Settled in the South (the kind-of South)

Wow, it really has been awhile since we last posted, and I guess it has been a long while since we have been out west. Ben of course is married now, and like a good man he has combated the urge to nest and has kept traveling; he and his wife calling Washington, Mexico, and soon, Northern Ireland way points on their journey toward a white picket fence. Or knowing them, there might not be a fence, but just a border booth. Actually Ben will have a fence, but it will be a double-layered fence that only covers 3/16th of his yard.
I am in Siloam Springs again. I work at John Brown as an administrative assistant for the director of a leadership program. I also moonlight at Wal-mart-I am a vendor who stocks the CD's and DVD's. And I work with the Cathedral Choir. This includes taking notes, learning music, reading books, philosophizing with Mr Smith, and leading the Alto sectional on Wednesday nights at 7pm.
Ben and I both have real bills to pay now, and any wandering or wondering we have done has the danger of being replaced by work. Now, I haven't talked to Ben about this, so maybe he doesn't feel that, but I bet he does.
A little quote I'd like to share with you all. I know it is kind of lame or even cheesy, but I got this quote on a birthday card from my distant and lovely sister Katie Funk. Please read solemnly:
"No one can possibly know what is about to happen. It is happening each time, for the first time, for the only time." This quote is by a fellow named James Baldwin.
This is true for me now; because I have no idea what is going on, and this quote gives me a little comfort. It also makes me feel all right about living in ignorance.

And I will add this too, as it has been an encouragement to me. It is from Psalm 16. Verses 7-11.

7 I will bless the Lord who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.
My body rests in safety.
10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead
or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
11 You will show me the way of life,
granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Ben and I haven't talked on the phone much, so I can't give you any updates on him. So Ben, if you read this, I'm calling you out to write something.

Here are few pictures of me at our new house. My house-mates are Ryan Ransdell and David Burney. They are very helpful. Katie Funk got me a cook book and some bread mix for my birthday, and these pictures are me utilizing those gifts. Sarah Kientz was a great help.