Joy & Creagon's Journey to the Altar

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Reflections & Evaluations

A Look Back on a Life Changing Year!

At the end of each week of lecture in our YWAM schools, we have an activity called “Reflections & Evaluations”. It’s a chance to look back over the past week of teaching and reflect on what the teacher spoke about and evaluate what God spoke that past week. As one staff puts it, “it’s a chance to soak up all those last bits of a really good meal, so nothing is left over.” It’s a good idea, so we thought I’d reflect and evaluate over 2011, as it has been a life changing year.  

January 2011 - March 2011:  Joy- I was a world away for my Discipleship Training School [DTS] outreach to Southern Africa! We spent 8 weeks in South Africa & Botswana, and it was an amazing experience. God used to me to bring someone to salvation and to heal another! I created deep & lasting relationships with some incredible people. I was processing voice of the Lord to no longer move to Cambodia  long-term, but instead pursue staff at YWAM Orlando. And I had a crush on this boy that I just couldn’t get over…

Creagon - Naomi said “I had so much self hatred but I became so free!” One of my favorite parts of my job is to ask discipleship students what God has done in the past week and produce a video for those who are praying for them. Their response reminds me why I believe this generation will change the nations.  (Oh… and I read a blog by a girl visiting Africa with great interest!)

March 2011: Joy- I graduated from my DTS, and went home for 2 weeks. My family went on a great vacation to New York City and we had such a blast. I also began my second training school with YWAM Orlando, called the School of Ministry Development [SOMD], which would lead to my becoming staff. And I had my first date with Creagon.

Creagon- “Mom, I’ve invited a girl to join us…..but we are just friends.” This is how I told my parents that Joy would be joining us for a worship concert while they were in Florida. I had no clue that the next time they met her I would be proposing!

April 2011 - May 2011: I loved loved loved my SOMD lecture phase, and really refined my vision for staff at YWAM Orlando. I grew so close to my 2 other schoolmates, and created even deeper relationships with staff at the base. And my dates with Creagon became more and more frequent, until at the May, he asked me to be his OFFICIAL girlfriend. Oh, happy day!

Creagon- When I returned to Joy from teaching in Colorado (see video) I knew that I never wanted to be apart again. Her dad just grinned at me when asked his blessing to date his 28 year old daughter.

June 2011: Joy- My SOMD prayed and we decided to postpone our Nepal outreach, as God was evidently closing the doors on this opportunity. And Creagon was in a life-threatening car accident that forever changed our relationship. I was by his side essentially 24-7. His world became my world, and it was then I saw how much I truly loved him. We left for an extended vacation at his parents place in Michigan, where rest and healing was crucial. I loved our time in Michigan, getting to know his family better and falling more in love with Creagon.

Creagon- I was in a hospital bed and I didn’t know why. The past 2 ½ hours of my memory was black. My world was spinning and I told the ER Doctor “I WANT JOY!” It took a while for him to realize that “Joy” wasn’t just an emotion but the name of the person that meant the most to me.  

July 2011: Joy- He proposed. My entire world changed in a moment when the man I had fallen madly in love with asked me to be his wife. And we set our wedding date for just 4 short months away.

Creagon - She had dedicated every waking moment to my healing and recovery. This kind of love just can’t be faked. Once the concussion had passed I asked God if I could marry her and popped the question.

August 2011 - September 2011: I was back home in Tampa, with Creagon too, building the sponsorship team I needed to be back on staff at YWAM Orlando. It was a great time for my friends and family to get to know Creagon, as my future husband, and for us to share our vision and passion for ministry. And Creagon continues to heal from car accident injuries. 

Creagon- My old car was a pancake and we needed a vehicle to give tours to YWAM alumni, parents and potential sponsors. God provided generously an SUV that is perfect for our needs. 

October 2011: Joy- Back at YWAM Orlando, and it’s so great to be back for my first quarter on staff! I’m living in the 31-foot camper that Creagon and I purchased for our first “home” and its wonderful. I’m working as school staff with the Justice DTS, focused on human trafficking prevention. Loving the students, and their passion for worship and thirst for God. This quarter was an incredibly learning experience for me. Was also planning our wedding, which at time was more stressful than enjoyable.

November 2011: Joy - But on November 26, 2011…I married him. And it was perfect.

Creagon- I remember resting my head on hers during our first dance with all our friends and family watching. I was amazed that I got to marry my best friend and we could serve God in missions together…for ever!

December 2011: Joy- We split our honeymooned in two parts and finished up two weeks of work. I write this blog from honeymoon part two in Mexico, with so much anticipation for 2012. What will my first full year of Mrs. Muldoon bring? What does God have in store for our marriage, our ministry, and our future. 2011 was full of twists and turns, so many unexpected moments. It was a GREAT year. And I have high hopes for 2012 as well.

Creagon- We celebrated Christmas a few days early with some of the Mexico’s children who needed it the most. One of my sponsors gave some extra money so we could bless each of the families with the gift they wanted most…. a chicken!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
 —Joy & Creagon
http://bindingthebroken.blogspot.com
http://www.creagonsjoy.com

More wedding photo fun!

wedding photo blast

Dec 1

Wedding Day Joy!


Married. It still feels like a dream. But on Saturday, November 26, 2011, I married the love of my life. All the hours spent planning for and dreaming of this day, came true at a beach on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Surrounded by family and friends, Creagon and I exchanged vows and became husband and wife. Now the rest of our journey begins, as a family and as a married couple. A journey I couldn’t be more excited about.

I didn’t just marry my best friend, but I married my partner in ministry. Mine and Creagon’s vision for the way we do ministry is so similar, and we complement each other well. Together we will be teaching and discipling the next generation, and sending them into the nations to be a voice for the voiceless and help for the helpless. We will inspire and lead teams focused on human trafficking prevention, both locally and internationally, and we will see God’s freedom brought to the enslaved. Our marriage will be one of reliance on God’s provision, His leading, and His timing. It will be the completion of what He called us to do individually. How exciting is that.

Pretty as a princess!
Prayer launches our marriage
Beautiful at beach sunsets
Classically elegant
So in love.
Perfect, down to our toes!
Photobooth fun!

Power of a praying family

Nov 4

Best Birthday Ever!

This Birthday I have already been given a gift beyond value in the love of my life Joy Engdahl! By the end of this month she will be my wife. Together we will work and live missional at Ywam Orlando. If you feel inspired to generosity our current need is to pay for our “home” - a 31 foot RV that will allow us to live on campus & engage with missionaries in training. Your tax deductible donation can be made at:http://www.ywamorlando.com/cmuldoon

Sep 5

For Those Who Will Travel

 We are so excited about all of our out-of-town friends & relatives planning to attend our Saturday, November 26, 2011 wedding!!
We thought it might be helpful to give you some logistics and agenda information. We have included info for Thursday - Saturday as many of you may want to get the best out of your Florida long weekend:
 
Thursday, Nov. 24th
1:00PM:  
> Thanksgiving dinner at the YWAM Orlando Campus.  Everyone is invited to come and bring a dish to pass.
> Afternoon tour of our new 200 acre YWAM Orlando Campus.
> YWAM Orlando’s Address is: 15749 County Road 455
Montverde Florida 34756 
Directions to YWAM Orlando: Take Florida’s Turnpike to exit 272 -hwy 50- Go west 3 mi- turn north on CR 455 1 mi - turn L to continue on 455 half mi and drive into YWAM Orlando’s Campus on left. See large lit sign on left.
 
4:30PM(ish):
> Annual South vs North Flag Football Game
> Movies & Socializing
 
6:00PM(ish):
> Turkey-noodle soup & “leftovers” dinner (yum!)
 
 
Friday, Nov.25th
> Free day on your own: Biking, Hiking, Beaching…..
> Wedding party will be occupied with rehearsal & rehearsal dinner.
 
 

Saturday, Nov. 26thAM:
> Assuming good weather, we encourage anyone to come early to Fort De Soto Beach. Use the public shower if you want. The wedding will be beach casual.
> Wedding will be at Fort De Soto - East Beach - 3500 Pinellas Bayway South Tierra Verde, FL 33715 
From I-275 Take Exit 17 - Merge into 54th Ave S/Pinellas Bayway - Turn left onto Pinellas Bayway- Turn Left at the Large Flag & park headquarters - Turn Right at East Beach
 
2:00PM -
> Wedding ceremony, followed by light hors d’oeuvres/dessert & sunset reception.


View Larger Map


Hotels & Accommodations
Here are some hotel options that we feel confident in suggesting. You may decide to look for options that are more luxurious, economical or better meet your needs. Feel free to choose any hotel including others you may find that are not included on this list.
 
Near Orlando:
 Hampton Inn & Suites Clermont
http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=MCOCMHX
2200 East Highway 50, Clermont, FL 34711 
> A moderately priced hotel with positive reviews very near YWAM Orlando Campus (under $110?)
> 7min  away from the YWAM Orlando Campus,
> 1hr 45 min from Clearwater /St.Pete Airport,
> 1hr 36 min from Tampa Airport &
> 40 min from Orlando International Airport (MCO),
> 2hr 10 Min from Fort De Soto Beach.

Edgewater Hotel/B&B —in Winter Garden, Florida:
 http://www.historicedgewater.com/  We have relations with them, so if you are making reservations, tell them it is for Creagon & Joy’s wedding.

> Charming, quaint, historic hotel/B&B in a beautiful little town with a 30+ mile paved bicycle trail running through the center of town.  Award winning restaurants & wonderful privately owned shops, local farmers’ market, & museums.
> 10 minutes away from the YWAM Orlando Campus,
> 1hr 45 min from Clearwater /St.Pete Airport,
> 1hr 36 min from Tampa Airport &
> 1 hour from Orlando International Airport (MCO),
> 2 1/2 hours from Fort De Soto Beach.




Near Fort De Soto Beach (wedding ceremony and reception):
Trade Winds Island Resort —on St. Pete Beach, Florida:
http://www.tradewindsresort.com/properties/island-grand.aspx
> Beautiful resort with multiple pools on gorgeous beach,
> Ideal for families and children,
> 2 1/2 hours away from the YWAM Orlando Campus,
> 35 min from Clearwater /St.Pete Airport,
> 20 min from Tampa Airport
> 2 hr from Orlando International Airport (MCO),
> 20 min from Fort De Soto Beach.

Hampton Inn St. Petersburg
1200 34th Street, North, Saint Petersburg, FL  33713 

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=PIEFLHX
> Simple, clean accommodations in St. Petersburg,
> Not a beach hotel but less than 15 min drive time from the wedding and nearest beach,
> One of the least expensive hotel options with positive reviews (under $80?),
> 2 hrs away from the YWAM Orlando Campus,
> 17 min from Clearwater /St.Pete Airport,
> 25 min from Tampa Airport &
> 1hr 47 min from Orlando International Airport (MCO),
> 14 min from Fort De Soto Beach.

Camping at Fort De Soto (Under $40 a night)
3500 Pinellas Bayway South Tierra Verde, FL 33715
https://pubtitles.co.pinellas.fl.us/parks/ParksMain.jsp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_De_Soto_Park
> Fort De Soto was named America’s Top Beach for 2009 by Trip Advisor and includes a historic Fort and visitor center.


FYI
Jim & Cynda Muldoon will be:
> Arriving Winter Garden, FL  Friday, Nov. 18th.
> Staying at the Edgewater Hotel/B&B through Wednesday night, celebrating Thanksgiving (Thurs.) at the YWAM Orlando Campus.   
> Staying Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights at Cay Pointe Villa on Indian Rocks Beach.  > Driving back to Michigan Sunday.

Sep 4

Registered.

Creagon and I have been actively working on a registry for our home-to-be. We intend on purchasing a 31-foot RV for our YWAM campus living, and are looking for the essentials to fill it with. Thankfully, neither of us have much we are bringing already, so downsizing isn’t too much of an issue. But we have had to think creatively about what was important and not so much. We are blessed that so many of our friends and family are excited to help launch us into our marriage with items to make our “house” a “home”.  Because we’ve never lived in such tight quarters, gift cards are very much appreciated. Also, gift receipts will help any returns we may discover we have. For those of you interested in being a part, check out our registries at Target and MyRegistry.

been a little flower obsessed lately. bring on the lilies, daisies and dahlias!

been a little flower obsessed lately. bring on the lilies, daisies and dahlias!

GoNorth Films - Capturing our Big Day!

Creagon & I have booked a videographer for our wedding! Morgan at GoNorth Films completely captures our style and feel, and has a heart for missions work! Check out his site, browse his Vimeo collection, and look forward to our completed project after the BIG DAY!

Our wedding ceremony & reception location. Perfection.

Our wedding ceremony & reception location. Perfection.