Two Years Later...

A lot has happened in my life since my last post. Today as I was reading Adonai's blog, I realized that it's been two years...

But for anyone who used to read this blog and didn't know...there is now a Mrs. Craig Phoenix! You can see her in one of our "engagement day" photos at the top (in Guatemala) and also below in her gorgeous wedding dress from this past May (at her family's farm). I am a blessed man to have Kelly as a partner on this journey through life. She is an interior designer by trade, a servant at heart, a passionate follow of Jesus, and a loving wife. I am so thankful for her.

As for major happenings since leaving Guatemala...I graduated this past Spring from Missouri Baptist University St. Louis with a bachelor's degree in Ministry and Leadership. Earning a degree in Christian Ministry was one of my biggest reasons for coming back to the U.S. As for work,  I spend Wednesdays at our home church doing youth ministry, and the rest of the time I do maintenance work at my father-in-law's factory (thank you Ficker men for teaching me so much about mechanical work!). Kelly and I just got settled into a small apartment in St. Louis close to church and work, and we are doing our best to lay a firm foundation for our family so that we can be useful instruments to God--for His kingdom purpose. Our future is wide open to whatever God would ask of us. We constantly remind ourselves not to get too comfortable in our temporary home or surroundings but to keep our focus on Christ and sharing Him with those around us. We are strangers and foreigners on this earth. Our home is in heaven, and eternity is in our hearts. We're just passing through.

(My Best Man, David, looked pretty sharp dressed up)