport when we arrive. We also have a "welcoming team" waiting at the church for us. I would HATE to miss this due to a delay. Please pray that we won't experience any significant delays that would push our arrival in Sydney back.

*Sleep-I don't sleep much on airplanes. Our total travel time is 31 hours. Enough said.

*Health-No sleep. Close quarters. Winter. Time change. Again, enough said.

*Arrival-Pray that despite all the LONG hours traveling we won't be so overwhelmed when we arrive that we miss out on enjoying our first day in Sydney!

Thanks so much for your prayers. There are no words to describe our gratitude for you all. We truly have felt such a blanket of prayer over us. We couldn't have done it without 'em.

Last, but not least, travel details. We will leave KCI at 9:55am tomorrow morning and fly to Chicago, LA, Fiji, and then arrive in Sydney Wednesday night at 7:30pm (your time). It will be 12:30 pm Sydney time. FYI, we are 17 hours ahead in Sydney.

Next time we blog we'll be in the land "down under"!!!!

XOXO

erika.

9 Days

2009-01-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

Bandy/Opperman Family Christmas'

Bandy Family

Opperman Family

9 Days, oh my goodness it is so close. It has been a long time coming, but has gone so fast. We have had so much fun through this whole process so far. We are so so so very grateful for all of your prayers and support. We have heard from so many of you, words of encouragement and that you are praying for us, and believe me we can definitely tell. God is blessing us so much with everything that we need. We have made contacts there and people that we are so excited to meet in person.

We had such a fun Christmas and last few weeks with our families. Please pray for us in this area. Erika and I are very family oriented and will miss our families very much. We had the Opperman side of the family Christmas on the 23rd, and we had the Bandy side of the family Christmas on Christmas Day. Attached are some pictures of the fun that we have had with our families. Thank you all so much again for being a part of our lives and investing in us. I cant wait to take a lot of pictures when we first get there, and share them with you.

Tidbits

2008-12-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry it's been so long since we've updated. These past few weeks have been a whirlwind, and I have a feeling our last few weeks in the States will not be any less crazy! But its a good crazy. Our next weeks include spending as much time with family and friends as possible while squeezing in last minute preparations. Brian and I are savoring every second. Not taking anything for granted. A lot has happened since the last post, so I'm going to give you the reader's digest version. I promise our next post will include pictures of all the fun we're having with family and friends.

We have an APARTMENT. I know this was included in the last post, but I'll go into some detail. We will be living in the on campus apartments for married students. However this is not your momma's normal campus apartments. Hillsong leases a complex of apartments from a large company in Sydney. They are located in Waterloo, which is in Sydney, next to campus and church. Very convienent for Brian to walk to class. We're right there with the heart of Sydney at our fingertips which is great for job opportunities and transportation...and shopping(not that I would EVER dream of such a thing)....hehe. Our apartment consists of a master suite (bedroom and bathroom), kitchen/dining area, and a living room. Here is the link for you to take a virtual tour of a similar apartment. Ours won't come with all the decor and such but it will give you an idea of the layout of our place. http://www.realestate.com.au/realestate/agent/meriton+sydney/mhdsyd/102589302
I'm DREADING packing. Brian and I are taking 3 suitcases a piece, however, we were informed by our international flight that none of the suitcases can exceed 66lbs... or else. Or else we have to LEAVE something at the airport. No fees, but if it the weight is over the limit you CAN'T take it with you. The kind lady with the airline informed us that with international flights they have to put a strict policy in place or their won't be enough luggage room for all the passengers. This means I'm gonna have to master the art of packing. We have some tricks up our sleeves. I have a blueprint of our suitcases and I know what is going in each suitcase! On the up side, this has made me get rid of things I NEVER wear. It also helps that we won't need a bunch of heavy sweaters or coats.
We're on the job hunt. Brian already has an interview lined up shortly after we arrive and a lead on another job. Please continue to pray that the Lord provide us with jobs. On the job note, tomorrow is our LAST day of working here in the States. I am going to miss Commerce so much. When I started I just thought it would be a good temporary job, but nothing more. I never imagined I'd make such great relationships with my coworkers. What a blessing these people and job has been for me. My last day will definately bring tears. But they're throwing me a party, so it will be a day of laughter as well!
It SNOWED in KC...TWICE. As it was coming down I was thinking about how much I'll miss snow in Sydney. That was until I had to drive in it...ick! It nearly doubled my commute time.

T minus 27 days till take off!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve

2008-11-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

I write to you on the eve of our last Thanksgiving in the States for awhile. Bittersweet. I am determined to absorb and cherish each memory this Thanksgiving and weekend holds. The smell of turkey coming out of the oven. Cooking with my mom and mother in law. Sounds of laughter around the table. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. The book my dad reads to me each year about the pilgrim's voyage. Just the feeling of love this day brings. But most of all I cherish, at the risk of sounding cliche, the selflessness and thanfulness that comes with this holiday. This year I am especially thankful. I have so much to be thankful for: my near perfect husband, amazing family, friends...I could go on and on, but this year I am most thankful to be adopted. Thats right adopted.

" 3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.... Ephesians 1:1-5.

Let me be real and painfully transparent with you. This week has been rough. And when I say rough I mean rough. I've spent many moments with the Lord weeping and longing. My mind has been a battleground between the Truth and lies. Satan has tried, and sometimes, conquered my thoughts this week. Somedays I felt extremely defeated. Alas, I knew this was coming. My faith has been increased ten fold through this process of leaving, and I've seen the Lord work in ways that would leave your mouth on the floor. And when God moves, Satan isn't far. So he's trying everything in his power to get my mind off of the Lord and shake my faith. You name it and he's used it. Heartache in relationships. Dissapointment from friends I thought would ALWAYS be there. Not feeling good enough. Fear. Missing my family. He hit me in areas most precious to my heart. Ahh but TRUTH prevails. And it finally pierced the darkness this morning. As I was reading Ephesians this morning in my time with the Lord, ADOPTED nearly lept off the page. The Lord gently whispered in my Spirit, "I've adopted you, Erika. You belong to me. You are not of the world. This is not your home. You don't belong here. You were made for much more." This Truth hit me like a load of bricks. I've known this for a long time. But it wasn't until earthly things I once held dear have been ripped from my grip, did I begin to realize they don't bring true contentment. It wasn't until I HAD to cling to Christ, did I realize those things and relationships will always dissappoint me. They will never bring TRUE contentment or satisfaction. Why? Because I was made for Christ. Period. Things of this world can't satisfy a soul that belongs to Christ and heaven bound. These earthly treasures and relationships are blessings that the Lord gives to us as gifts for here on earth. They were never meant to fill us. Or be held higher than the Giver. However, so many times we exalt and lift them higher than the Lord. Only to find we are left dissapointed and empty no matter how great the relationship or thing. I know this is a Truth we are taught very young in Sunday School, however, knowing it in your head and experiencing it in your heart are very different.

So this Thanksgiving as I sit around in good company of the best family one could wish for, I will be reflecting and thankful for the earthly blessings and relationships the Lord has given me, but I will be MOST thankful for adoption. Adoption by Jesus Christ whom my heart belongs. Thankful for the only One who brings contentment to my weary soul. Longing for my true home where I get to spend an eternity with my Savior face to face. Now thats something to be thankful for. I leave you with some lyrics that describe my heart exactly. The song is called "The CS Lewis Song" by my favorite Brooke Fraser.

If I find in myself desires nothing in this world can satisfy,I can only conclude that I was not made for here. If the flesh that I fight is at best only light and momentary,then of course I'll feel nude when to where I'm destined I'm compared.

Speak to me in the light of the dawn. Mercy comes with the morning. I will sigh and with all creation groan as I wait for hope to come for me

Am I lost or just less found? On the straight or on the roundabout of the wrong way?Is this a soul that stirs in me, is it breaking free, wanting to come alive? 'Cause my comfort would prefer for me to be numb. And avoid the impending birth of who I was born to become

For we, we are not long here. Our time is but a breath, so we better breathe it. And I, I was made to live, I was made to love, I was made to know you. Hope is coming for me. Hope, He's coming.

erika.

Getting Closer

2008-11-20T18:37:00.001-08:00

The day for us leaving is getting so close I (Brian) can't even believe it. The big things are pretty much done, we have our visa, passports, and our apartment in Sydney. Now we are just taking care of the last minute things which is great! It is so neat to see God continually working in our lives. He is teaching me so much about how to live by faith, and also prayer. I couldn't even tell you how much I have learned about prayer. We thank all of you who have been praying for us, we are so grateful and have see God work through your prayers as well.

I recently have picked up the guitar and started learning it. Tim Jarrett has been teaching me different chords and scales and I am having so much fun learning it. It is so different than the piano, but the same concepts. I also get to play a song I wrote next Sunday night at church (on the piano). I have missed leading worship so much, and am very excited for this opportunity.

Right now Im sitting here watching Nick at Nite, but just finished watching The Office. So funny, I won't ruin it for those who have not yet seen it.

We would love to hear from everybody that reads this blog, please let us know how you are, and what is going on in your lives. We want to keep up relations with everybody. If you don't want to leave a comment, please email us. My email address is brian_opperman@yahoo.com Thanks again everybody for your support. We couldn't do it without you. If you are reading this blog randomly and you don't know us, thats cool. Say hi and let us know who you are.

Here and There.

2008-11-07T08:10:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I LOVE lists. Why? Well, if it wasn't for my famous lists I wouldn't get anything done. I suffer from something called "scatterbrained" and without my lists I wouldn't know what to do each day. So you all get to experience an "Erika List". Here are some things that are going on in our world (in no particular order):

1. WE GOT OUR VISA!! As of last Wednesday, we were approved! Quick story, I was getting antsy about the whole visa process so Brian, Dennis, and I all had a time of prayer and in a matter of hours after our prayer time our Visa was approved. How amazing! From the time they got our results from our doctors visits we were approved within 24 hours. Now for those of you who are not familiar with this process, that is nothing short of a miracle. Thanks for all of you who are faithfully praying for us.

2. We are in the process of securing an apartment in Sydney. As soon as specifics are finalized we'll reveal are soon to be residence! Have I mentioned what an amazing provider we have in Christ? He never ceases to amaze me.

3. My family is visiting KC this weekend. I can't tell you how excited I am. We are going to chat, shop, eat, chat, shop, eat...poor dad and Brian. I LOVE spending time with my family. I also get to see one of my bestest friends Julie Johnson!!!!!! Horray!

4. We got to spend great quality time with some dear friends this week. It was so wonderful. We love you Mark, Amy, Jonah, and Melanie.

5. It is COLD in KC. Windy and cold. And for those of you who know me well, you know how much I love wind...ick.

6. Last Friday on date night, we saw a traveling Broadway Production of Disney's Lion King. Took my breath away. No exaggeration. Loved it. Nothing beats live theatre.

Welp, that about wraps it up for now. We love you all so much. Thanks for all your prayers! Drop us a line and let us know how you are doing!

Update

2008-10-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I am excited to write my (Brian) first post on our blogspot. Things are going really well with the visa process. So far it has been about a month long event, but I think we are winding down. We just finished with our doctor visits and the last applications have been sent to the embassy, so we should know something within the next couple of weeks. I have really enjoyed our time in Kansas City. I have gotten to spend a lot of time with Erika and I always look forward to our Friday night date night. In the last 2 months we have grown so much together. Other big news, we have just sent out our prayer cards and letters, and are excited to see God work through those. It is so amazing to me that we have already seen God working through those. Erika told me it would be funny if I did a shout out to somebody, so I just wanted to give a big shout out to Cheryl Dick. I know that is totally random, but I picked you Cheryl because you are my newest friend on Facebook, and I dearly hope that this gets back to you. Oh my goodness I am laughing so hard right now. Oh as you can see that Erika is a much better writer than I am. We are also sitting here watching Dancing with the Stars...... blah, but I like to sit here with Erika. Well I have thoroughly enjoyed blogging for the first time. Please stay tuned, I will be doing this much more, and please stay tuned to some more shout outs!!! We love you all and thank you so very much for your prayers and support!

Love,

Brian

The Great Visa Adventure

2008-10-07T08:12:00.000-07:00

Before I begin the post let me clear up any possible misconceptions that may be drawn from the title of this post, this post has NOTHING to do with a Visa Credit Card. Let me repeat, nothing to do with a credit card. I understand that some of you may think that since I(erika) am such the "shopper" that it must have something to do with me maxing out a Visa Card...nope nothing of the sorts. Since we have all possible misunderstandings of this post out of the way, let me proceed.

Last Tuesday evening, Brian & I began the exciting adventure of obtaining a student Visa. A student Visa will allow Brian to study and work and allow me to work for our full stay in Sydney. Despite all of the horror stories we heard about Visa fiascos, the application process was fairly painless. The Embassy has a website and you can apply for your Visa online! After Brian completed the application and submitted it, it told us the next, and hopefully last, step in the application process-doctor visits. We are required to get very basic physicalls and chest xrays. Not a big deal, right? Well, the following day I called a local doctor to set up our appointments. This was the most RIDICULOUS phone call I've ever participated in...unbelievable actually. As you read the following conversation you will be tempted to think I'm making this up for a good post or fabricating the 'real' story, but please believe me when I say the following events actually happened...

Me: I would like to make an appointments for my husband and I to get physicals.
Receptionist: What kind of physical, full or partial?
Me: (Wondering to self what a partial physical is) Well my husband and I are going overseas for 3 years and we need to get physicals to get our Visa to leave the country. I have a checklist of things we need the doctor to check for us. It is a very basic physical.
Receptionist: Visa? Why do you have to get a Visa to leave the country?
Me: Well, you need one upon entering and staying in a foreign country.
Receptionist: I still don't understand why you need a CREDIT CARD to stay in another country.
Me: (in utter shock and disbelief) Ma'am I am not referring to a credit card but a document that allows you to enter another country.
At this point my office is roaring in laughter (I made the phone call on my break at work). I'm to shush them and proceed on the phone.
Receptionist: Well isn't that what a passport is for? I've never heard of this Visa thing. So I don't know what kind of physical you are going to need and I can't schedule you for an appointment until I know.
Me: Well I have a checklist of things that we need done during the physical and I can read them to you and we can determine what kind of physical we need.
Receptionist: That won't be necessary. Hang on.
Receptionist: (after putting me on hold and making me listen to horrid elevator music for 5 minutes): Why don't I give you the codes for each of the different types of physicals and you call your insurance company and see which physical they will cover and then call me back and we'll set you up for the physical they cover. I don't want you to have to pay more than you have too.
Me: I appreciate that but I'm not concerned about what my insurance will cover. I cannot leave the US without this checklist completed. Can I please just tell you what I need done and then we can plan accordingly?
Receptionist: Okay, well I need you to call your insurance company first so we know what they cover.
Me: (utterly frustrated and desperately wanting to hang up) Okay, go ahead with the codes.

And that is the short version. I was so utterly frustrated that I immediately called Brian and told him that he was going to have to call her back and deal with her; I simply could not. And after two trys, Brian successfully made us appointments for a "basic physical" and chest xrays. Turns out it was much easier than the receptionist was making it. And there you have it, our Visa adventure. And that was the short verstion!

In other news, I turned the big 2-5 on Saturday. We had a BLAST partying it up with my family last weekend. And this weekend Brian is taking me out for our own celebration and then we get to celebrate with Brian's family...I love dragging my birthday out as long as possible. Be looking for our next post...Birthday Edition!

random ramblings from K-C...

2008-09-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

i'm rediscovering my passions. i lost them. i realized that for the past couple of years i allowed "life" to get in the way of doing things that i love. and i'm being reintroduced to them. and i love it. now that i've found them i'm never letting myself become too busy again.

i thoroughly enjoy my coworkers. the Lord is teaching me so much about love & compassion through them. our department is like a community. i've been reading through acts which is simpy amazing and the other day as i watched them interact with one another i was reminded of acts 4 vs 34-35, "There were no needy people among them because those who owned land or houses will sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need." the crazy thing is a majority of them don't even know the Lord. and some of them are putting the body of Christ to shame. what a wake up call for me personally. what am i doing to meet others needs?

as much as i enjoy my coworkers i quickly discovered i could never do a desk job-again. an individual with add should NEVER try to sit at a desk all day. it is killer. i get up and walk around and socialize ALL THE TIME because i just can't stay in my chair for too long. my coworkers tease me about not being able to sit still.... thankfully i discovered this in a temp position and not something permenant.

we are going to a church in Lee's Summit called Abundant Life. and we love it. brian just started leading worship for a prayer meeting that meets each tuesday evening. worshipping the Lord + people + prayer= brian loves it! and i'm getting some opportunities to write and act in some dramas. its so refreshing. i almost forgot how much i loved the stage. it is such an outlet for worship for me. i feel closest to the Lord when i'm on the stage. i get to connect to Him as Creator. i think it is so neat how the first characteristic of God we see in the Bible is God as Creator. i think that gives us a glimpse into the heart of God. and then He gives me the blessing of creating too. i think thats why i feel so connected to Him when i'm acting. such an experience.

brian and i have started "date nights". each friday night we go on a date. and we alternate planning them. so when its my turn i plan a night of things i enjoy and we do it together and vice versa. not only is this great quality time together but i'm learning so much about my husband. i'm discovering likes and dislikes of his that i never knew. this time is so sacred.

the Lord is refining brian and i. and while this is painful, it is beautiful. He is preparing us to say "Lord, i love you MORE than life." and while i wish i could say i've always been able to honestly say this, i can't. i've always clung tight to family, friends, and my possessions. and while there is nothing wrong with treasuring the relationships the Lord gives, they can NEVER be held higher than Him. and if I honestly reflect, i put the realtionships in my life before Him. so the Lord is prunning. so necessary. but the pain sometimes...

in midst of all of this going on around us...i feel so alive.

Good-Bye...The Finale (till January).

2008-09-05T20:57:00.000-07:00

This is our last installment for Good-Bye Springfield. As I look back at all the pictures and reflect on all the memories, I pondered if we ever slept in those final days in Springfield. We packed in so many fun times with family and friends, I don't think we caught a wink! We would gladly do it all over. So here you go...good-bye Springfield....family edition.

Caution! I have a wild and crazy family...beware as you view the madness.

My grandma makes the BEST meatballs...we couldn't resist one last meatball meal!

In honor of the Olympics, we had a Chinese Food Night...it was all homemade...yummy cashew chicken!

Sunday Morning Brunch...can you tell Brian just woke up?!?!

Bye, Bye, Springfield!!

As you can see, I have the best family. As I sit here and post the pictures, I can't help but think about all the things my family taught me over the years. You know, important life lessons, such as...no laughing at the dinner table with milk in your mouth (this had to be a rule for me because I often sprayed my sister across the table), sit up straight or you'll be a hunchback (thanks mom), call if you're going to be late, no arguing with your authority, and the list goes on and on. But seriously, they've taught me a lot. I've become the woman I am today because of the things I've learned from them. And in all the lessons and heart-to-hearts, the most important thing they ever taught me was to LOVE. And while all the other rules and lessons they tried to enstill may have been broken at one time, we always, no matter what, love one another. Thats family.

Good-Bye Part II

2008-08-29T15:59:00.001-07:00

Sorry its taken so long for another post, but we've been busy makin' memories in Springfield and makin' the move to KC! Our last days in Springfield were so memorable and beyond words. So, instead of me trying to capture in words all it meant to us...we're gonna use pictures. After all, they say a picture is worth 1,000 words, and I think you'll find this to be true....

This is the RBC Student Staff going away party for us. It was a surprise. And as you can see we didn't go hungry!!

What a great representation of the RBC Student Staff...(the girls anyway).

Our last Wednesday night at RBC...RBC wouldn't have been the amazing experience it was without the Bock's!

Need I say more?

Members of the Student Band...what would Brian have done without Tim & Alex?!?!

Silly Girlz
Our last Sunday everyone gathered around Brian and I and prayed for us-how powerful...me with the 10th grade girls.

(Please read the following in a low announcer voice with much emotion)... Stay tuned for Part III of our dramatic good-bye.

Good-Byes Part I

2008-08-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

Good-byes are never any fun. However, if you are an emotional, sleep deprived, and relationship oriented female this is ESPECIALLY true. I've found that I should ALWAYS carry a tissue and waterproof mascara! Our time in Springfield is slipping through my fingers. It seems like that April afternoon that we found out we were headed off to our Australian Adventure, was only yesterday! I realize that sounds cliche, but it is so true. Time has just flown! For those of you who are wondering "What AUSTRALIAN Adventure?!?!" Let me explain. Brian and I will be in Sydney, Australia for the next 3 years at Hillsong Church (FYI...this is the church of Darlene Zschech). Hillsong has a Leadership College where you can earn a ministry degree. Brian will be studying in the Worship and Creative Arts program. In addition to obtaining a degree you also get to do an internship with Hillsong. We are so excited to see the Lord work through this adventure. We are both thrilled about the ministry opportunities this is going to bring. The Lord is doing so much in me (that is a post for another day).

Back to good-byes...we've had so many great parties! The silver lining in good-byes, at least for me, is how incredibly loved you feel. I've been overwhelmed with the amount of love and geneorousity we've been shown. So to all of you who've had a hand in this..."Thank You!" Our first party was from the RBC Student Ministry. They surprised us after service last Wednesday night. I had no idea! They showered us with an array of food and fun. We were also presented with a journal that students and parents signed. This is the best gift they could have given us! And in case you're wondering...I blubbered. Our second party was another SURPRISE! The staff at Ridgecrest threw Brian and I a party complete with all the food you could imagine. I've been bombarded with love. My heart is full and happy, as well as my tummy!

Here are pictures of our Student Ministry Party. Pics of the staff party are coming soon!

Leigh Anna and I.

The boys gettin' crazy!

The boyz and me!

Our yummy cake!

Sweetness in Starlight

so much to catch up on...

Showers of Blessing...

34/35 weeks?!?!

"Let Loose"

pReggErs PiCs

a babymoon, a couple gobble photos, & 29 weeks

Progress {total} of the 2nd Trimester

Ode to the Second Trimester...

22 weeks...

Birthday Madness

What's in a Name?

17weeks/4days...

{15 weeks/6 days}

Bub's 1st Family Vacation

i'd like to introduce you to...

the scare.

{12 weeks}.

Advice Needed...

Important Announcement...

Whats in YOUR hand?

Good.

Back in Business...

cleaning and sorting and packing...oh, my!

Update on all things "Opperman"

perfectionism//the ugly truth

Grand Pacific Drive. Just the two of us

blog=blah.

valentines Day 2010 part 2

Valentines Day 2010

Australia Day 2010

Erika likes to look pretty!

Anniversary celebration

Bon Voyage!

countdown.

face-lift and eats

**the BIG 2-6 in photos**

embarassing//

pity. party.

life in photos.

Driving in Australia and other things!!!

sick day with a sunny sky

And the award goes to...

If i have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

Colour Your World.

Happy Easter.

Here are some pics of the city finally enjoy!!!

God is awesome!!!!

Guess who's joining the work force?

"Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty"

Back To School!

A Taste of Sydney

G'day from Sydney!

Bon Voyage!

9 Days

Tidbits

Happy Thanksgiving Eve

Getting Closer

Here and There.

Update

The Great Visa Adventure

random ramblings from K-C...

Good-Bye...The Finale (till January).

Good-Bye Part II

Good-Byes Part I

the BIG 2-6 in photos