that time we went to Thailand

While Brian was on his exercise in Korea he called me with a few days left and said, "Babe, I'm taking leave when I get back. I wanna take you somewhere. Plan a trip anywhere." And THAT is a good man right there. We, of course, knew at that time that we were pregnant and wanted to take one last big trip before baby and the timing just seemed right. So, I booked two flights to Thailand and off we went.

We ended up going to Phuket and just staying there. We would have loved to have traveled around the country some, but honestly, I just wasn't feeling up to it in my first trimester. We wanted a simple, lay at the beach or the pool and eat a lot vacation. And that is what we got! We spent much of our time lounging at the roof top, saltwater infinity pool at our hotel. We had a view of the ocean on one side of the pool, and lush green mountains on the other. And we practically had the pool to ourselves everyday. It was so quiet and relaxing. Just the refreshment Brian needed after his time in Korea. 

But don't worry, we did enjoy a few of the touristy things that Thailand has to offer. Because how can you be in Thailand and not ride an elephant? Am I right? And Brian played soccer with an elephant which was hilarious and so completely random. We also rented a motorbike for our week there and rode all over Phuket on that thing. It was slightly dangerous, as speed limits and road lines are non existent in Thailand, but it was so much fun to have the freedom to explore on our own. 

We got two celebrate our 2 year anniversary while we were there which was so special. I just adore this man. Plain and simple. Being married to him is a dream and I can't believe I get him for eternity. The past 2 years have been the best adventure of my life and I am beyond blessed to get to live life with this man by my side. 

And oh boy, I am so excited to see him become a daddy. 

God was so so good to me, as I was not feeling well up until leaving for this trip. But as soon as we landed in Thailand, it was like the sickness went away and Thai food sounded delicious to me! So we ate our weight in Pad Thai, thai curry, and fruit. And it was wonderful.

The beaches were great and beautiful, though we both agree that they had nothing on our Okinawa beaches. 

You just can't beat white sand and turquoise blue water. We are spoiled by living here.

 What a wonderful trip it was. I am so so thankful for our time here in Asia where we can travel and see this side of the world. We do not take it for granted. 

the getaway.

In honor of our first year of marriage and due to a lot of generosity from some special people in our lives, we got to take a quick beach trip over our anniversary to celebrate. 

It was so sweet to get away, lay on a beach, eat good food, and be with my man. 

We spent a lot of time reflecting on how undeniably blessed we have been throughout this past year. 

Just a few things from our long, long list that we made..

A free to us wedding. That was perfect. And such a celebration.

A free place to stay for the first 6 months of being married. 

Getting to spend the first 6 months of marriage around our families, whom we adore. 

Perfect jobs that were provided for us during our time in Charlotte.

The overwhelming generosity we have experienced from so many people that love us well. 

Immediate genuine community upon moving up to Virginia.

A job that Brian truly feels called to. A place where we can use our marriage for ministry. 

This time was such a breath of fresh air, and such a reminder of the promise that our Lord truly desires good for those who serve Him and are called according to His purposes. Have we been perfect this year in serving Him? No. Has He been perfect in fulfilling His promises? Yes.
That is the God we serve, people. Grace. Mercy. Abounding love. Never ending. Amen. 

Never ending coffee and the most delish breakfast at the quaint little Bed & Breakfast we stayed at. 

Homemade pasta salad and halfsies on a $5 footlong. Just keeping it real and in the budget.

Solo shots. That's how we do when we are on our anniversary trip and don't feel like talking to people.

We were so thankful for this time together, even though it was a quick trip. I never, ever regret taking time to get out of the everyday routine and get intentional with my better half.  It makes me better, it makes him better, it makes our marriage better. 

year one.

This year has been the most fun, adventurous, fast, loving, beautiful, imperfect, perfect year of my life. A year ago today I married my best friend and I can honestly say that I love that man so much more today than I did a year ago.

I've learned so much about who I am as a women, and as a child of God through my marriage. I have seen good sides of myself and I have seen really, really ugly sides. I've experienced more grace and forgiveness than I deserve. 

My marriage pushes me to Jesus, and really, what more could I ask for? It isn't always pretty, actually it rarely is, but it is sanctifying and it is real and it's more than I could have ever imagined. 

I've grown to love this role I am in. I love getting to cook dinner and make a home that my husband loves to return to. I love that I am the one that gets to encourage Brian and remind him that he has what it takes. I love that I get to stand beside him through this journey that we are on. I love getting to play the supporting role. 

I cannot wait to see what year 2 holds for us. A new country, a new job, a new community. I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else. 

Pictures by Jenna Thomas