Quigley and Co.

Don't cut the apples to thin, they break like this poor soul

This photo does NOT do it justice, this thing was HUGE!

He's a really great finals study buddy! I can't believe I get three weeks off from school. I really don't know what to do with myself! I do know I'm ready for it to be next May, grad school is lovely, but being a nurse practitioner will be a little better I'm thinking.

Us at the DMA with Kyle's parents.

It’s been a whirlwind weekend for Team O’Connell!

Harp finally sleeping on the way home. Leave it to her to only sleep on a Katie Spade bag.

Hello Again!

Hi everyone!

Lots of fun little updates for you all. First, we got to go home for a weekend to see off my brother, Jon, and his family before they move to Hungary next year. Love that little family and we can't wait to hear of all their amazing European adventures. It was also so great to just get to be home even for the weekend. Sometimes you just need a short getaway to hit pause and restart. It was exactly what we needed and such a great time with both of our families. We would have loved to see everyone but there was just not enough time, for everyone we didn't get to see we will be back in December for a week in between Christmas and New Year's.

After we got back we had our send off night at Gateway for Nepal. OUR TRIP IS LESS THAN A MONTH AWAY!!! This is blowing my mind right now. Like really we can't believe it is so close. It feels soooo far but we know it will be here before we know it and it's going to be amazing! You all are also amazing! Thank you all for the support in all forms. It feels like everyone knows what we are about to do and it is so wonderful to have so many of you backing us up. For those of you who have supported us financially a big thank you. Since our last post we have raised over $3000. This is huge, I mean HUGE! We are over and beyond grateful for every dollar. We still have quite a bit left to raise though. Our funds are due if done week. So, if you are still planning on giving, there is not much time left. Remember you can pay online at gatewaypeople.com. Just search Nepal team then create an account and you're set!

This weekend was quite an eventful one for us. I ran my first multi-sport event. (A multi-sport is a triathalon) It was tough and I got a wicked cramp towards the end of the race, but in still loved it and am excited to do more. I placed third in my division and thoroughly got my butt kicked.

We also decided to go to this flea market near or house called Trader's Village. This will be our last trip there as well. It as like stepping into a market in Latin America minus all the cute cultural aspects that make it an enjoyable experience and add some stolen property and heaps of chicharones. Kyle did however get to use his bartering skills. He had bought enough cactus to feed a small nation and I wanted a makeup pallet. But, we didn't bring enough cash for both. So, he convinced the girl to take what money we had and our bag of cactus and call it a deal. And she did! It was hilarious and so worth feeling like we might get jumped at any minute, it's just never happening again!

Lots and lots of love,
Kyle, Katie, Quigley and Harper

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

Hello everyone!