It's Official

First engagement at Bauernhof Kitsteiner. (I really hope it's the first of many in this slice of heaven here in Tennessee.) 

 

Here is what watching Gabe and Maryah over the last four years has taught me: 

 

1. While this world may feel hopeless and contentious (especially around election time), there are still lots of moments of beauty. Look for them! Treasure them! Celebrate them! 

 

2. We need community. My kids need more than just John Kitsteiner and me. They need other adults who can speak into their lives. I am so thankful these kids' parents have allowed me to be a part of their lives. 

 

3. Being an intentional parent MATTERS. It may seem like you aren't making headway, but you are! (Gabe Kotynski was just a "little bit" strong-willed growing up, but he loves the Lord and now he's running his own landscaping business and renovating the farmhouse on our property for his first home with his wife!) Stay strong Dads and Moms. Raising humans is the BIGGEST and most IMPORTANT job you will EVER do. (And if you aren't a parent, you can still pour in to the lives of young people!)

 

4. First loves CAN be forever loves! It doesn't always happen, but sometimes it does. Don't discourage kids by telling them to wait until they get older. The idea that we needed to "sow our wild oats" and then "settle down" doesn't make sense to me. Why can't we change the verbiage and encourage kids to "begin their adventure together" instead of making the adventure END when they get married?!

 

5. There are still kids in the world who are trying to live and love the way the Jesus asked us to. Not every kid is hopeless and headed for problems. Your children are not hopeless even if it feels that way sometimes. Brooks Gray and Nichole Gray and Edward J Kotynski and Hannah G Kotynski have many more children still to raise, but the beautiful and lovely Maryah Gray and Gabe Kotynski are starting things off well!