AZ + Happy Birthday to Meee!

We are getting settled here in our new ABQ home! It is nice and sunny and dry. We are living in a neighborhood called "Old Town" close to the Zoo and minutes from busy Central Avenue, which you might know better as Route 66.

Did you know that Albuquerque sits at about a mile above sea level? No wonder I find my feeling short of breath at times. I see you, Denver!

We drove in Wednesday night after spending a fun 4 days in Flagstaff Arizona, about an hour and a half south of the Grand Canyon.

Arizona was so fun to explore. We spent our first day hiking, shopping and eating in beautiful Sedona, AZ. The sunset on the red rocks was not to be missed.

                                

                                

The Grand Canyon the next day continued to provide non-stop breathtaking views.

It was a little more chilly than California, especially at sunset!

The next day we stayed local in Flagstaff. I was pleasantly surprised by this college town. It was so trendy yet down-to-earth and had so many fun shops, good eats and coffee. We even caught an open mic night before dinner.

                               

We had to say goodbye to our host David the next morning. We so appreciated his hospitality, late night talks, yummy breakfast and the opportunity to feed his red tail hawk in the garage. I think Austin's face says it all:

 

Being in Albuquerque has made it easy to come down from our vacation high. Maybe this is easy to say since I don't have to start work until the 22nd. We have so enjoyed making this cute cottage feel like home, eating at new tasty restaurants, finding the nearest groceries, dog park, post office (you get the picture). People here have been warm and welcoming.

Over dinner on Thursday night, Austin challenged both of us to a task here in our new home: we want to be intentional about our conversations and time here. We want to be authentic as we meet new people and tell them our story and listen to theirs. I believe that will be the best way to share the Gospel with those we don't know well and won't be with for long.

This doesn't mean presenting ourselves in an intimidating or insensitive way. It just means we want to have less "fluff" in our conversations and more words of humility, love and encouragement. We are only here for a short time.

I get nervous that we will not be able to enjoy all the places and things that fly by the windshield as we drive downtown. I know God is faithful and He has brought us to this place and He will help us make the most of our time here by guiding us in new experiences, and maybe even breaking us in hard times that bring us back to Him.

And that's really how we want to spend our lives.

Love to you all,

Ellen

Tucker feeling right at home:)