October completely ran away with me! This blog has been on my heart for a few weeks, but I haven't had the time to sit down and put it together. Please forgive me!

First and most importantly - I have a new nephew! Cannon Hudson Toro was born October 3, 2014 at 11:20am. His height and weight were exactly the same as his older brother's, Parker, birth stats. He's beautiful and perfect... and a genius just like his aunt! :0) I cannot wait to see and be a part of his life!

This was such a gift, because I was unable to be there when Parker was born (I was actually on a plane from Bangkok to Japan at the time). But despite the doc's assurance that Cannon would come before his due date, the little guy waited until the weekend I'd had circled on my calendar for months (the only time I could be there). I was actually with Parker when Cannon was born, so we did many cheers about him becoming a big brother!

This month - October - has been such a celebration of beauty. Beauty in new life, beauty in new colors as the world fades into winter, beauty in changes even if they are hard to live through - like saying good-bye to a great season with a roommate who I loved living with. God gave me this sweet verse last week that I am claiming for my home now and any home I live in for the rest of my life:

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,
    in secure homes,
    in undisturbed places of rest.

Isaiah 32:18

I'll take it. :)

As much as I don't like cold weather, as much as I am a daughter of light, I love Autumn. I love the colors and all things fall-y. So these past few weeks have been magical. A few weeks ago, some friends and I from Adventures went apple picking in the mountains. It was a day of laughter and beauty, of red delicious and pig races, brilliant color and a cobalt sky.

*Photo on left by Nicole Ricketts.

For so many gifts, I am thankful!

October also marks my 5th year anniversary with Adventures! I couldn't believe it when I realized it- 5 years! That's a pretty cool milestone to hit. I'm so thankful for each and every day. I am so thankful for my life!

And... tomorrow I head to Thailand! Yay! In all the craziness, I completely forgot to write about the changes with this trip. Mainly, that Cambodia was cancelled due to not enough people signing up for it (so the dates now are October 29-Nov. 9). And then, I got the SWEETEST deal ever on a flight, thanks to the best travel agent ever. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the price. So the overall cost was greatly reduced. Some of you have asked if there's support still needed, and the truth is, yes, the total amount hasn't come in yet. I don't know the exact amount still needed, as some spoken gifts are still on the way. I'm just trusting that God will continue to provide - as He always has!

To give financially, you can click "Support Me" on the top left of the screen for an online donation, or send a check to:

Adventures in Missions, INC.

P.O. Box 742570

Atlanta, GA 30374-2570

Please make all checks out to AIM and write "Kristen Torres-Toro" in the Memo line.  

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Thank you so much for everything! Thank you for praying and for all of your support! I cannot wait to see and then tell you what God is doing in Thailand!