We've been MIA the past couple of weeks without warning you. Sorry all! Victor and I have been praying for guidance and protection as we get deeper into our season with the Lord. There's big stuff going on, but we are going to keep it under wraps for now. I guess you'll have to wait for all the big news! (warning: pregnancy and elopement are not a part of the big news)

My job has been getting some blessings with new art projects. These photos are from a mural we're hosting at a local women & children shelter in Long Beach. Aren't the kids so adorable? I feel so blessed to know that families and community members are working together to create a beautiful mural that will stay at the shelter for years to come! God is amazing.

I promise to keep in touch with you more.

♥

I'm always impressed with how the Holy Spirit speaks to us to other people and whispers "prayer for them" in their ears. It happened to Victor on Wednesday and to me about 4 minutes ago.

We've been struggling a lot with direction. We try to not confide it in others but the Lord draws the conversation out. We both are very reserved when it comes to guidance. Thankfully, the Lord is always faithful. He spoke to us through a life group member (for Vic) and through a client (for Camille). It always ended in prayers for guidance. 

I'm so thankful that He's with us.

We're both thankful that the Father gives us community to support us. When we think about how long we've come since moving down here we can see His fingerprints everywhere. We were secluded and had no community to keep us accountable. The Lord planted us amongst believers and has given us shoulders to lean on and people to pray with.

Vic recently bought Diablo 3, so our "couple time" has resulted in being around each other while we're working on our latest hobbies. Mine has been making the bouquets and boutonnieres for a coworker's wedding. Her name is Kelly and she's such a unique gal. She didn't want a diamond engagement ring, so her fiancee donned her with a pearl. These feather + pearl bouquets are inspired from her general quirkiness and classy style. I really enjoy making personalized touches for my friends' weddings. This budding craftiness has led us to discuss plans for our wedding too. 

(Mister Diablo-3-Addict still hasn't proposed yet)

There's a new art exhibit at my (Camille's) workplace. Juan, the building manager, taught lithography and portraiture to some residents of a local homeless shelter. The exhibit is compiled of self-portraits by people who were formerly homeless. It's exquisitely done by each individual artist.

This started making me think of Victor and his big heart. Vic isn't artistic like Juan is--but his heart is just as big. He does so much to recognize, honor, and respect people. Even the homeless ones that we choose not to look at. Victor sees them and offers to help them. Sometimes we get taken advantage of (one time a lady said her car was broken down and needed $5 for gas, we found her smoking a cigarette and laughing with friends in the same spot 2 hours later). 

I feel really blessed to be with someone who's so humble and compassionate towards others. It's a wonderful feeling to know that we're in a Christian relationship that understands pouring out Christ's love to those in need while also taking time away from it all to pray and prepare ourselves.

I'm a small bit sorry for leaving all my feelings in this update. I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am for Victor. We've learned so much from each other and how we observe and serve God. The best part is that there's still more to learn and more to grow.

Love you fam!

We recently had a conversation about formidable family cars.

This is a Volkswagen Kombi. It's Victor's choice.

Camille's still trying to figure out if he's serious.

Real life is difficult!

We really miss you fam. We miss Santa Cruz and driving near farms and walking through the forest and being at the beach. But our lives must move on and we're moving along with the tides of big city living.

I wanted to fill you in on a couple things:

Victor wears his Santa Cruz sweater everywhere

We're still dreaming about that delicious breakfast at Red Apple

God brought us to this, so He'll get us through this! (Thanks Pastor!)

Love you!

The circus is (permanently) in town!

Camille's job gave us free tickets to watch Cirque du Soleil's IRIS at the Kodak Theater. It was an amazing show! Camille's gotten into circus arts and really wanted to share her new interest with Vic. He got a little emotional during some of the act. We were both amazed at the dedication and performance of each acrobat, clown, trapeze artist, aerialist, and dancer.

We consider ourselves to be a cinema enthusiast couple. That's why watching IRIS was so important for us. It brought so much inspiration, encouragement, and awe! 

2 & counting...

After a heart-filled journey to our little haven by the sea, we've decided that our season of intention is now behind us. We have two years of preparation under our belts. It's time for the season of planning.

We started this season with praying for protection and guidance as we begin moving further towards our careers and closer to our marriage. We're so thankful to have a heavenly Father that loves us and looks over us. His love is truly what keeps us together, guided, and strong.

Thank you, family, for your love and support! We're excited to move into this next season.