So this post is waaaay late BUT we celebrated our 9th anniversary on November 28! A lot has changed in that time. I’m a bit bigger than I was 9 years ago and Elizabeth…well she’s even more beautiful than before. :) But seriously, something very important has changed. Through time our relationship has grown. It is wonderful to love someone completely for who they are, all their strengths and flaws. And it is wonderful to have them love you the same way! What a beautiful picture of God’s love for us: unconditional, complete, and all-encompassing. I think God also intended marriage to make us better Christians. There’s nothing like living with a completely different person to show you your own selfishness and pride. Yes, a lot has changed in 9 years and I am thankful for it! Except for the extra pounds…that needs to go. :)
6 years? Is it really true? :) I don’t feel that much older. But yes, March 29, marked our sixth year serving in the Philippines. Six years ago, our family moved across the world full of plans, goals, and excitement to see God work. And He certainly did! Just not in all the ways we planned. :) Why? So He could get the glory, and not Chris Baran. Yes, it is good to be prudent and make plans… but don’t be surprised when the Lord moves those plans aside to accomplish His own will. Right now, I’m in a place I never envisioned but I know God orchestrated. Six years ago, I would never have thought that North Cebu Baptist Church would be nationalized. Six years ago, I would never have thought I would be assisting nationals plant new churches! But here we are and God gets all the glory! I’m thankful to serve a wonderful Savior Who knows much better than I. 
