Monday, August 22, 2011

Summer Update


Greetings Friends!
What a busy summer it has been!

A Castle Fit for the Frases
We have been in our new house for about 1 month now. We are really enjoying having neighbors, a yard, and lots more storage/space. We are still slowly settling in, as things take alot more time when one is pregnant and chasing a very busy and curious one year old. We are mostly unpacked, and now are just trying to decorate, make cosmetic repairs and make it really feel like our home. This is tricky with limited time, manpower and budget; but the challenge of making it work without spending much money is half the fun. We have been finding the treasure in revamping what we have and finding new uses for things. All it will take is a little time, patience and creativity and we will have the perfect place for our family to grow in.


Happy Birthday Ella!


On August 17th Ella turned one year old. Can You believe it has been a year already?!! What a precious and life changing year it has been! She
has brought more joy and delight to our lives than we ever could have imagined! Parenthood has been the greatest discipleship tool in my (annie) life thus far. Nothing in my life has taught me more about Jesus than having to die to myself for this little person every day. There isn't much glory in it and sometimes it is hard to see the beauty of it in the day to day mundane tasks, like diaper changes and doing the dishes for the umpteenth time that day. But what I am slowly learning, is that is exactly the point! It is in those moments that I truly begin to understand the life that Jesus lived: humbling himself to become the lowest of the low; and I begin to understand the call on my life to do the same.

I am greatful for the lessons I have learned this past year. Isn't it so like the Kingdom of God that I would learn some of the most profound lessons of my life, from this little tiny person who drools and eats off the floor! :-) We are so grateful to all of you who have invested in us during this past year as we have begun our journey as parents. Please be praying for us, and Ella as we embark on the second year of our journey with her. May God continue to use her to teach us what it means to be like Jesus and in turn use us to teach her the same.


Our New Adventure
Justin has been busy working in his new role as studio 501 staff. In the morning and early afternoon he is busy building the new studio. You can see pictures of the progress on our 'studio 501 under construction' tab on our home page. He is learning all the special techniques that go into building and designing a recording studio. It is no simple task: everything has to be built specially so it can be sound proofed to provide the best sound quality possible. It is going to be an amazing space when it is done! So many people will be touched by this studio and we are eager for how God is going to use the new studio 501 to be a tool for the gospel going forth; and for releasing people to walk in the fullness of their musical gifts unto the glory of God. In the late afternoon Justin is studying music theory and practicing drums. He loves being able to learn and engage daily in his passion for music.

Annie is going to be joining the community life department here on base. Community life over sees special events (such as holiday celebrations) for our YWAM community. These events are meant to promote community, fellowship, and to bless the people and families who are serving here at YWAM Montana. This is something that she can balance with her busy schedule as a mom. She is so excited to use her gift of hospitality and her passion for bringing beauty to the world as a blessing and refreshment to those who are serving here and going to the nations.



Washington Bound!
We are planning a visit to the Seattle area in September. Our plan is to be there from Sept 3rd to the 25th. Our hope for this time is to connect with our friends, family, supporters and prayer warriors in the Seattle area! We want to continue to share our lives with you, and feel that this time of connecting is important for us to be able to do that. We would love to visit you, so please let us know if you would be interested in connecting with us and we will make it happen.


Prayer Request
You can access our current prayer requests at any time via our 'prayer requests/needs' tab on our home page, however I would like to specifically ask for prayer for our little girl on the way. Please continue to pray for a healthy mamma, baby and delivery (delivery isn't till December, but it doesn't hurt to start praying now)

May God Bless you and may you enjoy the remainder of your summer!

Love,

Justin, Annie, Ella and "Baby Girl" Frase





Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Its a Girl!

At our 20 week ultra sound we found out that baby #2 is a GIRL!!! We couldn't be more thrilled! We are so happy to be the parents of two girls! What an incredible blessing to raise them, and watch them interact as sisters. I have two sisters of my own, and I know the amazing bond that takes place between sisters! It is one of the most frustrating (at times) but also one of the truest, most unconditional, and character building loves there is. I have learned so much from my sisters and feel so blessed to have walked through life with them. A sister is a built in best friend and I feel honored that God has given me the privilege of raising two girls who I pray will share that same bond. I am so happy that Ella will get to have a sister and especially one so close to her age!

Now that I know it is a girl, I feel as though now I can begin the journey of really getting to know this precious life inside of me. I find such joy in the quiet times when I can pray for her, and seek God about who she is, and will be. Please join us in praying for this new little girl who will be entrusted to us. I would love to hear if any of you have a word for her or about her, or for us as her parents; please feel free to share those with me. We welcome your prayers and encouragements! Thank you for investing your time and prayers with us. You are all such a huge part of our journey! We love and appreciate you!

Justin, Annie & Ella


more to come from the Frases so stay tuned....