"But he was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our sins, the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

Happy Easter!

Tyler and I were able to go home for the first time since Christmas for Easter - it was a great time. We decorated Easter eggs with Ben and Abby (Tyler's cousins) at Grandma Klein's house. It was the first time I've ever decorated Easter eggs, I had a blast, just like the kids!

We were able to spend time with my family on Saturday at a get together and with Tyler's family Sunday afternoon and then we headed back home.

Good Friday service and Easter Service Sunday were definitely a highlight of going home. It's always good to hear Pastor Bill's preaching and get really fed from the word of God.

I'm reminded to pray for those who have walked away from God or those who are just ignorant of his existence, it's sad that people don't care enough to have a relationship with our almighty Father. God is so real in our lives, so it's hard for me to grasp that I have family that has walked away from the relationship they've had with Christ-You can help pray for these people too :)

We look forward to the trips home this summer for Jonica's Graduation, maybe a few weddings, and other things! We move to our new apartment (in the same house) on June 1st, which will be a blessing because we will have our very own Washer and Dryer!!! woohoo :) And, the end is near with school - our graduation date got posted - drum roll....May 1, 2010!!!!!! We are officially seniors in college :)

Love,

The Klein's

Jena's Birthday

My 21st Birthday was last Thursday and it was the best Birthday I have ever had!!! Well it was my first birthday in the 6 years that Tyler and I have been together that we were married and I got to spend the entire day with him!!! I love him and the best gift was just getting to wake up beside him :)

Well - the day was just amazing - my co-workers through me a SURPRISE birthday party which Tyler knew for weeks was taking place! I walked up to meet my boss to hand her something and everyone was standing outside the board room - check out the picture with all the food - these ladies can cook!!!! I've never had a surprise birthday and I was ecstatic!

Later that evening my sister Kady and her boyfriend Justin came all the way from Illinois to take us out to dinner - to my favorite Restaurant in Marion, The Mill, and it was tasty and sooo nice to be with them. They stayed the night at our place and we stayed up playing wii games, but I felt so special that Kady would drive all that way to be with me on my birthday - she completed my 21st - what a good sister!

Tyler took me shopping in Ft. Wayne on Friday so I could get new clothes for our vacation to Florida in 2 weeks!!! He had planned taking me to a movie but I figured it would be more fun to watch a movie at home, just relaxing and snuggling! Wow -- I really got spoiled this birthday. Thanks for all the Birthday cards I got in the mail - I am reminded that I have family that cares and remembers us even when we are a state away.

Other than that Birthday extravaganza - life is going smoothly. Tyler's classes are just now winding down a bit (just a bit)...We leave for Sarasota, FL in 2 weeks for Spring break with John and Larissa McLain (friends from Illinois) so that will be a relaxing/slow down time in the spring. My classes are going good, getting a little harder, but I like the challenge. Work is good for the both of us and we are so happy that God is leading our lives the way he wants - he is a Great God!

-Love from Marion :)

Winter Retreat 2009

Top --The Klein/Ciulla Siblings :)
Laura and I - my favorite youth!

Jonica and I taking a skiing break - brrr! Tyler with a thumbs down and me with a #1 -- Tyler admitting I am better than him at skiing - it was a beautiful sound!
Below -- Jacob, Brandon, Tyler and Micah hitting the slopes.



This was the first trip Tyler and I took as Youth helpers/workers and it was amazing! Lexington Community Church traveled in two church vans with 16 youth and 4 adults (us and Brandon and Steph) up to Wisconsin. We arrived Saturday afternoon - got unpacked and headed out for the slopes. Skiing has always been something I've loved - but Tyler may disagree after falling countless times down the easy and expert slopes. The kids had a blast despite the cold weather! Sunday we headed to the Dells to the indoor water park - Kalahari - which is always a favorite as well. There were a lot of slides and of course the lazy river :) When we returned Tyler was priviledged to have prepared the message for the kids on Acts 2:42-47. God spoke through Tyler and it was so cool to see him connect with the youth in that way - I can't wait for our ministry to fully begin once we have our own youth group! Once Tyler was done he asked the youth to split up into small groups to talk about the changes we can make in our lives to be more like Christ at our schools, community, and at home. I got to be in a group of 7th grade girls during this part which was cool to hear what they had to say.
We headed home on Monday to Lexington and once there Tyler and I ventured another 4 hours straight back to Marion - lots of driving!!! We definitely saw God work through the youth as well as ourselves this weekend. Our prayer is that God continues to strengthen this love we have for youth and someday in the ministry wherever that is he calls us too :)
We are now home in Indiana for quite some time, we are guessing Easter is the next time we make it to IL. We are looking foward to spring break in Sarasota, FL with John and Larissa the first week in March -- yay!!!