family.

i don't think this happens to everyone. single girl trying to figure herself out, frustrated sometimes at her inability to grow up, unsure about life and her place in it, taken under wing by an entire family who chooses to adore her, see past her failings, challenge her to be more than she expects of herself, sets her apart as their own, and actually takes the time and effort to convince her that she is precious to them, loved, and enjoyed. it's ridiculous and i just don't know how i rate.

this is justin. he's not the real batman, but he does have four black belts, so... anyway, he is the patriarch of this family that has shown me such favor. this is a man who seeks after the righteousness of God...who i have seen push past the easy outs to attain consistency in his integrity. he loves bringing glory to his God and inviting others in as he does. i don't understand exactly the concept of teaching people how to worship, but it's something he is gifted in and i hope it rubs off on me. he also loves making me laugh (which isn't really hard for him).


this is mare. mary beth. oh, to be like this woman. she has found peace unlike anyone i've known. she is the mother of three, a pastor's wife, a former nurse, and a homeschooler. and she still finds time to love me. she is the epitomy of the woman who can laugh at the days to come. for someone like me who worries about everything and suffers with anxiety, she is like a breath of peace. she is teaching me how to trust. she is also lets me cry on her, holds me and cuddles me when i need it (which is a lot), and cooks me really yummy food. my favorite thing is that people think we look alike. this is one of the highest compliments i get. i think she is one of the most beautiful people i know.

meagan is their oldest. she's gorgeous, just like her mother, and the coolest kid maybe ever. "i'm serial, meagan. i'm totally serial."

JB (justin bryan, jr.) is their oldest son. i'm marvelling as i watch this incredible kid grow up. he is maturing right before my eyes, and i'm loving every second of it.

spencer...oh spencer. spence has the gooshiest part of my heart all his own. he kills me. he is the funniest, craziest, most affectionate, obedient fantastic little five year old. i adore him.

harrison (booba) was only born four years ago, but i swear he is twenty-eight...he's this little man...it's uncanny. he is incredibly funny, and when i do something he doesn't like, he threatens to call me by my real name (as opposed to the affectionate "wolisa" i'm usually known by in that house).

i love these people. more incredible, they love me. go figure.
(it's too bad they don't read my blog.)