Hello everyone!

Wow, it has been such a long time since I have posted an update! I said I was going to do better at that, whoops! Ok, so really quick let's catch you all up to speed through the summer and up to now then go into the future.
So, this summer was a little dreary in the O'Connell house. I was a single dog mom of two and Kyle was trampsing through the jungles of Indonesia catching frogs, snakes, lizard, etc. for his dissertation. It was long and hard for both of us, but we survived and will be ready for the next time (yes, there will be a next time). He got home, we were happier than ever, and kicked it into high gear since then. We started training for a trip we are taking to Nepal this November. It is going to require a lot of up physically, spiritually and mentally. We will be hiking from village to village spreading the word about child trafficking and basic health knowledge for two weeks. We are so honored and so pumped for this experience. We would love for you to be a part of our journey though! Find our Facebook page Nepal in November and like it! Also, we have been presented with a great opportunity to trust The Lord with this. We have to raise $7,000 for the trip (yes there are four 0's after that seven). So far, we have raised a whopping $160. We have two months for God to bring in the rest. This being said, we would love for you to partner with us financially as well. Giving is like the easiest thing in the world too! Just go to gatewaypeople.org and search Nepal trip. It will direct you from there!
Besides gearing up for our trek, we have both been busy with work and school. Kyle is knee deep in some really exciting new research. I would have you tell him about it, but I get lost in all the steps and processes and such (trust me, it's exciting, but the nitty gritty is confusing)! I also started back to school this semester. I have the opportunity to pursue my master's in Pediatric Nurse Practitioning and I could not be more excited! It is what I have always wanted to do! Now, I just have to make it through without losing my mind!
We also decided to start a small group for young married couples (as if our plate isn't full enough). We noticed in such a huge church as Gateway is, there were no groups of young married people. So, we took the charge and started a group. We had our first meeting and had quite the shock. No one came, except one, young, not married girl. Let me tell you, this was a little hard to swallow at first. But, the Lord knew. It was not about us and it was all about the people he wants us to reach through this. That week, this was exactly what she needed and we were more than happy to pour into her life. It truly was an amazing time and we are looking forward to what comes next!
So, besides having one Sunday off a month and a few Friday nights here and there we are keeping our heads above water and hanging on for the ride. It is so exciting to be in such a crazy time of life, but we are loving every minute of it. We love and appreciate all of you so much, and will keep you updated a little better from now on!

Tons and tons of love,
Kyle, Katie, Quigley and Harper