Checklist!

• Application in the mail with $50.00 deposit....CHECK 
•  hree reference letters mailed to FAME...CHECK
• New Social Security card...CHECK
• Get birth certificate corrected....Monday
• Apply for passport...Monday
• Start shots...Tuesday....

Conversations in the Car

This morning while Andrew was driving me to work were talking about my dream last night.

It was about my shots for my trip  - I'm going Tuesday to get them - I must be more worked up about my shots than I thought!  

Anyhow - my dream:

I went to go get my shots - and I was getting 5 at once.  So they gave me the shots in the same spot they usually draw blood (you know, the flip side of your elbow?) And it HURT - (I must have slept crooked because I woke up with that exact spot on both arms hurting) - yet I also had a indention in the upper part of my arm where I was given a shot (and you should have seen the size of the needle that gave me that indention in my dream!)

That's about it on the dream - just icky enough to remember and share. But not a horrible dream.

So after talking about my dream to Andrew - he asked how many am I getting.  I said 5 that I know of.  Andrew said, "I don't know mom, I'm never do a mission trip out of the country.  I'm gonna tell  God...."

Then he paused and corrected himself, "well, I'm not gonna tell God anything, but I sure hope he doesn't call me to something like that!"

Father God may you work in our  hearts to be open to Your will in our lives.  May what we see as impossible become the possible through You.

Maid service anyone?

This is how I've been spending my evenings...

you know,

instead of :

cleaning,

laundry,

dishes...

sigh...I so wish I had more time on my hands!

Or a maid!  =)

It was a good weekend.  One that I felt rested in mentally, physically and emotionally.  Getting things done around the house was good.  I had some time to myself Saturday night (but I still want to get involved in a Saturday evening class of some sort) - Sunday both church and Sunday school were amazing (whoot for Heather!) - I got a nap and we had a game night!

The game night was so much fun.  We played Mario Party 8 and had a blast.  Michael and Andrew gave me a 3 point handicap for the game and I came in second.  We had snacks -  It was nice having Michael laugh and play around.  We made it through the anniversary of Nana's death so that really helps.  And a special thanks to my prayer warriors for lifting him up in prayer. I KNOW that was the difference!  

I've been working on my corner bookmarks a bunch - I can do one a day easily and at least two on the weekends.  I'm stitching them now and then I'll put the backing on them all in a few days all at the same time.  I'm now experimenting with different color roses to match the lace.  I'll post pictures as soon as I get some done.  Someone from church wants a few of them (whoot!) so I want to give her a variety to pick from.  I want to order some more bookmarks from my friend in Canada - I'll probably try to do that again in a few weeks. No, I still haven't started my big project again.  Maybe this weekend I'll focus on getting it snug in my scroll frame.  I'm SURE that is what is holding me up....

I'm looking forward to the weekend!  Michael is off Saturday and Andrew is off Friday!  So we are planning a family night.  Not sure what we'll do - but it'll probably a game night Friday night.  Either that or a special dinner and maybe a video.  Saturday Michael and I might go geocaching.  We are thinking about doing a cache run to Michigan - just so I can say I have a cache in that state.  But I haven't been out geocaching in what seems like forever so I'm looking forward to it!

Bible study was good tonight!  We are still on Peter.  Tonight the table questions were REALLY good.  Everything from "why was Peter the only disciple to want to get out of the boat?" - some of the answers we came up with were 1)  They were comfortable in the crowd - didn't want to stand out  2)  They didn't want to step out of their comfort zone  3)  They lacked faith - to questions like "when you are in the storms of life (because there WILL be storms) how do you stay focused on Jesus and not the storm?  1)  Know Jesus personally like Peter did 2)  expect and be prepared for the distractions to try to pull our focus from Jesus.    Our table leader pointed out that as Jesus holds out His hand to pull us to Him, the evil one is very present in the boat pulling us back, filling us with questions and doubts - surrounding us with people who don't encourage and challenge us to grow.  There were so many good questions - I wish I had written them down to share with you!  I'm really enjoying the bible study - every other week works well too.  I'm still a homebody and I enjoy spending my evenings with my boys.  

I've got a meeting at work tomorrow with a friend to work on fundraising ideas for my mission trip.  Hopefully she'll be able to help me figure a few things out!

That's about it for tonight.  I'm pooped.  You know, not sure I've mentioned this, but at the first bible study a few weeks ago we talked about fasting or giving up something that will remind us about Jesus every time we want to do it.  Well, my table tossed around the idea of giving up the snooze button.  Let's just say that on my own, I stink at it.  But God has a sense of humor.  Most mornings since then I'm up about 5:30. Sure I can go back to sleep (and sometimes I do) but most mornings I wake up with a prayer on my heart.  And now that I'm doing a bible study on John with a friend, God is encouraging me to get my butt up and spend the first hour of my day with Him in His word.  To be honest, I'm enjoying the time.  I grab my bible and my study and curl up on the love seat with a blanket.  No TV, no music.  Usually Cocoa comes out from Andrew's room and curls up right next to me under the blanket and falls back asleep.  It's very peaceful and well, energizing.  So I fully expect to get up around 5:30 tomorrow instead of 6:21 when my alarm would usually go off.

Be blessed tonight.  May we all have the heart of Peter when it comes to knowing Jesus as a friend.  May we be willing to get out of the boat and keep out eyes focused on Him!

Welcome to THE Family!!!

Welcome Heather!

To the family

Of God!

Cooking!

Well, as much as I wanted to spend Saturday afternoon cleaning stitching, I got the cooking bug!  I made some meals and froze them and made some for me and daddy - stuff the boys don't like.

Mini meatloaf - I make a spicy meatloaf and make them into large meatballs (to fit in muffin tins)  I froze them individually and put them in bags in the freezer.   I made over 2 dozen - we will pull out 6 at a time so we have lunch leftovers.  I make them this size because they cook faster and portion control.

BBQ Ribs - boiled them and sauced them and froze them.  MMMMM....

Goulash for me and dad.  That is one of the meals that I like, the boys don't and when you make it it's makes a lot.  So Daddy got some.

Sauerkraut - Michael and Andrew hate this one (even the smell) so I don't make it often.  But I stole some of the ribs that were for BBQing and cooked the sauerkraut, hotdogs and pork all day!  Now to make mashed potatoes and bread with mustard and eat it all together!  Ohhhh...that sounds soooo good!  Dad got some of this too!

I cooked up 4 lbs of ground meat and then put it in baggies so my meat is cooked for lasagna or spaghetti or whatever else we need it for!

I made up a batch of chocolate chip cookies and froze individual scoops of dough so we can just grab a handful of cookies and make them when we get a hunkering for them!

So even though I didn't get to stitching I really felt like it was a productive day!

Conversations in the car...

Conversation on the way home together on Thursday when Andrew picked me up:

me:  "look at the train over there"

Andrew:  "that's a long train.  Don't those track go behind the house by the park"

me:  "no, they curve up here"

Andrew: "yea but then the come back by the house"

me:  "I don't think so..."

Andrew:  "I think they do!"

me:  "Ok, let's bet on it!  I say they are NOT the tracks by the park"

Andrew: "Ok!  I say they all - what's the bet for?"

me:  "Ummm...breakfast tomorrow!  Loser has to buy breakfast - We'll check Googlemaps tonight."

Andrew:  "Deal!"

me:  "Boy am I gonna be hungry tomorrow!"

We continue this conversation on the way home pointing out to each other where they tracks are, when they curve and talking about where they go.

Fast forward to Thursday night, after the auction.  I go to Googlemaps and look it up.  Andrew is standing over my shoulder and as soon as it zooms in the first words out of his mouth are:

"Boy am I gonna be hungry tomorrow!"

Shots

OK.

So I called my Dr's office today about my shots - they don't do them.

I called the Board of Health and asked about the Hepatitis A & B shots - It is a combined shot - and I have to get it twice.  Once now and again right before I go.  $50.00 bucks a pop.  I didn't ask about the others, but after what I found out today, I'll call them back.

I called a Dr. that specialized in Travel shots - hopefully he'll call me back tomorrow.

I called the Visiting Nurse Service - here is the run down she gave me:

• Hepatitis A & B - two times - $115.00 each - $230.00
• Adult Polio booster - $40.00
• Yellow Fever - $115.00

do you see a pattern here?

• Tetanus - $55.00
• Typhoid - $65.00
• Flu & H1N1 - $25.00

Total = $530.00 - NOT including my Malaria Pills or my Anti-Diarrhea pills!  

She was pretty sure those were all of the shots I needed.  

And then she asks "How many do you want to get at a time?"

I laughed at her question!  She was wondering because of the cost, not because of the number of shots I need to get!  Right now I have a tentative appointment to get some of my shots on March 1st.  See, I have to make sure my Typhoid pills (yes, I said PILLS!)  aren't too close to the time I'll have to take my Malaria pills.  I'll have Michael go with me so he can take pictures of them all for you!

Anyhow, now I have to call insurance - the nurse I spoke to said MAYBE the Hepatitis shots were covered - I need to call on the rest.  

So that is on my list for tomorrow to do.  I will also call the Board of Health again as well as the travel doctor.  Hopefully I'll get good news!!

=)

Till tomorrow!

Please pray for Kate....

Sweet little Kate McRae had her own stem cells re-introduced back into her little body yesterday.  She has been through so much in such a short time as she fights this brain tumor. 

This family had their life turned upside down June 2009 and I know they covet prayers.  Will you join me in praying for  her, her family and the staff at the hospital? 

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

Mission Trip Q & A

Why Kenya?  Why this trip?  Why not one here in the U.S.?

This one was posted on FB and I admit I handled it wrong.  But here is where I stand.  It has been on my heart for sometime now to go on a missions trip.  There are always mission trips on the church website and in the e-newsletter and none of them have felt like the right one.  They've gone to New Orleans for the last few years over spring break.  They do global ones and they do ones in our own neighborhood.  The need is so great everywhere.  When I saw this trip in December on the e-newsletter, I knew it was the one for me.  Why?  I'm still asking God.  Michael asked why not one closer?  I have no idea.  We do stuff locally with and without the church.  There are so many groups that need people to step up and make a difference.  To do what they can to help those who need help - all over the world.  But for me, I have confidence in my heart that this one is meant for me.  I know that my hearts' door swung wide open on this one as soon as I heard about it.  I have faith that it is going to be a life changing experience for me and I doubt that this will be my last mission trip.

What do you need to do?
1)  Application with 3 references.
2) Passport
3) Fundraising
4) Shots

How long will you be gone?
We fly out on Sept 14th and will be back on Sept 24th.  I believe that it is a day and 1/2 each way to travel.

What exactly will you be doing?
This is what I know from my first meeting.  I will be assisting the medical staff with whatever needs to be done.  They will be giving medical and dental physicals to up to 2000 kids while we are there.  I might be doing crowd control (keeping everyone moving), doing personal care classes with the kids, or even assisting in the pharmacy.
On non-clinic days we will be doing things around the school as needed - painting, cleaning - whatever needs to be done.
I am stepping up to the plate to help as needed.  I should have my information in a week or so when I get my information packet - so I'll fill you in as I find out!

What are you looking forward to the most?
1)  Being used to help make a difference - even if it is a little one.
2) Stepping out of my comfort zone and rising to the call.
3) Working with a group of people who have a heart after God's.
4) The experience of lifetime.


What are you LEAST looking forward to?
1) The shots.  =)  Not that you've noticed, right?
2) I know the plane flights will be a challenge due to my RLS.
3) I love to help and fix things.  I'm afraid of getting emotionally attached to the kids and not being able to help or fix things for them.
4) Stepping out of my comfort zone and not being able to rise to the calling.
5) Not being able to accurately describe my experience

Do you really think you are going to make a difference in a place like that?
I'd like to share a story with you that is a very important part of where I work:

The Starfish Story

Original Story   by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. 

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.  The surf is up and the tide is going out.  If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?  You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf.  Then, smiling at the man, he said…”
I made a difference for that one.”

Can I come with you?  =)
SURE!  I think it would be an AMAZING experience to share this with someone!  If you are interested let me know!  We can share the experience together...shots and all!!!


I know I'll have more information when I get my information packet - send me your questions and I'll answer them as I can!

To close this post, I'd like to share what someone expressed to me in not so many (nice)  words.  They asked why I was blogging and FBing about it as a Christian when clearly the bible says opposite.  The bible says in Matthew 6:


Matthew 6
Giving to the Needy

 ¹"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

 ²"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. ³But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

I THINK they were trying to ask if I was doing this with the right heart.  I took it differently and was really hurt by it.  I cried, and prayed to God and asked Him to search my heart.  To confirm that this mission trip was about His will and not about me.  


So why did I blog about it?  Well, there is a simple answer.  I blogged about this and I shared with family and friends because I'm so excited I could pee my pants!  I'm sharing my excitement, nervousness, thoughts and concerns on this blog as a journal.  As a record for me.  


Let's face it, I have ONE faithful reader (Hi Margie!) who has read my blog from the beginning. Who reads between the lines of my blog and can feel my heart and knows what is going on even when I don't.  Who checks up on me when I'm not posting and who is honest with me.  Someone who is my encourager, my uplifter and my angel.   So to think I am posting to "shout like the hypocrites" did in the streets (and that was literally what they did) by blogging about my trip hurt my heart.  I spent a whole night on a blog response but then I did the right thing and slept on it...and prayed about it.  And then I slept on it for another two weeks.  Then I realized that with the few people that check my blog (Hi few peeps!) I really feel in my heart that I am not being a hypocrite like what is mentioned in Matthew.  And besides, this isn't something I can do alone.  I need the prayers, support and help from those around me.    


Something that happens as a Christian is that I get judged in everything I do.  It's both a good thing and a bad thing.  Sometimes I feel like I am damed if I do and damed if I don't.  I mean, I'm all for accountability.  It is what keeps us on the right path.  But there are those that just judge for judgement sake.  I am still growing as a Christian - and I'll stumble as I grow.  


If I ever do something as a Christian that you want to talk about - let's talk.


So why did I post this now?


Typically if one person it thinking it, so are others.  I decided to close my post with this so that if there are others questioning my motives behind my trip, hopefully they will see the difference.  And again, if there are questions, you'd talk to me direct and not behind my back.


But to be brutally honest, this blog is about me - my life.  I enjoy sharing things of my life - and I've always been heartfelt and honest.  I've admitted my failures and my weaknesses - my hopes, dreams and my heartache - my laughter and my hobbies - regardless of who is reading.  I use the blog as a journal and I wish I had started it sooner!  So many things I wish I'd remembered over the years.  


So please feel free to join me as I blog about my life's journey and as I blog about my mission trip.  

Touching base...

Seems like a busy week!  We got more snow on Monday than what they were saying - but we are surviving!  Nothing like what others, say, in Pennsylvania have gotten....right?  =)

Been busy stitching the last few nights.  Two people in Sunday School are struggling with the impending loss of loved ones so I made bookmarks for them.  It doesn't do much, but it lets them know I'm thinking about them.  I think this is my new favorite bookmark - I'm going to do some new ones with different color flowers to match the lace on the bookmarks.  I still can't upload pictures here at home, so I'll have to do it on my lunch tomorrow.

I also made a regular bookmark for someone in Sunday school.  We went to their house for a gathering the other night (remember Polish pool??) and this was something I wanted to do as I thank you!  I think she'll like it. (Just a note - after I took this picture I decided to redo the first "unto" and move it over to the left by two  - now it lines up with the second "unto")

The boys are doing well - Andrew is still praying for more snow days.  Hard to believe that they are already in the second semester!  His car is still down, we haven't had anyone look at it yet - we will soon.  Oh, today he calls me after school and told me my car had a flat.  So now my car is on a donut until I can get to Wal-Mart to get it patched.  I might have Andrew do it after school tomorrow.  Let's hope it is fixable!!!  Yesterday was the 3 year anniversary of Nana's death.  It was a long day for Michael I'm sure, not an easy thing.  But all I can do is help him anyway I can. Not much I can do to help, but I try.

OH!  I found out the 2010 Census will pay $15 an hour to work for them  - If I can put in some hours afterwork and on the weekends for a few weeks, that'll make a dent in the money I need to raise for my mission trip!  I have to go take a test and hopefully they pick me!  I can't take the test until I get my new Social Security card so hopefully I can do that in a week or so!  Oh yea, I haven't talked to Michael about it yet.  =)  Hopefully HE'LL say yes!!

I still haven't called about my shots yet.  I heard I can get the first few through the board of heath for free (free is good, free is our friend) so I need to call them tomorrow!  And early next week I should have my packet of information!  And then I'll work on my birth certificate and passport!  I'm still very excited!

Filed our taxes last weekend - we are looking to put down a new kitchen floor.  B O R I N G - but something we need to do.  I can't believe we've lived here 16 years - our intent was to move before Andrew started school - but then we fell in love with G'ma Irma and we found a great school for him so he's not in Public School here.  Now that she's gone we are kinda just here.  We keep telling Andrew that we'll move to a bigger house when he goes to college.  =)

Well, Michael is itching to get at the computer (the laptop has a virus of some sort) so I'm off tonight.  I'll upload the pictures tomorrow to share.  Tonight I'm going to line them and iron them and get them ready for the mail tomorrow!

HAPPY ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY!!!

Whoot Whoot!

I am, officially today, - ONE MONTH COKE FREE!!!

Was it easy? Not so much. Was it as hard as I thought? Not so much. The weekends were the hardest - I was in the habit of grabbing one while I was out and about. Now I just grab a water bottle out of the fridge on the way!

Is the craving gone? I think so. The test will be when I go to Qdoba or Acapulco Joe's - you just have to have a coke there! BUT - I'm also allowing myself to have one IF I REALLY WANT IT. Am I going to order it with my meal? No, I don't plan on it. But if I'm in the mood for one we'll see.

About two weeks ago I was stressed. VERY stressed about something and on the way home from work on a Friday it was snowing and nasty and just yuck. Andrew was at work, Michael was at home. We decided to have Taco Bell for dinner. But after I left Taco Bell I swung into McDonalds drive through and got two large cokes for us. Apparently coke is one of my stress foods (like mashed potatoes!) As I ate my dinner I had a bottle of water with me and my coke sat. I blogged and stitched and my coke sat. Three hours passed and the coke sat. It was always there - but it sat. About 9pm I needed to take my leg medicine. So I grabbed it and took a sip with my medicine. Yuck. It was probably yuck because it sat for 3 hours - but it was still yuck. I haven’t had the desire to get another one since.

So that is where I am at today. I think the hard part is over - now it is just keeping at it!

His hands and His feet -

Within days after the Haiti earthquake we had a doctor from church went to Haiti to help.  Please visit this link to read the some of the e-mails and text messages that he sent back.

That my friends, is being His hands and His feet.  I can't imagine seeing what they saw, smelling what they smelled and doing what they did without be changed forever.  May God bless them and their families and the people of Haiti - none of them will ever be the same again.

Mission Trip Update

Things are moving along!  I went to get a replacement Social Security card on Thursday.  It was quicker thanks to a heads-up from a friend about what time to go!  

I have my application ready to go - it'll go in the mail on Monday. Hopefully the 3 reference requests have been sent in as well!

It looks like I need to file to get a correction of my birth certificate.  It has always had daddy's middle name wrong (Henry instead of Harry) and from what I've read it has to be correct for my passport.  So that will delay my applying for my passport about two weeks.  

I'll call Monday to check on getting my shots started.  The organization (F.A.M.E) has a few suggestions on doctors that specialize on shots for missions.

I have an idea for a fundraiser for work - I hope I explain it correctly!  I'll set out 5 containers (one for each department) and collect pennies.  The container with the most pennies wins!  BUT...if you have any silver or paper money in your container, it offsets the pennies - so you would put pennies in  your container - but silver/paper in everyone else's.  The winning department would get one of these:  I'll cook breakfast one morning, bring in afternoon snacks or fix some goodies.  Those I've asked about it thought it was a good idea.  What do you think?

That's it for now...doesn't seem like much, but the ball is rolling.  I know it'll be here before I know it!!!

Thanks for checking in...I've gotten a few questions so I'll do a Q&A post soon!

 

Teenage humor...

Remember when  you were a kid and you anxiously prayed for snow days?  Actually, it I'm honest with myself, I still pray for a snow day -but it takes a lot more snow to get out of work compared to getting out of school! 

But you know how the old story goes - when I was a kid we walked to school (well, Jr High and High School).  Both ways...in the snow.  We rarely got a snow day.  They must have invented 2-hour delays after I graduated because I sure don't remember any of those!  I remember walking to school in almost knee deep snow through Garfield Park to get to Manual.  I also remember my brothers taking smaller steps so that I could walk in their footsteps - man did that help!

ANYHOW - as I posted on Monday we were due to get up to 9 more inches of show.  We had just cleared the roads from Friday's snow and more was on the way.  The weathermen kept pushing back the time till finally they said the snow would start about 4 am Tuesday - up to 9 inches by Wed morning.  Bt the time we got up Tuesday morning there was probably an additional 2 inches down.  Michael makes it to work and calls me "they are closing schools everywhere - you'd better check the TV for Andrew" - so since it is 6am and we all know my alarm doesn't go off until 6:21 (you know, the whole 9 minute snooze thing) - I roll over and turn on the TV.  Of course all the stations had just passed the B's and I was too lazy to get up and go check on the computer websites -so I found the list that was furthest along and waited and waited.  It took at least 10 minutes and there it was!  Baptist Academy Marion County - CLOSED.  Happy for Andrew I go and wake him up and tell him the good news.  In typical teenage fashion he says, "Really?  Good, I'm gonna get more sleep" and rolls over.  A few years ago he would have run me over to get to the TV to watch cartoons!

Now, being the mean mom that I am.  I leave a note for him to call me.  He knows what's coming...a chore list.  When he called I told him to do 3 things.  1) clean the litter box.  2) play with Cocoa outside 3) do dishes OR clean the bathroom.  This is what I found when I got home:

He cleaned the bathroom (and did dishes as well I might add) and had put this note on the door.  Funny part is that he was the only one home!  I did enjoy finding the note -it's going in my special box of memories. 

I just love the teenage humor that is making Andrew who he is!

Most days...

Today he woke up in an ornery mood.  As I've mentioned before, we live in a shoebox size of a house and it only has one bathroom.  So we have to share our bathroom time in the morning.  He knows the rule - in/out lickity split - mom needs to get ready.  So this morning I'm harassing him to hurry up and I hear him messing with stuff.  Then my curling iron falls on the floor.  The little fart was up to something!  He comes out all smiles and goes to finish getting ready.  I go in the bathroom and notice right away my make-up bag was missing.  He hid it.  Of course he denied it completely with a big grin on his face when I asked him about it.  Then I find it here: 

See that grey bag?  That one, on the TOP shelf above the toilet.  He knows good and well I can't reach it unless I climb up on the toilet!  He's laughing and giggling at his cleverness.  Me...not so much!

AND THEN!!!

Since his car is down he is driving me to/from work.  Well this morning I need to get something out of the trunk when he dropped me off.  As I reach for what I need he drives away a little...and then again he does it.  He is learning the rule - first time funny, second time  unfunny.   =)   But today even the second time was funny and we laughed.  It was a nice way to start my day!

I just get tickled when I see him so full of life and spirit.  He loves to make people laugh. Being a teenager is hard work.  He's had his ups and downs like any of us.  He's handled them well and with integrity.  I hope his day continues to be great and I look forward to my trip home from work!

PS - his snow day was a free day!  We only got about another inch of snow and the roads were clear by 10:30!

First steps..

For a short day at work...it was a LONG day!  We didn't have to be at work until 10 today (gotta love the 2 hour delay) but this day wouldn't end!!  I think it had to do with the headache I've had all stinking day - and that is probably due to the lack of sleep from last night.  I just took a Midol PM so hopefully I'll sleep well tonight!

Well I didn't get the Reis Nichols jewelry today - My thought process was good on the clue, but not the right location.  But not that I could have went after it anyhow.  Tomorrow is a new day!  

I was able to take the first step today for my missions trip!  I printed out the application and the letters of reference that I need.  I have to have 3 letters from people answering a few questions about me.  And I have to fill out an application as well.  Most stuff is easy but then you get to those questions "what are you strong suits" or "What skills, abilities, hobbies do you have that will help the team" and my least favorite is "What are your areas of weakness" - yuck!   So I'll I have to finish filling it in and get it in the mail with my registration fee!  I'm sooo excited!  Tomorrow I'm going to fill out the paperwork for my Passport!  And then I need to start making calls about getting my shots.  Not so cool.  =)

I went to Bible Study tonight - it was really good.  The whole study is on Peter.  Tonight we went through a number of verses about the character of Peter - And what characteristics do we have similar to him that pulls us closer into a real relationship with Jesus or what ones are we lacking that keep us from that relationship.  Unfortunately I have more on the lacking side.  =(  But our discussion questions afterwards were amazing.  Very pointed and direct, but they pulled out honest answers. 

We are expecting up to another 9 inches of snow over the next 36 hours or so.  We are still down to two cars - So Andrew will take me to work and pick me up.  Michael is on standby for SnowCon tomorrow so my GOAL is to get my lazy butt up outta bed in the morning and make him some breakfast so he starts the day warm.  

Speaking of bed, the Midol PM is kicking in so I'm going to bed!

Thanks for sharing my day with me!  I'll keep you posted on the details for tomorrow!!!!

Super Bowl Monday Blues...

Well, we lost.  Drat. 

But I still get my two hour delay, so YEA!

Yesterday Andrew and I went to church, Sunday School and then to the store to get some groceries.  I ended up making BBQ Meatballs, Cheese Dip and I finally learned to make hot wings too!  This year I watched the Super Bowl AND the commercials - usually I just watch the commercials.  So we are a little sad today.  I went to bed about 10:30, but was up during the night with bad dreams and I was up at 7 to see Andrew off to school - so much for sleeping in, huh?

I posted on the Reis Nichols FB site asking if they were going to do a teardrop piece of jewelry today since everyone in Indy was sad today. :)  I actually have a TINY chance of getting it today - they post it at 9:30 and I have to be at work by 10.  So if I know it, and it's close, I'm gonna go for it!  Wish me luck!

I've got Bible Study tonight - depending on the snow.  We got almost 9 inches on Friday/Saturday and they are predicting we are going to get up to another 9 inches starting tonight-Wednesday.  I'm so snowed out already!  BUT - this is an answer to prayer!  Michael will hopefully get activated for SnowCon Monday and Tuesday.  

Well, Andrew is off to school and I don't have to start getting ready for over an hour.  I think I'll try to doze on the couch for a bit to make up for lost sleep!  I've got something on my heart that I need to post about,  but I'm doing the right thing by sleeping on it a day or two (or three) so I can post clearly and concisely.

Till then...may yo have a blessed day! 

I laughed until I almost peed my pants!

Andrew was at work and Michael had just gotten home from SnoCon (whoot whoot!  we love SnoCon!) so I went to the get together with my Sunday school class.  The Sunday school class I go to is made up of a wide variety of people.  We have ages from I would say late 70's to those in their mid 30's.  I love the variety of knowledge and life experiences.  We have a former preacher and his wife, a truck driver (he is one of those people who absorbs knowledge) and his wife, a few younger couples with kids of all ages and a few single people of a variety of ages.  It's an amazing mix!  We are going through the bible - usually a chapter a week.  Right now we are in Joshua. We open with prayer requests/praise reports lifted up in prayer.  We then have an opening question that is tied in with our chapter.  We usually read the chapter out loud and then go over it verse by verse.  Our teacher does an amazing job of coming up with questions/thoughts for us to discuss and dig deeper.  It's a very easy going class - never any pressure.  

Tonight we got together at someone's house and shared a meal and lots of fun.  Kids were invited so we had a handful there as well.  

And then, they introduced me to Polish Pool.

This is how you play Polish Pool:

You need the cue ball and the 8 ball.

You play with as many people as you want and take turns.  We put everyone's name on the chalkboard in order so we knew who followed who and it was an easy way to keep score.

The goal is not to get 3 points, because then you're out. You receive a point if the 8 ball stops before you hit it with the cue ball. The next person gets a point if you hit the ball into the pocket.

You set the cue ball on the opposite end of the table from the 8 ball.   The first person takes the cue ball and with their hand they try to roll it to hit the 8 ball.  Once the  8 ball is in motion you quickly rotate from person to person to hit the 8 ball.  When you hit the 8 ball, get out of the way QUICK because the person behind you has to grab the cue ball and hit the 8 ball before it stops.  If they don't, they get a point and you reset the cue ball and the 8 ball.  If the cue ball hits the 8 ball and the 8 ball goes into a pocket, the the person who was next in line who was supposed to hit it before it stops gets a point (because the 8 ball stopped in the pocket and wasn't hit) - the trick is that you can only shoot the cue ball (with your hand) from the end of the pool table.  It is so easy to get carried away and shoot it from the sides of the table or instead of hitting it softly so it doesn't roll very long you hit it hard and it rolls and rolls and rolls.  Instead of aiming the hit the 8 ball into a pocket so the person behind you gets a point you just hit it.  But it IS fun to have the cue ball go back and forth on the table and see everyone running around the table to get it!  

Anyhow, that is how you play.  Sounds boring when you read it all out, but oh my gosh we laughed and laughed.  I can't tell you how much fun it was!  Watching people jump around each other or running around the table to get the cue ball.  It was honestly as much fun to watch as it was to play.  I can't wait till we get together again!

Mission Trip Destination: KENYA

IT'S OFFICIAL!

I'm going to Kenya!

This is the notice that was in the church newsletter:

Make A Difference In Kenya

Fame is sending a team to Kenya September 14 – 24, 2010 and we would like to join with them to send people to help work in one of the largest slums in the world. They will be partnering with Keith and Kathy Ham, missionaries with CMF International and Wallace and Mary Kamau, Directors of Missions of Hope International. The main focus of the trip will be the Mathare Valley in Nairobi, Kenya, one of the largest slum areas in the world. They are recruiting a medical team and non-medical support staff to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of thousands of Kenyans. One unique aspect of this trip is the opportunity to interact with and provide school physicals for many of the over 2,000 students attending the various Hope Center schools. If you are a doctor, dentist, nurse, PA, NP, PT, or just someone that wants to make a difference in the lives of the Kenyan people, please consider joining this team.

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Details that I know to this point:

• 2 days to travel each way
• English is the primary language spoken in Kenya, follow by Swahili
• The medical team will be doing school type of physicals for the kids
• The non-medical staff (me) will be doing personal care/preventative care classes
• Non-clinic days will be spent working around the schools doing what is needed
• Some of the children live at the schools and not with their families
• It is not uncommon to see kids huffing/doing drugs in the streets
• It is common to see people cooking outdoors right next to the "sewer"
• I will be a pin cushion before I go. My shots start THIS month
• I can't wear shorts while I am there
• I will be part of a team, up to 30 people
• I will have to take malaria pills while I am there - and yes, there are nets all around the beds
• Part of one day will be spent on an African Safari
• We will be housed about 20 minutes from the Mathare Valley
• We will have breakfast/dinner where we stay, lunch at the schools
• I will be responsible for preparing a devotion/class to share with the kids
• I will experience a worship service like I've never experienced before
• I will never be the same again!

What are my next steps?

• Lots and lots of prayer
• I need to register and get my packet of information
• There are a handful of shots (and then some) I need to get. I think only two are covered by insurance. Some need to be spaced out over months, so I need to start by the end of February!
• I need to start fundraising. If you have thoughts/suggestions I would apprecaite it!
• I need to get a passport
• Prayer for the devotion/class topic God wants me to share


How can you help? Prayer is the most important thing! Pray for the team, for our safe travels, for our families at home, for the people that we will be working with! Pray that God's will will be our will and that the focus of this trip will be about serving and changing lives!

I'll be updating on a regular basis. Please feel free to comment or e-mail me if you have any thoughts/questions/suggestions!

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Catching up a little!

I know most of my posts lately have been about specific items so I thought this one would be just a regular old "what is going on in my life" post!

Saturday (after a comedy of errors) I took Daddy to go see "The Blind Side" - it was my second time seeing it, his first.  He really liked it!  After that we went to brunch at Flap Jacks - it was a really nice time!  Didn't do much else that day.  Sunday was very busy.  I don't think I sat down until dinner at almost 8pm!

Sunday night to Monday the insomnia was back.  I promised myself last night I'd take a Midol PM (no cycle yet) but I never got around to it (that's lazy, huh?)  But I was exhausted anyhow, so I went to bed (and PROMPTLY fell asleep) at 8:30.  I taped "The Biggest Loser" - they boys were watching "American Idol" in the living room.  I don't remember Michael coming to bed or him chasing Cocoa out.  I was zonked.

Not sure what is wrong with Andrew's car.  My guess it is the water pump/fuel pump - Michael thinks the engine is shot.  Either way Andrew has my car and takes me to work and picks me up.  Kinda nice having a chauffeur.  Even though he works downtown, he's not used to rush hour traffic.  But it's good for him and he is doing a great job. 

The Colts are in the Superbowl this Sunday.  We don't have any big plans - I'll make some tailgate kinda things (cheese dip for sure!) and we'll watch it.  Since the Colts are IN the Superbowl I'll watch the whole thing - usually I'm a commercial kinda gal when it comes to the Superbowl. 

OH!  I'm still coke free!!!  it was two weeks on Monday!  I can't believe it!  Sunday was hard for me!  Andrew and I went to Sam's club to get some things and we just had lunch there.  I had pizza and water, he had pizza and...and...orange drink!  Bless his heart!  Just keeping the temptation away!  When we came home Michael had just a bit of a fountain coke left and when I went to dump it...I sniffed it.   Yup!  Took the lid off, and sniffed the coke!  They were laughing at me!  It smelt soooooo good!  =)  But I dumped it and didn't drink any.  They are calling me a coke sniffer.  I told Andrew that if he repeats my story to make sure he mentions that part that it was a FOUNTAIN coke I was sniffing! 

Michael said last night I could go on my mission trip - but it wasn't with his heart - so I don't count that as a yes yet.  I'll keep you posted.

Not much else going on.  Bible study is every other week so I don't have that this week.  I'll do the auction with Daddy tomorrow night - one of these days I'll find a deal and make some bucks on Ebay! 

Wish me luck today with the Reis Nichols Finders/Keepers!  I still don't have a car to go get it, but if it is close enough, there are a few great folks here that will drive me!!!

We would have had it today!

So 9:30 comes and I get a post on FB about day 2 for Reis-Nichols Finders/Keepers.  My sister types me and within minutes we know where it is at.  UNFORTUNATLEY Andrew has my car since his is broke (could it be due to this?) I didn't have wheels to go check and she lives in Acton and had a Dr. appt. 

So we waited...and waited. 

While I was eating lunch I saw that it was found!  We would have been RIGHT!  FB said that his girlfriend figured out the clue and sent him to go get it!  Wow..what a great team!  I bet he got some brownie points!  And just look at the loot! 

All I can say is WOW!  I absoutely love them!

Tomorrow is a new day...  =)

Getting Everything Ready!

Andrew and I went to Sam's Club Sunday to get things ready for our bags.  We are still missing wet naps, tissues and hand/foot warmers.  To be honest I'll probably go to a resturant and ask for a bunch of wet naps...I didn't see any at Sam's Club, but I'm guessing that I'll have to buy a container of a zillion or something - probably a zillion minus 100 more than I'll need!!

We got: gum, water, fruit bars, peanut butter crakers, granola bars and some candy to throw in.  I'd like to do toothpaste/toothbrushes, but that is a little out of our budget so far.  Right now I'd rather get hand warmers for them and as soon as we get stocked up then I'll check around for toothpaste/brushes.

We have enough of everything  tomake 45 bags.  We are going to make them up probably this weekend and then go together to hand them out.  Andrew is responisble for picking a verse for us to include and we'll print those up as well and give them out in His love. 

So we are well on our way.  I'll post more pictures as we get them bagged up and ready to go.  Andrew is pretty excited about this - I am too!

Waiting...

No decision has been made yet.  We are on two different wave lengths about it and I'll admit it is hard.  My heart yearns to go - especially after the meeting yesterday.  I probably got my hopes up prematurely too.  His heart is concerned about my safety.

Here is a song that describes me right now.  It's "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller.  The song is from the amazing movie "FIREPROOF" - I wanted to find just a nice pretty video for you to watch while you are listening, but the first video I pulled up has clips from the movie as well as the words and I just couldn't resist.  Take a moment to watch the video before you go on.  (Be sure to stop my player before watching it!)

That song really ministers to me right now.  While I wait, I will continue to worship Him.    I'm hopeful but patiently I'll wait.  It's not easy, but faithfully I'll wait.  And I'll take every step in obedience.  

Obedience.  How is my not pushing Michael being obedient?  Someone mentioned today that I supported him when we were moving to Hawaii - I should remind him of that.  While he was gone I had the responsibility of selling everything in the house, getting it ready for the market not to mention all of this was happening while losing my mom.  I supported his dream of moving back there.  But I also remember what God's design for marriage is.   If you have a Godly husband that is seeking God's will for his family then then God's will will filter down.  So if Michael is praying about this and he still doesn't have peace about it, then who am I to push against that?  Now many of you know Michael doesn't attend church.  Nothing against Indian Creek, but that is just the place he is right now.  How can I be sure Michael is praying and seeking God's will?  I can see it in his face.  I see his eyes close in prayer and I can feel his torn heart breaking as he seeks what to do/say.  Are my eyes clouded in excitement and I'm possibly not seeing something?  Possibly.  Michael knows that if this is from God then he can't stop it and nor would he try.  BUT until he has a peace about this (not that he won't be nervous/anxious about it still) we are waiting.   Now don't get me wrong....I am not just sitting by not saying anything.  This is a frequent topic for us and yes, a decision needs to made soon so I can get started on my shots.  The decision will come and I pray that we BOTH have peace about it.

Heavenly Father I thank You for Your Word and for Your plan for a blessed marriage that is in it.  I thank you for Michael who knows you as Lord and Jesus as Savior.  I humbly ask now that Your will is made clear to us regarding this mission trip.  Please make Your will clear to us and Holy Spirit please give us a clear answer.

If you would like to pray about this for us I would appreciate it.  We are still communicating peacefully and honestly on this so I pray that continues.  In the meantime I will continue to strive to be the wife God is changing me into!

PS...if you haven't seen FIREPROOF - go rent it.  We were so blessed by the movie and I encourage all couples to see it.  More on that later!

Here we go again!

Remember THIS post?  Or this one...we were SO CLOSE!

Well, it's valentines season again and Reis-Nichols is doing the Finders, Keepers again!  So the clue today was, "The eagle has landed in the concrete jungle." - so a friend and I went to the place we thought it was at and we struck out.  Drat.  As soon as someone finds it they will post it on FB.  Till then, my mind will be spinning with thought and clues to where it is at!  Wish me luck!

I Just Want My Chicken

I get a daily devotion via e-mail delivered to my work inbox from THIS site.  It includes a thought for the day, a lift and then some sort of a clean laugh.  Today I wanted to share the Lift with you - food for thought for all of us!

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The Lift

I Just Want My Chicken

(Adapted by Louis Lapides, from Still More Hot Illustrations, pg. 177)

One fine evening Chad walked into a fast food chicken place and bought a nine-piece bucket of chicken. He took his meal to the park for a romantic picnic under the moonlight with Karla, his woman.

Upon reaching into the container of chicken, however, Chad received a surprise. Instead of chicken he discovered what was apparently the restaurant's night deposit-nine thousand dollars. The young man brought the bucket back and asked for his chicken in exchange for the money. Expensive chicken!

The manager, in awe of the man's honesty, asked for his name and told him he wanted to call the newspaper and the local news station. Chad would become a local hero, an example of integrity and morality that would inspire others!

The hungry man shrugged it off. "My date's waiting, I just want my chicken. No publicity, please!"

The manager's amazement over Chad's humility almost overwhelmed him. He begged again to be allowed to tell the story on the news. At this, Chad became angry with the manager and demanded his chicken.

"I don't get it," the manager responded. "You are an honest man in a dishonest world! This is a perfect opportunity to show there are people still willing to take a stand for what is right. Please, give me your name and also the name of the woman in the car. Is that your wife?"

"That's the problem," said Chad. "My wife is at home. The woman in the car is my girlfriend. Now let me have my chicken so I can get out of here."

It is easy to look first-rate to people who don't know us. We can keep the high visibility of our misdeeds in check. Since we all want to look good to others, this ambition can provide a strong motive for self-discipline. But when it comes to the low visibility of our thought life, we are not as careful. After all, who is going to see what occurs in our hearts? So we settle for looking good on the outside but concealing a private world made up of thoughts we would not want anyone to uncover. Yet our fiercest battles lie in this low visibility arena.

The answer to winning the battle for our secret life is to open ourselves to self-examination by God's loving and gentle Spirit. King David prays in Psalm 139:24, "See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (NIV). Sure, we would prefer not to hear any bad news about our secret sins. But we need to hear the "bad news" if we are to mature and be transformed by God. The willingness to hear hard truth is vital for anyone who loves wisdom. In the end, the truth may sound like bad news, but it is just what we need.

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