Peaceful evening!

It was a nice quiet evening at home last night - very enjoyable!  We went to dinner with Papa and then he came over with some pictures someone had given him from when Michael was a kid.  It was neat to see Michael as a todder and some of the pictures from Hawaii.  That's one thing that we've never really done is go through his pictures from when he was a kid.  That is a priority now!

We put on Survivor and I worked on a homemade card for a friend.  It was nice and relaxing.  I hope to work on more cards this evening!

Looks like the tree cutting party at dad's is going to have to be postponed.  We are expecting serious rain after midnight and most of the weekend.  I can't say I'm too upset.  =)

Andrew works tonight and then both of us work 8 hour shifts tomorrow.  Sunday we might go see the new critter movie with Brenden Frazier - it's supposed to be cute.  It's something Andrew wants to do and right now we are kinda focused on family things!
Andrew's big dinner is next Friday.  He is getting excited.  Heather has a dark purple satin dress. Heather was a good sport. The dress guidlines are pretty strict (no boobs, butt or belly showing - all dresses must have straps and the straps have to be at least one inch thick, all dresses must come to the knee and nothing low cut) - but the dress she picked is BEAUTIFUL!Andrew is going to wear his dark suit, a dark purple shirt and (hopefully) a black tie with some purple satin in it.    I'll go order flowers for them tonight or tomorrow.  We need to get Michael's car fixed so Andrew can take it.  I'm taking next Friday off.  Gonna go visit two friends who just had babies and then be home by 2 to help Andrew get everything ready!  Sounds like a perfect day to me!

That's about it.  It's a beautiful day out there today.  I was up early  - it was nice laying in bed listening to the birds and then being outside with Cocoa.  I love this kind of weather.  Very refreshing!

Adjusting

It's been a busy couple of days!

I worked at Marsh on the weekend and then last night and tonight.  Last night I worked 5-9 and tonight 5-10.  I think I'm going to tell them I can't work past 9pm - it takes me a while to come home and settle down so I've been getting to bed late.

They boys have been AWESOME!  They've been doing dishes and laundry and picking up.  Each night I've worked Andrew has made me a hot bath!  Tonight Michael made dinner and had Andrew bring it up to me at 4:30 before I went to work at 5.   I've had foot rubs and back rubs - and they've both been a great amount of moral support!  It's hard being away from them so we seem to be a bit closer.  Monday night I had to go grocery shopping and I call Andrew from work and asked if he wanted to go with me (yes, I KNOW I work at a grocery store, but I prefer Kroger - and besides, I get minutes for our phones that way)  - anyhow, he and Michael made a list and Andrew and I had a blast shopping together.  The boys made a "need" list and a "want" list - Andrew and I were zigzagging all over the store - but he was full of jokes and laughter - just what the doctor ordered!

I don't work again until Saturday (we are supposed to help dad get a few trees down but it's probably going to rain) - a weird shift like 10:15 to 6:45 or something like that.  But that's ok - I'll be home and can make cards and watch Dr. Who!!!  Andrew works 11:30 - 7:30 (I think).  I'm not going to the auction tomorrow night - I'm anxious to spend an evening with my boys.  I'm putting pork chops in the crock pot tomorrow morning for dinner - so the hard part will be done.  I'm guessing I'll be in bed (and probably asleep) as soon as Survivor is over...if I make it that long!!

Standby Mode

Right now I am in standby mode. Still fundraising and waiting for our team meetings to begin. All the rush stuff is done and now we just check off the little things till probably July. It's kinda like preparing for a wedding - you get the big things done first and then you get into a holding pattern until right before the wedding and then you kick into high gear.


I am really getting close to my goal for my trip! It's so exciting to see it happening! I started working Marsh over the weekend - they called me in Saturday night from 6-midnight and then asked me to work Sunday 1-7:30. I usually won't work Sundays but I can make an exception to help out. Sunday is usually church and family time. This week I start working regular hours. Hopefully I'll have the funds for my shots saved by the first of July so I get get the rest of them out of the way.

I'm working on my flyers for my Chik-fil-a night (Monday June 7th - put it on your calendar!) - OH! I got a box at the auction full of spiral notebooks for Andrew and it had a ton of colored paper in it - I'm gong to use it for my flyers! Talk about God providing, huh? =)

Anyhow, I just wanted to provide a quick update. Right now I am getting ideas for crafts and ideas on how to collect the over-the-counter medicine we need to take with us.

Thanks again for your prayers, encouragement and support! From my heart I can't tell you what it means to me!

Whew! I'm pooped!

Today started off normal enough.  I didn't sleep well, so I was up about 6am.  I tried going back to sleep, but it didn't happen!

I was out the door by 9 am.  I had to go to Family Christian store and to JoAnn's and Michael's.  I had coupons that expired today and I wanted to use them!  I got some glue dots and strips for the card ministry at church.  They are $4.99 each and with a 40% coupon - well, that makes them a deal!  I did decide to put the rest of the coupons in the spot for the cards at church so some of the other women can buy some too!

I came home and started working on the kitchen.  I got a new stand for the kitchen so I planned on cleaning and rearranging some of the stuff in the kitchen.  See, my kitchen is tiny and I have no storage.  I have a small kitchen table we don't use and it just stores stuff.  So I've been looking for a new stand that would give me some storage and a work area.  I found a very nice microwave stand (tile top!) at the auction and I got it for $17.50!!  So I wanted to get it scrubbed and loaded.  I want to get my kitchen aid mixer down to a spot I can use it!

Anyhow, that was my plan.

Until Marsh called.  I mentioned last week I got a job there.  It's across the street from Schmidt.  They wanted to know if I would work 6-midnight.  Although it ruined my plans (clean/organize the kitchen this afternoon and then make cards and watch Dr. Who tonight) - they were nice enough to hire me back I can go in and help.

I was surprised how quickly it all came back.  I had someone with me the first 1.5 hours or so and then I was on my own!   But everyone was a great help.  Andrew especially - he was on the register behind me.  He worked 2:30 - 10.  Everything was great - just my back and feet hurt.  Tomorrow I'm going to KMart to get some black tennis shoes that have more cushion than the flats I had on tonight!

They asked me to work tomorrow at 11:30 but I told them I could be there after church at 1.  So tomorrow I'm working 1-7:30pm.  And I was surprised to find out that I was on the schedule for Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday of next week!  Who knew?  Not me!  I wonder when they were going to tell me!!!

Anyhow, that is about it.  I'm pooped and going to call it a night.  Its now 1:02am and as soon as my feet stop hurting I'm going to bed!

I'm looking forward to getting the money set aside for my shots for my trip.  I'm staying focused on that - it makes it all worth it!

Just a little rap...

Take a moment to listen to this amazing rap!  You may need to listen to it a few times to fully get it all!



Wow...she's good, huh?  Great way to get the truth out!

It all started...

as a joke.

Little jokes like "the gas peddle is on the right!" or "sure, take up both lanes, I'm not driving in either one"

Then it was words of "encouragement" - "right lane please...slow traffic on the right" or "if your car can't make it get it fixed"

Then it turned into little "prayers" - "Dear God please help them to be a better driver"  - said with a laugh but it was dripping with sarcasm.

Then things like "get out of my way" or "SERIOUS?"

and now, much to my shame...I realize I have road rage.

I get mad...and I mean MAD if someone is going to slow, cuts me off or anything like that.  One time I was prepared to stop my car and give someone an earful -but Andrew was with me.

And that's when it hit me.

Here is an e-mail that hit home with me.  Hard.

A man noticed he was being tailgated by a stressed-out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. Not wanting to let the crazed woman push him, he stopped at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by flooring it.

The tailgating woman slammed on her brakes, then her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection with him. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer.

The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell. After a couple of hours, the jailer approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

"I'm sorry for this mistake," he says. "You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk."

"Yeah, so?" she says.

"Naturally," he concluded, "I assumed you had stolen the car.

I do not swear or filp people off, but I get mad.  I don't have any bumper stickers but that doesn't matter.  I know WHOSE I am - I don't need bumper stickers to make a point.

I didn't used to be this way.  Michael and I have usually driven older used cars that were paid for.  We have had many cars that have barely gotten us from A to B and sometimes they didn't even do that.  Ask me sometime about the trip Andrew and I took to TN in my gray car.  What should have been a 4.5 hour trip took us almost 9 because of my car. So we know what it is like to drive a clunker.

I used to literally pray for people when I was driving - heartfelt prayers.  Prayers that their car makes it where they are going.  Prayers that they are able to find out what is causing it to shutter while they were driving.  I would pray that their car would last and last and I know they were praying the same thing.

I'm not sure when I changed.  Looking back I do the the progression listed above.  I wouldn't say I am an aggressive driver, but I know I drive with a lead foot and like I own the road.  I see how I justified my thoughts, actions and comments.  You know we can justify just about anything.  Anyhow.  I am turning into someone that I am not.  I love to drive.  I love road trips.  My commute is less than 10 minutes so there is no reason for me to be this way.

I really think God brought me to this point to realize the change that is taking place in me before I get any worse.

Today I have decided to change.  I am not that person.  I am going to change.  I know this is not who God wants me to be and not who I want to be.

So from now on I will take a deep breath before I start driving.  I will say a small prayer for God to keep me calm and to change me back to the person I was.  I will slow down.  I will not change lanes just to get ahead two spots.  I will remember the place that some of these drivers are in with cars that will be lucky to get them where they need to go.  I will find my old self.  The one that loves her neighbor fellow driver and respects them and remembers who she is in Him.   I am a CHRISTian and I represent Jesus in my words, deeds and actions.

I'll keep you posted on this.  It's been on my heart for sometime to share for accountability.  I've found that if I write it down I own it.  And boy do I own this one.  =(

What is purple, yellow and green?

My yard is was with this amazing weather!

Yellow dandelions, purple violets (and another beautiful purple flower) and beautiful green grass!  Who ever said dandelions are weeds?  As I looked at our grass prior to cutting it last night I was amazed at how beautiful it all was.  The dandelions are now cut down  - but some the purple flowers are still there.  The grass looks really good - I love to cut grass and how pretty it looks when it is done!

Tonight I did a small campfire and burned up the sticks in the yard.  Andrew did his homework out on the deck and we chatted occasionally but mostly enjoyed the weather.  Oh!  It looks like the birds are back in the tree out back!  We enjoyed listening to the babies every time mom brought them something to eat.  I don't hear any babies yet - but I'll keep my ear out!!  It's supposed to rain this weekend - and I'm ok with that!  We need the rain.  My lilac bush is about done already.  =(  I didn't get the number of blooms that I got last year because I cut it back last year.  But we still enjoyed it!

Not much else going on in the Smith house.  It's nice to not feel like I'm on the run all the time.  I just have the auction Thursday night with Daddy.  Maybe I'll find something great to sell on Ebay!

Catching up!

What a wonderful weekend!

I'm loving this weather!  Most people I know say it is too cool again, but we got too hot too fast.  Right now we are in the low 50's at night and in the 70's during the day.  Love it!  We've got the house opened up and blankets on.  My kinda weather!

I didn't get out this weekend like I wanted.  I have to admit that I spent the weekend inside (and under a blanket) stitching and watching the Dr. Who marathon in anticipation of the new season and the new Dr.  But I rather enjoyed it and I think it was the right thing to do.  I spent the evening last night doing the grass and transplanting part of my lilac bush - and it was just as nice.

Andrew and I found a dark purple dress shirt for him to wear for his formal dinner!  First place we looked!  I was shocked!  So now we want to find a black tie with some dark satin something in it.  His suit has been dry cleaned so we are doing great!

Oh!  Sunday after church we took Cocoa over to Stacy and Heather's house to meet Miley - their Labrador Retriever.  What a beautiful puppy she is!  She was 6 months old yesterday, but she is bigger then Cocoa!  Took them about an hour to start getting along - mostly due to Cocoa.  He was chased by a neighborhood dog and is leery of other dogs.  Our hopes is that they get along well enough so that we can take them on walks together.  Hopefully they'll get to that point soon!

That's about it today.  This is actually kinda a quiet week for me.  Just the auction so far for Thursday night.  I'm feeling rested and at peace right now - I'll take it!

I got a job!

Whoot Whoot!

You know I've been looking for a part time job to help offset the cost of my trip (namely the shots) - I was HOPING to hear from the census. I'd rather work 6-8 weeks at $15.00 an hour vs. now until ?? for $8ish. But it's all good!

Prior to us almost moving to Hawaii I was working part-time at Marsh across the street from work. It was close to work so I could just go from one to the other and I've known the people over there for 15 years. They are good folk over there!

Yes, this is the same place Andrew works. So I asked Andrew if it was ok with him if I ask to come back for awhile. Bless his heart, he was all for it! So I asked them to work part-time - 20-25 hours a week. I told them I'd work until the new year (that way I feel like I am helping them too since they are helping me) - and I'd take 3 weeks off for my trip (2 weeks during and a few days before and after) and I could put the $$ aside for my trip.

So that is the scoop now! Yesterday I turned in the paperwork (basically signed my life away in case something happens) for my trip.

I'm so excited!!!!

Stitching!

I'm so excited!  Someone from church wants to buy some of my corner bookmarks!  Actually I gave her some as a gift and someone she knows wants to buy two.  My friend said give her a total of 7 and she bets she can sell them!  How exciting is that!

I have 9 done, but I promised a different friend 4.  So it looks like I'll be stitching all day today!  That is ok with me, there is a Dr. Who marathon today.   I'm so addicted!  

Passport

In case you didn't figure out what was "in the mail" it was my passport!  

I got an e-mail on Thursday telling me it would be here Monday!

I got it today! How exciting is that!?!?!  

I didn't post it was my passport because this is a public blog and you just never know who is watching. I wasn't worried about my few peeps (Hi few peeps!) - but I really didn't need to have my passport come up missing!  

My picture is rather funny - kinda a not smile/half smile. Sheesh! I'm stuck with it for the next ten years! Oh well, as far as I know this is the only time I'll be using it!! Although since my shots are good for 5ish years, if I was going to go on another short term mission trip again I should go soon before my shots wear off!!!  

So I can check that off my list! Monday I'll mail off the forms from my trip packet and e-mail them my passport information!!

I wanna be a buffalo!

Please take a moment to read the short post from a blog that I follow.

It's titled "MEAN PEOPLE"

Tell me what you think of it!

IT'S IN THE MAIL!!!

Give me Your eyes....

5 months till fly day!

4 months ago I officially began this journey. On one hand it seems like it'll never get here, and on the other it seems like it’ll be there too soon.

Fundraising is blowing my socks off! It's amazing to see how many people have donated towards this trip. I know I couldn't do it without each of them, and I am humbled by the generosity. So many people are praying for me encouraging me and are willing to help out in so many ways has blessed me so much. Please don’t take that lightly – it means the world to me.

So I have 5 months left. 5 months to get ready. I know I can pack, plan and prepare the physical aspect of this trip and be ready without a problem. Checklist for this and a checklist for that and it’ll get done. I’m struggling with the mental, emotional and spiritual part of the trip. I ask myself how do you prepare for seeing this kind of heartache and be able to mentally process it? How do you plan for seeing kids living and playing in areas that you wouldn’t let you dog out in – your cats roam in? How do you prepare for the stench and the filth? How do you not want to take each of the kids out of this situation and give them a better life? How do you sit down and eat 3 meals every day knowing that there are people – especially kids – a few miles away going with just one? I’ll have a bed to sleep in and these families are sleeping on old blankets on the ground. Daily I’ll be taken out of the slums to a hotel with food, safe water and bathrooms.

This is going to be a challenging trip for me…and I know that I’ll be seeing life in a different perspective.

I already am.

I’m also struggling with the spiritual aspect of this. I am certain that God has called me to this – that’s not what I mean. There is the whole aspect of how can humanity have allowed the value of human life to be so low that we’ve looked away as our neighbor’s basic needs aren’t getting met. I know this is the extreme side of poverty – but it’s out there – everywhere. How can I represent the love of Jesus to these people? Sure I’ll do what needs to be done to help out. Sure I’ll do my lesson and share my faith – but is that enough? I’ll be there two weeks. I’m not there to change the world. I am there to serve people. To do what I can to make a difference for the better for them. It's a little scary becuase I've learned that when I pray to God for something He can choose to answer in a way or at a time I'm not expecting it (ask me sometime about the crutches story - God has a sense of humor) - so now, as I embark on this journey, I'm praying for God to change me. And that is a scary thing to ask for! To be honest, I've asked Him to GENTLY change me. I want to have His heart for people. To love my neighbor as myself. To let me see people through His eyes - to be open and sensitive to the hurt, pain and sorrow that is masked behind the facade' we all put up.

So again, I ask for your prayers. For His eyes and heart. For me to be His hands and feet. To be used to bless others.

I'm going to close this post with a video of a song that has been speaking to my heart lately. Take a moment and allow the words to speak to your heart.

Finally feeling better!

Well, we figured out that the Hep A&B shot makes me sick at my stomach.  Within 48 hours of the shot my stomach doesn't do so well.   Friday my tummy was pretty miserable - and off and on all weekend.  If I didn't eat, I was ok.  If i ate, well, not so much.  I get my 3rd and final Hep A&B one week before I go.  Whew!

I put in an application today at Marsh across the street from work.  Tomorrow I'll hit KMart and all the other fun places down Madison.  I'd rather NOT work fast food  - but we will see.  Depends on the pay and stuff.  So at least that is in the works!

Tonight was Bible Study.  We are finishing up our study on Peter.  What I like the most about Bible Studies like this is when I know I've read a passage numerous times before and suddenly I see it completely differently.  Tonight we learned how Jesus would correct Peter and then taught him something.  But the final time - Jesus corrected Peter but Peter had to learn the lesson for himself.  Peter had to learn the lesson that Jesus did come to serve and suffer and die.  Not the plan Peter had - he was looking for an earthly king.  Peter learned his lesson as he stood around the fire denying Jesus 3 times.  She pointed out some very good points about Peter in the crowd too...An amazing night again tonight.  When the study for Peter is over we will be doing a Beth Moore Study - it starts in June and is over the Tuesday before I go.  But we will see how it all works out with my work schedule.

I didn't get the yard work done this weekend that I wanted to do.  But it will be there tomorrow!  I need to get my sunflower plants started and my tomato and basil plants.  At least get them started inside.  

That is about it.  I'm going to call it an early night tonight. I've got a mound of laundry to to tomorrow so I better rest up tonight!

2 Week Diet!

So my trip director just got back from Haiti and posted their pictures on Picasa.


What a great ministry they are doing there. To see the surgery area set up in a tent just floors me. It is obvious that they still need our prayers over there.

While viewing the pictures I came across this:

Is it me, or does the bowl next to the blue bowl look like there are feathers in it? And what is in the blue bowl anyhow? =) Now I know Haiti and Kenya are totally different. Or are they???

See that jar of Skippy peanut butter right next to the bread? That's for me. Good thing I'm not allergic to Peanut Butter, huh? =)

I know it's bad of me to bellyache about the food just like I was bellyaching about the shots. I'm sure while we are at the schools and stuff our hosts will be serving us the best they have to offer and I'll put on my big girl panties at least try it.

But I may just pack a jar or two of peanut butter as well! =)

Burrrr!!!

For as absolutely beautiful and warm as the weather has been, it sure turned colder!    After days in the high 70's, I don't think we got out of the 40's today!

Went to the auction tonight with Daddy.  I really enjoy going.  I usually don't get anything, but I enjoy the time with Daddy.  He is doing amazing with buying the right things and selling it on EBay.   The auction is fun - Mike the auctioneer has fun with us as a crowd which helps.  Tonight I was bidding on something and it looked like I was going to win so I pulled my bidding number out of my pocket - then it went higher than I wanted when I backed out he said, "Just put your number back in your pocket" - fun things like that.  Often I see stuff come through that I would like for the house, but I usually don't buy unless it is something important to us.  Last week I got about 25 old Peanuts books for Michael for $4.00.  He had a bunch growing up and I know he missed them.  So it was a good deal.  

Not a lot planned for the weekend.  At least that I can think of.  =)  I'm going to have to focus on getting a part time job.  I realized that my shots aren't covered in the money I have to raise for my trip - so I still have to get money for the rest of my shots and whatever else I need.  I'd rather find something for $10 an hour compared to $7 or $8 at some places.  So I guess I'll just put out a bunch of applications and see what happens. If you hear of anything can you let me know?

My nephew Victor was over last evening for a few hours.  After dinner we walked up to the park and he played. Cocoa went with us too.  It's fun to watch the kids play.  Andrew met us there and he played hide-n-seek with Victor.  Andrew is so good with kids.  He will make an amazing father someday.  But not for a long time!  =)

Oh, I just noticed that my Trip Packet Q&A wasn't saved on this blog (it was saved on the Kenya blog) - so if you don't check that blog - be sure to check the post on 4/6!

That's all tonight.  I haven't been to bed before 11 any night this week and it's catching up to me!  It's 10:38 now, so I don't think I'll make it again tonight!  Drat.  =)  

Shots Round TWO!

Shots Round TWO!

This trip to the Board of Health went MUCH smoother! My appt was at 5:20 and I got there just before. The place was empty! Just two other families there. They called me back in about 5 minutes and it was shot time!

The amount of medicine stung going in, but my arm didn't hurt like it did last time from the Tetanus shot. I asked her about the meningitis shot. She said they do it there - for $100.00. =( So I'm going to call my Dr. office and see if they do that one. I'd rather pay a $20.00 copay! If not, I'll be back to see my friend above!

Looks like I'm set on shots until mid summer. I'll call the travel Dr and set up the rest of my shots in May or so.

It really feels so real now...like when you plan something and you start seeing it happen. I'm almost to the 5 month mark. It's not long now!

Busy as a beaver...

Do you ever have moments when you just feel like there are not enough hours in a day?  That has been me the last two days!

Monday was work and although it wasn't overly busy or anything like that some days you come home from work and your brain hurts.  After work Daddy took Michael and I to a local Greek restaurant - BOY WAS IT GOOD!  It was our first time there  - Michael and I got the Gyro platter and had leftovers for lunch!  The visit with Daddy was nice too!  Something that I don't make a priority like I should.  I know better.

We had some good storms roll through last night - when we got home from dinner Dish Network was down so we played 500 (I won...that is $2.00 in two nights!) and had a good night.  The Final 4 game was on (Butler vs. Duke) so that captivated our evening.  Of course I was up way too late and hit my snooze button FOUR times this morning.  Drat.  I hate when I do that!  Needless to say, I felt like I was running slow today!

Got my second round of shots tonight!  This time having an appointment worked!  I'll have more details on that tomorrow.

Had card ministry tonight at church.  We make cards for those members that are on the prayer list or shut ins.  I'm enjoying it for the fellowship and the experience!  I'm getting good ideas for my cards!

Tomorrow is a busy day at work for me.  I have my career pathing.  Twice a year we do this....in the spring we have to set goals.  We all know how good I am at that.  I was supposed to have them to my boss today, but well, I haven't started them yet.  Guess I'll have to make that a priority tomorrow.  Wish me luck!

My nephew Victor is coming over tomorrow.  I hope it is nice enough to go to the park. If not, I'm sure Andrew has plenty for him to do!

Thats it tonight.  I'm pooped.  I'll chat more later!

Trip Packet Q&A

This came yesterday:

Yup!  My trip packet is here!  I got a text message from Michael telling me it was here and then Andrew brought it up to my work on his way to work.  =)  My boys spoil me!  Either that, or they were tired of me bugging them to check the mailbox!

Here are some questions I can answer now that I have my trip packet!

What is the breakdown of the funds you have to raise?

The $3300.00 includes airfare, food, lodging and transportation in the field as well as clinic and administration fees.  It does not include souveniers, meals purchased stateside (layovers at the airport) or other incidentals.  This does NOT include the money needed for my shots. 

What are the VISA requirements?

A Visa is required for entry into Kenya.  I will need to purchase it at the airport in Kenya - $50.00.

Who is your VISA sponsor?

My offical sponsor is Keith and Kathy Ham - Missionaries of Wispers House in Nairobi Kenya.  The Ham's have been missionaries in Africa since 1991 specifially working in the urban slums.  They partnered with Wallace and Mary Kamu (Kenyan Nationals and Christians) in 2004 and started the Mathare Family Hope Center. 

What did you find out about your shots?

Round two for my Hepatitis A & B is today.  My appt is at 5:20 - but we will see how that goes!  Remember this?  =)

I think I was right with my previous list - with the addition of the Meningococcal meningitis vaccination and a MMR booster.  I'll talk with my travel Dr in July to iron out the details. 

What does a clinic day look like?  What will YOU be doing?

We will be treating several hundred patients at our medical camps.  Some camps are already an existing clinc while others will be set up as tents.  The camps are set up as stations and each patient will stop by each station for care. 

• Registration/Triage
• Provider
• Health Education/Evangelism
• Pharmacy

I can work in any of them except provider.  It sounds like they will rotate us.   At the Health Education/Evangelism station each team member will participate on preventative/health maintence such as safe drinking water, tuberculosis, prevention of respiratory infections, oral  heath or HIV/AIDS.  There will be an interpreter to help with this as well as what God is leading us to say.  The interpreter will learn the lesson you are teaching to share as the week goes on and after we are gone.  At that time we will also be presenting a short spiritual lesson or craft - something that will remind the kids of God's love long after we are gone.  If you have any ideas, please share them with me!

What do they suggest you pack?

Mostly typical things - not much jumped out at me except the 3 large heavy duty trash bags.  I'll have to ask on that one!  Due to Kenyan culture, women are not allowed to wear shorts.  Slacks and capris are acceptable.  No sleevelss or tank tops.  I will need to pack a dress/skirt (below the knees) for church.

You mentioned that you have to bring medical supplies.  Any information on that?

As a team we must work togheter to collect over the counter medicine to leave behind at the clinics.  Everything from infant and children's medications to cough syrup, antiacids, eyedrop and antifungal creams.  If you or a group you belong to would like to set up a donation/collection box, see me for the full list!

What about the candy and fun stuff for the kids?

Stickers, small suckers, gum or candy (that can stand the heat), pencils/pens, small toys, note pads will also be collected for distribution to the kids.  Soccer balls, Basketballs, Beach Balls, Jump Ropes, Balloons, Frisbees and Bubbles are all items that would be great to donate as well.  The balls can be deflated for packing.

When will you get your flight details?

My departure packet will arive end of August early September.  That will have my flight itinary as well as all the other last minute information.

How exciting your trip is going to be!  Do you have other questions?

I'm really getting excited about my trip.  I do have more questions and I'm sure more questions will come up.  We will be having team meetings between now and September to get to know each other and stuff like that.  Im sure many of us have the same questions that we can get answers from the experienced team members!  I'll keep you posted and keep the quesitons coming!

What else?

The packet was full of information on Kenya.  Culture, Religion, Food, Politics, Education - everything you ever wanted to know!  I do have to sign and return four things:  Liability Release, Health History, Photo Release and FAME Short-term Medical Mission Trip Policies.  We did giggle when we got to #5 of the policies:  You wil be expected to acclimate to the host culture.  This may man eating food you are unfamiliar with or participating in foreign customs.  HA HA HA!  You can ask my boys, if I can't identify it (and sometimes even if I can) I don't eat it!  It's either going to be a moment of growth or me or a diet.  =)

What's next?

I'll continue fundraising!  Thanks to everyone I am 52% of the way to my goal!  I will be hosting a Chick-fil-A night on Monday June 7th  on Southport road.  I am still looking for a part time job.  I will begin collecting over-the-counter medicies and stuff like that as well - if you have any thoughts on this or any contacts that might help that would be AWESOME!  If your church or Sunday school group would be interested in helping I'll be glad to forward the details!

Thanks to everyone for your prayers, support and encouragment about this trip. I know I can be a  lot little obessive compulsive about things I'm passionate about.  Please keep the entire team in your prayers for God's hand to be upon this trip!

It's here! It's here!

My trip packet is here!  Questions and answers and more questions!  =)  I'll share more tomorrow!

PS...Round two of shots tomorrow!

Molly & McGee

Here is the link to follow Molly the owl and her owlings.  But be careful, it gets addicting!  It's just an owl box someone set up two years ago and an owl and her mate have made it home this year.  6 eggs were laid and it looks like only 4 of them will hatch.  Be careful when you watch - McGee (the male) brings her back food for her and the babies.  But for some reason we enjoy watching them!  The oldest owling "Max" is really getting active!

Anyhow, back to owl watching.  =)

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Happy Easter everyone!

What a wonderful day, all the way around.  It started early with the 8:15 service at church.  Boy was it a good service! They did a special skit where members of the choir came out holding signs.  One guys sign said, "Lost my job" - when he flipped it over it said, "But I didn't lose my faith".  Another one  said "addicted to alcohol and drugs" and when she flipped it over it said "Now addicted to Jesus".  One lady carried a sign that said "Control Freak" (Andrew gave me a small shove) and when she flipped it, it said "Jesus is in Control".  One sign a  young lady was carrying said "Wild Child" (and I gave Andrew a small shove back) and when she flipped it it said "Child of God".  But the one the got me the most was one lady had a sign that said "Depression over my mom's death" - I lost it.  The flip of her sign said "Healed in Jesus and holding onto the promise" - That meant so much to me!  Of course I was still a mess.  Andrew scooted over and gave me a hug.  The service was on how God is moving.  He's been moving back with Jesus coming to earth.  He is now moving in us through the Holy Spirit.  And how we need to be moving with him.  Growing and learning.  How God is moving and calling out to each of us back to Him. 

After church we went to Cracker Barrel for lunch.  It was ok.  We got there at at good time and only had a 10 minute wait.  

We came home and sent Andrew on a treasure hunt.  We got him a text friendly phone for Easter.  Now before I get bombarded with e-mails about my stated stance against teens and texting, hear me out.  Our phones are still prepay.  We put $20.00 on each phone every 3rd month.  So one month my phone, the next month Michael's and the 3rd Andrews.  That is what you get for 3 months and it has to last.  BUT we are on the Kroger plan and we get free minutes every time someone spends $100 on groceries.  So we have family and friends Kroger cards hooked up to our phones.  So we get free minutes that way.  

Now, why we got Andrew a text friendly phone.  Andrew has a few friends that he will text on a regular basis.  He knows that his phone and all text messages are for us to view should we ask (they better not be deleted).  But it is nice that he has something that is user friendly for texting purposes.  It's a different generation than when we grew up and I firmly believe that we need to adjust accordingly.  Not that we have to give in and do what everyone else is doing - but finding an acceptable meeting ground is important.  He knows that this is a privilege and not a right in life.  It can be revoked at any time.  We believe that responsibility breeds responsibility.  And we also clarified that it is not to be used when he is in a group and talking to people (we hate that).  Anyhow, Andrew was tickled.

We ended up cooking on the grill for dinner and then doing a game night.  Andrew is blue because he has school tomorrow - the end of Spring Break is hard.  I'm not overly thrilled to be going to work tomorrow.  

But it was a perfect weekend.

Easter Eve

Today was a good day!  I actually slept in a bit - got up about 9:00!  The boys went to a 10:30 movie and I got the cleaning bug!  I spent the next two hours cleaning the kitchen.  Cleaned out under the microwave stand and tossed all the plastic containers that didn't have lids and stuff like that.  It sure felt good to do it and get it done!

Daddy had to have some work in his kitchen done.  So he needs new floor and wallpaper.  He wanted a couple of us kids to go with him to Lowes to pick help pick it out.  Nikie and I met him there and I think he chose well!  He was supposed to have a plumber at the house at 3 today so I went back to his house for a bit to visit.  The plumber was a no show.

Andrew went to work and Michael went to poker.  So I went to JoAnns' with my 50% coupon and got a new punch for the cards I make for the card ministry at church.  They had their paper 5 sheets for $1.00 - so I got few dollars worth of paper too.  I stopped by Archivers to check out the workroom in the back.  I was told that they would let you work back there and use their tools as long as you bought your paper there.  But I found out tonight that is it a $15.00 fee to crop from 4-11.  Drat.  So I guess I won't be doing that on Saturday nights.  I've got something else I'm thinking about doing, I'll share more later.  

I did put an application in at Kaplan college to work reception from 5-8pm during the week and one Saturday a month.  That would make a great dent in my trip!  If nothing comes from this then I guess I go to the local places and put in applications.  I would rather works somewhere and make more on the hour than a local place.  But we will see.  I'm still looking!

Andrew was called into work tonight so we are going to go to Easter services tomorrow instead of tonight.  We know that the 9:30 & 11:00 services are going to be packed, so we are going to the 8:15 service.  Then we'll go to brunch with Papa at 10:30 at Cracker Barrel.  It's going to be weird to NOT cook Easter dinner.  Maybe I'll stop by the store and get a few things for a special dinner.  We'll see.

I'm watching "The Ten Commandments" right now.  Good movie - shame it is only on once a year!  Someone at church said they have it on VHS and will let me have it!  BONUS!  

I hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend.  May the true meaning of Easter penetrate your soul and draw you closer to Him. 

Good Friday

Today is Good Friday.  

Tonight was an amazing service at church.  It'll be hard to explain, but I'm going to try.

We had service in the North wing.  I attend Indian Creek Christian church.  We've been attending about 3 years now. 

Good Friday services are designed to reflect the day - the day Jesus died.  The services  contain music, readings, communion and usually end in silence.

Tonight as we walked in we were given little notecards and pencils.  It started with a song and a responsive reading (we usually don't do them, but this one was perfect) - and then one of the ministers came up and gave a little devotional from when he grew up.  He read Mark 15: 16-20 about when the soldiers took Him, put a purple robe about Him, gave Him the crown of thorns and then mocked Him.  We focused on the mocking part.  

How often do we mock Jesus and His sacrifice?  Do we mock Him with lack of sincerity? Lack of study and getting to know Him?  How about our prayer life?

We then took a few minutes to write down how we mock Jesus on our notecards.  Something personal.  What God laid on our hearts.

God was speaking to my heart.  Loud and clear.

Then we watched a video about 'these hands' - it showed pictures of hands doing different things.  An example would be a picture of a mans hand adjusting his tie and it said "These hands....hit in anger" - or a picture of a female hands that said "These hands...didn't keep her vows" - or a picture of a hand on a cell phone and it said "These hands...gossip" - very well done - probably a dozen pictures or so.  And the last picture showed a picture of Jesus' hand on the cross and it said - "These hands....forgave them all" - WOW.  What an amazing video it was.

Then Pastor Gary spoke for a few minutes and then challenged us to take our cards to one of the two crosses that were at the side of the room and nail them to the cross.  To take those things that we mock Jesus about and get rid of them.  Nail them and turn them over to Him for forgiveness.

It was a powerful feeling to take those things that I hold more important than my relationship with Jesus and turn them over.  Get rid of them.  I nailed them as hard as I could - get rid of them.

That moment was followed by communion when you were ready.  Torn bread and the juice.  Something about communion on Good Friday is just an awesome experience.  

We ended service with a few songs and a a final reading of Good Friday from the bible and walked out in silence.  

As we left there was the prettiest sunset.  The sun was almost set and the clouds were  just perfect.  

What an amazing way to end the evening.

Heavenly Father - I thank you.  Thank  you for today - for the meaning of Good Friday. That today was not the end.  We know that it wasn't the nails that held You to the cross, that it was Your love for us.  Thank You for thinking of us while you were on the cross and for choosing to stay for us.   

  

Good Friday Poem

Here is a poem I copied from the "Laugh and Lift" daily devotional.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

"Still He Walked"

(By Carrie McCutcheon)
[Edited]


He could hear the crowds screaming "crucify," "crucify". . .
He could hear the hatred in their voices,
These were His chosen people. He loved them,
And they were going to crucify Him.
He was beaten, bleeding and weakened . . . His heart was broken,
But still He walked.

He could see the crowd as He came from the palace.
He knew each of the faces so well. He had created them.
He knew every smile, laugh, and shed tear,
But now they were contorted with rage and anger . . . His heart broke,
But still He walked.

His disciples had left, denied, and even betrayed Him.
He searched the crowd for a loving face and He saw very few.
Then He turned His eyes to the only One that mattered
And He knew that He would never be alone.
He looked back at the crowd,
At the people who were spitting at Him,
Throwing rocks at Him and mocking Him, and He knew
That because of Him, they could be forgiven and never be alone.
So for them, He walked.

The sounds of the hammer striking the spikes echoed through the crowd.
The sounds of His cries echoed even louder,
The cheers of the crowd, as His hands and feet
Were nailed to the cross, intensified with each blow.
Loudest of all was the still small voice
Inside His heart that whispered "I am with You, My Son",
And God's heart broke.
He had let His Son walk.

Jesus could have asked God to end His suffering,
But instead He asked God to forgive;
Not to forgive Him,
But to forgive the ones who were persecuting Him.
As He hung on that cross, dying an unimaginable death,
He looked out and saw, not only the faces in the crowd,
But also, the face of every person yet to be,
And His heart filled with love.
As His body was dying, His heart was alive.
Alive with the limitless, unconditional love He feels for each of us.
That is why He walked.

When I forget how much my God loves me,
I remember His walk.
When I wonder if I can be forgiven,
I remember His walk.
When I need reminder of how to live like Christ,
I think of His walk.
And to show Him how much I love Him,
I wake up each morning, turn my eyes to Him,
And I walk.

It's in the mail!

Whoot! Whoot!


I heard back from the director of my trip today. She had been in Haiti for two weeks and then took some time off to be with her family after that -

BUT -

Today she will be in the office and will mail my trip packet!

Whoot Whoot!

I will *hopefully* have it tomorrow - if not, Monday at the latest!

Called to Kenya Blog....

I created a new blog specific to my Mission Trip to Kenya.  It has all the posts from this blog regarding my trip but none of the other stuff.  I will continue to post trip information here but incase you want to cut to the chase of my trip - that is the place to go!

Use this link to visit that blog.  If you ever need the link to that blog you can see it and a list of the latest post on the left side of this blog!

If that is clear as mud just let me know!

Catch up!

Sorry it's been awhile since I've updated.  When the boys are off for spring break, mom doesn't seem to get the computer in the evenings!

The weekend was good - went way too fast.  We seem to be passing a cold back and forth around here and it's my turn.  =(

We did get some new games and had a good time Sunday night playing them!  We got Yahtzee Hands Down and Sorry Revenge.  They are both card game and a lot of fun.  We had pizza for dinner and played games for a few hours - It was wonderful!  At one point on the Yahtzee game I said, "I've got 5 of a kind" and they boys said (almost at the same time) "There isn't a 5 of a kind" then it hit me!  "Wait, I've got a Yahtzee!!!"  they of course accuse me of cheating.  But it was really fun.

It's actually Thursday morning - 2am.  My cold issues woke me up so I took some more medicine. HOPEFULLY it'll kick in soon and I can go back to bed.  Thursday nights are my busy night to go to the auction with Daddy.  

Friday we are going to Good Friday services at church and then we will go to Easter Services on Saturday night.  We usually don't have Saturday night services, but with it being Easter church will be PACKED on Sunday.  So we are adding two services on Saturday night.  We are going to go to Easter Brunch with Papa on Sunday.  You know, one of the great things about the holidays with Andrew getting older is that we celebrate the REAL reason behind Christmas and Easter.  It not that there is anything wrong with Santa  and the bunny, but there is so much more to it all!

Anyhow, that is about it.  Like I said, it's 2am and I'm up against my will - hopefully the meds will kick in and I can get some sleep soon!