Happy Birthday, Amber!!

It seems like this picture was just taken yesterday...

Now you are all grown up - unbelievable.

I have 5 nieces, ranging from 3 years to (as of today) 19 years. My oldest niece, Amber, is celebrating her last "teen" birthday today. I have seen her grow up into a beautiful young woman - she started out as the first grandchild on both sides of her family but now has 2 brothers and a couple cousins thrown into the mix. She's a hard worker, has a gorgeous smile, and doesn't let her daddy or papa get away with anything (which is another reason why I love her so much - we've got to be in this together.) I'm very much looking forward to what is ahead of her, but no need to rush - I'm feeling old enough as it is.

I pray you have a great birthday - love you, sweetie - have fun and be good!

I Am So Thankful...

It has been a great Thanksgiving week - I am very thankful for so much. I first want to say "Happy Birthday" to my incredible niece. She is going to be 11 years old tomorrow - unbelievable! She is so smart and very beautiful; full of fun, questions, and laughter. Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl - looking forward to our upcoming weekend together!

Next, I want to say I am so thankful for my family. We had the greatest holiday weekend together...good food, a lot of laughs, a lot of football, and we even got in a couple games of Monopoly. We spent a lot of time together and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love my kids and my husband - you are so much fun to be with - I love you so much!

Going...Going...Gone...CRASH

Well, it was just 30 days ago and a few posts back that our beautiful daughter got her driver's license. I have been so scared - horrible thoughts racing through my mind if she doesn't call as soon as I think she should; we have her call everytime she gets somewhere. She has driven nearly every day, whether small errands for mom, school activities, or hanging out with friends. We hadn't bought her a car yet, because with only so much money, we had to make sure it was reliable and a very good deal for us. I probably also thought, that by not buying her a car, I had a little more control of her going all of the time.

Praise God she is ok - and I do have to keep telling myself that - she was hanging out with some friends, going a little too fast, hit some gravel, lost control, and hit a tree. All 3 of them seem to be fine and left the accident with their families - thank You, thank You, thank You, Lord. Coming up on the scene was quite overwhelming - there was a couple of ambulances, Fire & Rescue, a few highway patrol or sheriff vehicles - all with their lights flashing.

Right now, yes, we are thankful, but we are also very disappointed - not in the accident, they happen - it is just a car. Our daughter is a good girl and I don't want to give any impression that she is not - we are extremely proud of her; however, she was not exactly where she was supposed to be or with whom she was supposed to be with. She knows we like to know where she is and who she is with - we also don't just let her drive around without a specific cause since she is such a new driver. Don't get me wrong, I think we let her have fun - she will pick up a friend and they will go grab a bite to eat - but it is to there and back. Last night, because she wanted to do some hanging out and honestly didn't think we would let her - it was a church night, dark - she left out some of the details of her evening.

We need prayer please - that everyone is truly ok, no future repercussions (at least no negative ones), finances, insurance, edifying discipline, quick claim processing. I really don't know what all to ask for - I have never been in an accident that was my fault so I really don't know how this whole process is going to work with other people involved - and property (she also hit a fence).

I know this could have been much worse - I treasure my daughter - and it is not right a "suddenly" can change your whole life just like that.

More News From China

New picture of Moses - getting his eyes checked.

There are more pictures on the Picasa website and a new blog/journal from the orphanage.

Links are listed in the margin. Isn't he just precious?

News from China

I just received an email update from Dawn, she is a teacher at the Philip Hayden Foundation that our team had the incredible privilege of meeting just before heading back home. It was really great to hear from her and to get an update on what is going on there. What is going on? Well, God is working - as we knew He was. A little girl we met, named Ginger, is getting ready to have a surgery that she desperately needs - God has allowed our church to be a part of that and we raised over $2000.00 for the funds needed. Another little girl, Hayden, has a large tumor on her face and is also in need of surgery - it was great to hear from Dawn that she is getting ready to have that done. We also recently made contact with a momma only 2-1/2 hours away from us that is awaiting word from China so she can bring home the little boy she has adopted named Elijah. Elijah is living at the orphanage we stayed at - how cool is that? We went half way around the world and met with an incredibly awesome little boy to find out he is going to be living only 2-1/2 hours away from us here in the states. Please, as you read this, left up a prayer on behalf of all the staff at PHF, the kids, their needs, their "forever" families - they are doing an incredible work there. In case you are like me and can't get enough of this incredible ministry, I have listed Dawn's blog in the margin - it is titled "Living with Orphans". (Pictures: Elijah and Ginger)

A License to ... DRIVE!!!!

Well, she did it...she is so proud!!

She couldn't wait to take off.

Going...



Going...

Gone!!

Happy Birthday, Princess Ky!

Oh my gosh, she is absolutely precious! I can not believe my baby girl is 16 today! SIXTEEN! Unbelievable! I remember after I had her just holding her and being in complete amazement! I am still amazed everyday - she is growing up to be an incredible young lady. She does very well in school - thank You, Lord. She is smart, beautiful, funny - she is truly a good girl, loves the Lord, and has really cool friends - real, true friends. Wow! I just can't believe how fast it flew by. Now I (we) need your prayers because she will be on the road very soon - she can't wait and I can't get the knot out of my stomach. She has so blessed me - keeps me on my toes - makes me laugh every day (probably makes me scream every day, too). She is so like me which causes some friction but she is also my world - I love you, Baby - Happy Birthday!

Greater Things Are Yet To Come...Greater Things Are Yet To Be Done!

Well, today was a great day! I know it has been a while since I've updated the blog. The first week back from China I was just trying to get some sleep, the next week was the first of the month, which is always crazy, then our church had a ladies' retreat (Awesome!); now things seem to be calming down and getting back to normal. Today, though, marked our church's 100th Homecoming - it was just an incredible day. We saw a lot of video, heard a lot of testimony; our present pastor gave a great message and then we heard from Congressman Roy Blunt - who was present along with his secret service men (pretty cool). We had lunch and fellowship; I got to visit with a lot of people I just hadn't seen in a while. Our previous pastor was also invited to share in the celebration and he preached a second service - it was great to hear him share God's word for our church again.

I am truly anticipating great and awesome things for my God is a great and awesome God!

I have to admit I have felt a little slack in the spiritual area since the trip - I don't know if it's spiritual warfare, laziness, or what, but I've needed a jolt to get me back on the spiritual horse so to speak. Today's message reminded me of the basics and where my focus - our focus - is to be...it is all about Him! By His grace, our church has experienced what it means to be co-laborers with Christ and to live out the Great Commission; we have seen His faithfulness and His hand of blessing upon us. God has expanded our territory for His glory. What began as a brush arbor out in the middle of nowhere 100 years ago has now sent many across the world to at least 4 continents to share His love and message of hope - not to mention just what has been done in our own backyard (I, myself, am a living testimony of that).

God had already been speaking to me about how the O.T. prophets laid the foundation for the disciples to build upon and how the disciples have laid the stones for us and our faith. Today during the services, it was mentioned that the forefathers of our church led the way for us to be a part of the vision Christ had for them and the church...now we get to be a part, laid down, for those that will come after us. Wow! I read God's word and am thankful for the lives that remained faithful, despite the controversy and the trials that came their way, despite the cultural differences or what the popular vote demanded - their faith is the foundation for my faith and God is still building...greater works than these. Amen!

Oh, Ye Of Little Faith...

As many of you following this probably know, I have a terrible fear of flying - it is actually not so much the flying, as it is the crashing that scares me. When really feeling the Lord calling me on this past trip to China - that was my biggest hurdle. There was no way I was going to go if I did not believe without a shadow of a doubt that He was going with me and was in it all the way. He repeatedly confirmed this and although I was comforted knowing this, I was scared to death. In fact, the last week I really didn't know if I could go through with it. I didn't feel that it was a Jonah and the whale type thing if I didn't go but that God really wanted to bless me and I was going to miss that if I didn't go.

Well, bless me He did - it was an incredible trip, my heart and mind are still trying to sort through all that He allowed us to witness, along with still what our next step is to be. I believe an amazing door has been opened for our church and for us in supporting PHF and these children. I have definitely been taking to heart more of the verses regarding the fatherless in the Bible and don't really see it as an option but as an incredible blessing.

Anyway, many of you may have heard by now that our flight back from Beijing was anything but uneventful. The five of us had gathered in the airport before boarding and prayed for safe travel and I specifically prayed for "no bumps". It was raining slightly when we boarded the plane and shortly after take off we were experiencing alot of turbulance and it seemed to last forever. Needless to say, I'm not proud of losing my composure but I lost it. I don't know if I have ever been more afraid in my life. I remember praying for it to just stop and wondering why He was continually allowing this - why wouldn't He make it stop? I then remember my prayers going up for my wonderful husband and kids and wanting them to be okay and for God to take care of them.

Well, it did stop. The remainder of the flight was good although I was still under alot of stress - it was a long flight and I was fearful we could experience it again - I just wanted to be on the ground and seriously contemplated taking a rental car from Chicago to home; but, all is well, and we arrived safely home.

Since then, I have really been questioning God - He knew my fear, why did He allow this to happen to me? If He had truly called me and He loves me so much, why didn't He allow it to be smooth sailing all the way - no problems, no fears - nothing but perfection, peace, and calm? We had specifically prayed "no bumps" and we got big bumps, alot of bumps, scary, heart-pounding bumps. This has honestly been going thru my head ever since and I have really been questioning my faith and His plan, His motives, His love - the whole bit.

This morning I took my children to See You At The Pole at their school (I'm so proud of them) and was travelling back home alone thinking through all of this again and was reminded of Mark 4:35-41. Jesus and His disciples had boarded a ship and He said, 'Let us pass over unto the other side'. A great storm arose - the disciples thought they were going to die and wondered if Jesus even cared as He slept on a pillow (I believe that means it was an intentional nap - He literally grabbed a pillow, got comfortable, and took a nap - knowing full well this storm was going to come.) The disciples woke Him up and He rebuked the storm (I believe the storm was from Satan, because Jesus wouldn't rebuke Himself or the will of the Father) - the winds ceased and there was a great calm. Jesus then asked them why they were so fearful and how could they have no faith.

Wow, I really thought about that. Jesus had told me to go to the other side of the world - I believe He promised me He would get me there and back safely. A great storm came and rocked our plane all over the place and just like the disciples, I was wondering if He even cared? I remember even wondering if He was listening to me - kind of like, was He asleep and not paying attention? Where was my faith? If Jesus tells you, He wants you to go to the other side - He will see to it that you get there. Amen! He is faithful even when we are not - He was faithful in answering my questions, giving me peace that He was there all the time, in full control. Thank you, Lord, for helping my unbelief.

There's No Place Like Home

We are safe and sound back in the States. I truly
love this country and probably appreciate it much more now - don't get me wrong, China was unbelievable...the people, the food, the culture, the architecture, the history, the scenery...I could go on and on - it was amazing. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, we came into contact with was very friendly and full of smiles - I honestly hope our own people are just as nice to those visiting from other countries. I went over very apprehensive, not knowing what to expect, but it was incredibly pleasant and welcoming.

I woke up this afternoon, yeah you read right - this afternoon, and my thoughts immediately went to my team. I have woken up with them the past several mornings and spent nearly every waking hour with them for the last 10 days. They were great and there for me more than they know - they definitely saw my vulnerable side more often than I would like to admit. I pray a great bond has developed between each one of us - we always have China. Thanks to them and many blessings - I believe each one of us brought something unique to this trip - I was probably there to remind them of their mortality and they were there to continually remind me of my immortality in Christ.

My next thoughts quickly went to the children and what time it was there - what are they doing now? At that time, they should've all been sleeping - but I thought about their schedules...I could hear their little voices and see them saying "Mamma", trying to get their nanny's attention. Of course, I was wondering about Moses and how he was doing and what he was doing. Wow - they were incredible kids and what an incredible place. Please pray for each one of these little ones and all of the staff - they need continued support and great families, full of love, for them to be a part of .

Thanks again to everyone for the prayers and encouraging emails and comments. You were there with us and we tried to make you part as much as we could. God bless you every one.

Headed Home!

We are wrapping up our day - Wendy will probably still update the team blog later but then we are going to get everything packed. We get up early in the morning, go to church, eat lunch, and then off to the airport. I am excited about going to church in China - even if it is state sanctioned - that is going to be neat. Please remember us for safe travel and no problems. This has been an incredible experience. Thank you!

We had a great time with the kids again this morning and we passed out their goodie bags - they loved that - we also had taken pictures of each one of them, cut them out, and placed them inside clear medallions they could wear around their necks. We had shared with them how special they were - the medallions ended it well and they love to see pictures of themselves. Everytime you snap a picture - they want you to show them the digital screen - even the nannies think that is cool.

It has been an emotional day, which we expected, but it still doesn't make it any easier. I hope we have made an impact on them but they have definitely made an impact on us.

Thanks to everyone - we will be home soon!

Yum-Yum!!

We had a great time today with the kids - several pictures on the team blog. We had a ring toss game for them and they loved it. We decorated visors and passed out smiley face necklaces but the highlight for them was lunch...McDonald's. We were talking amongst ourselves that we had never seen that many hamburgers disappear so fast. My little guy, Moses, is deaf (possibly) and would take a bite of his sandwich and then rub his tummy for "yum-yum". They have of course had McDonalds before but they don't get it very often at all so it is quite a treat.

Later in the afternoon, after we had gone to Wal-Mart - yep, I can't even get away from it here - Wendy had bought some cookies for the kiddos, so while her and Karen took those around, Misty and I spent some time in the clinic with Dr. Moody doing some cleaning. It was great talking with her - she has such a faithful heart and genuine concern for the children here. Just in case there is some confusion, both Mr. & Mrs. Moody are doctors...it was Mrs. Moody we worked with this afternoon. She is quite funny and has a different accent so it is really neat to talk with her.

Well, tomorrow is our last full day here - I am sure it will be quite bittersweet - our conversations have really been about 'what's next?' - not just for us but for you also - it is something to think about - I know it has me thinking - I mean what was all of this for? And what am I to do with what I have been given?

"To whom much is given, much is required" (Luke 12:48)

Hmmmmmmm.

Thank You...Thank You...Thank You

I have received several encouraging emails which have helped a lot knowing you are praying for us and for everyone and everything that is involved here - it really is an incredible task; overwhelming actually. I feel much better emotionally today so thank you very, very much.

Today was a touring day and there is a lot more info regarding that on our team blog. Also be sure to check out one of our other team members blogs, The Love of Family (a link is in the margin). She is updating and uploading pictures also.

We were gone all day so did not get to spend hardly any time with the children - I found myself missing them, especially Moses, but we have a great day planned with them tomorrow. Story time is going well, they already know some of our typical children songs, and a few know sign language and sign while they sing. We start our day with singing and story time then move on to crafts and games. In addition to that, tomorrow we are having a McDonald's party for lunch - they are going to love that.

Wendy mentioned on our team blog just how precious it is to see them excited to see us. It really is heart-tugging. They spot us and start pulling on their nannies and pointing to us. When we get closer, they run to us and just want to be loved on and played with. They are amazingly well behaved, sitting very calmly and listening intently during story time and minding their nannies, doing exactly as they are told immediately. We were talking about the simple things that catch their attention - they don't have nearly the high tech gadgets that entertain our children back home - they can occupy themselves with just about anything. One child in the group I team up with, was just tickled to pull grass, throw it in the air, and watch it fall to the ground - if it landed on me or one of the other children, she was even more enthralled. We played with bubbles one day and they had a blast chasing them and trying to pop them.

Well, again, thank you for the prayers - I made it on that silly air car up to the Great Wall - which I still can not believe I did; I almost didn't. I honestly kept my eyes closed the whole time - Ruth prayed over me, which was very much appreciated, and she video taped the incredible scenery for me since I couldn't see it (my eyes were seriously closed the whole time and I had no strength in my arms when we got off because I had clinched the bar so tightly all the way up). It was a breath taking view and just an incredible icon to view and take in.

That is all for now - keep the encouraging words and prayers coming.

Please Pray

There are a lot of things going on - 3 children leave this weekend to prepare to meet their new adoptive families - that is a praise. Misty May, the one week old baby that was left at the front gate the first night we were here, had to leave earlier today for another orphanage - PHF now has 2 months to find her biological family; I don't really understand all of the technicalities of that but they are requesting prayer. And I will be honest I am just feeling overwhelmed with everything - it is hard to explain but today was a pretty emotional day for me - just trying to sort a lot of things out - I have asked a lot of "why's?" lately.

Tomorrow is our second and last touring day and I was really excited about it until I heard we have to take an air car up to the Great Wall. This morning in my quiet time, I read in Ecclesiastes 12 that the people were afraid of heights and dangers on the road - well, they are all about heights here and if you've ever driven here you would understand the latter. I shared this passage with the others and we had a good laugh since last night we tried to cross the street at a very busy intersection - it was scary - did I mention they don't have traffic lights? I was told traffic is to flow like water, you just make room - oh yeah, it's fun.

We did have a good day today - we split up for the most part and did different things as requested - there is more info regarding that and more pictures uploaded on the team blog. I am sure more will be posted tomorrow - just remember us in prayer - He is sovereign, sees all, and knows each individual need in more depth than we do. Thank you.

Meet Moses

I have made several new little friends but one little guy, Moses (pictured), has really tugged at my heart and I think I have his also. He just lights up when I come around now and wants to sit on my lap the whole time - if he gets up for any period of time at all and another little one climbs up - he is very upset and trying to pull them off.

Today, we worked in the craft store - tracing and cutting out shapes. The orphanage has a craft store in which they make hand-made crafts to purchase as a fundraiser. (You can check out more on their website - a link is in the margin). We also helped clean the school - the older kids had gone on a field trip to the paralympic games. A couple of our ladies went on rounds with the doctor here and I think they are planning on going with him tomorrow to the hospital to check in on some little ones that are there from the orphanage.

Thanks to every one for the comments and emails - I am loving them and really look forward every evening to logging on and hearing from home.

Sweet Aroma

Our team blog summarizes our day pretty well and has some pictures posted so please check it out. I just wanted to share a little bit of what God has shared with me. Yesterday one of the locals I was standing close to told me I smelled good - I thought that was nice - and shocking - since I was very hot and "glistening"... a lot. Anyway, this morning while thinking about many different things and some of the hindrances/barriers - I was reminded of this gracious compliment and then how in our daily lives we are to be a sweet fragrance...a pleasing aroma...to our Lord - that's possibly the greatest compliment of all.

Greetings from China

Okay, first of all, I am here - in China - can you believe that? I am in China...Wow! Plus, what is even more amazing than that - I flew here. And just as I knew He would - He gave me peace and a great flight. I was though absolutely beat when we finally got to our destination. If you remember, I was up at 2:00am typing on my blog just a few short hours before our first flight - I was up for almost 48 hours - with only a few short naps on the plane.

This morning we got up early - 4:00am the time here - and 4:00am feels the same here as it does back home - and if anyone reading this knows me very well - mornings are not my thing. In my quiet time this morning I was reading out of I Corinthians 16 and verse 19 says..."The churches of the Asian province greet you." That blew me away - I am in Asia - and the church here greets me - I'm telling you that was for me - pretty cool.

Today was a tour day and incredible - we had a great time checking out the sights and doing some shopping - I actually bartered and think I did pretty well - but shopping here is nothing like home - you don't know a salesperson until you've come here.

For lunch we ate at KFC which just cracks me up.

We have had some pretty cool things happen and we will share more about that later - check out the team blog. We got to meet some of the children later today with their nannies, we also met the director, and the doctor - amazing people with absolutely incredible hearts. The kids were full of smiles and wanted to play and be held - their faces just lit up when we showed up to meet them.

Tomorrow will be a day of working here. The team blog does have a couple pictures posted so be sure to follow along there.

Here We Go!

Well, it is about 2:00am and I am still awake - still getting things ready to go. In about 24 hours from now we will be landing in Beijing - that is unbelievable. I will try to keep up this blog as much as I can; however, be sure to check out the team blog posted in the margin - When Love Takes Flight.

My family has been great - I am going to miss you like crazy but thank you for letting me go. I am anticipating great and awesome things. Please keep all of us in your prayers - I especially need an extra dose of peace since flying is not at all my cup of tea. Perfect love casts out fear, right? Well, I know Love because He first loved us and am trusting Him for everything.

God Bless - talk to all of you soon.

In His Image

Well, we are getting very close - 3 days. It has been incredible seeing God put everything together; He has been teaching me so much about His character and my own. I am a very analytical thinker - always asking the question "why?" - and known for even asking God questions with multiple choice answers (just in case He hasn't thought of all the possibilities). One of the things I seem to question and deal with regularly is "why is it always me being worked on?". For example, I go to the grocery store and there are numerous carts left all over the lot blocking available parking spaces and posing a potential hazard to cars if they happen to roll away - I park, get out, proceed to the front of the store - all the while passing these uncaroulled carts - and I feel it...'go caroul the carts'. An inner argument ensues because I don't want to caroul the carts and I keep going on; nonetheless, always to turn back and grab the carts. Why me? Why doesn't God convict the other people, preferably the ones that can't seem to walk their carts the few extra feet to their appropriate places.

I also seem to frequently come into contact with people with the same personality traits - yeah, I know, my own - anyway, it is continual and I honestly don't handle it well. I know 'iron sharpens iron' but obviously, or so it would seem, I'm not getting any sharper no matter how often and fast He strikes us together. I fail repeatedly and wish He would just move on to the next test, or maybe, just give me a break for a while - a long while.

But you know, honestly, I wouldn't want God to take a break from me and I am getting a little sharper - I'm sure not as fast as I could if I would just stop fighting Him all the way. I was walking the other evening and having one of these 'why?' moments with God and realized everytime He gives me something to work on He is showing me who He is - Jesus would put the carts up...without arguing about it and throwing a fit - Jesus handles every kind of personality with grace and love...patience...kindness - He doesn't lose His temper or fly off the handle. I am constantly being worked on because there is so much to work on. I am to be transformed into His image and He has promised to continue working that out in me (Phil. 1:6). My greatest desire is to know Him - and I pray for that. I want to know Him - everything about Him and I want my instantaneous responses to be Him and He is answering me. I am seeing who He is - His character, His actions, His love - everytime He gives me something to work on, He is showing me the character He wants me to have - His.

Happy Birthday, Grandma

On August 31, my grandmother turned 90 - WOW! She is still as spry as ever, full of wit and Irish fervor. We had a party for her with dinner, cake, and a gorilla stripper (yeah, you read right) - it was a lot of fun. We hired a guy to dress in a gorilla costume and strip the clothes off that were on over the costume - he danced to "I'm Too Sexy For My Shirt" - I think she got a little embarrassed. Love you Grandma - I hope you had a great time.

Do You Know Him?

I was listening to Focus on the Family on the radio the other day; Steven Curtis Chapman was a guest. He is a Christian singer/songwriter that recently lost his young daughter in a tragic accident this last May. The Chapman family had adopted her from China. He was sharing his heart about their loss - the pain, the questions, the memories - it was heartwrenching; as a mom I can not even fathom what they have gone through and have often wondered if my faith is strong enough to endure such despair. In Romans 12:3 we are told God has given us a measure of faith - it is not my faith, it is God's faith...that He has given to us; He is our Comfort. I know God's faith can do anything...get thru anything...overcome anything and He gives that to me...to us...in our time of need. If I have to count on anything of myself - I'm doomed - I know me and I am weak, but praise God - greater is He that is in me and He has given me a measure of faith. I think that is important, too, it is always what we need when we need it and that measure can be increased - see Luke 17:5 - as we need it.

Anyway, I kind of got off on a tangent here...something Mr. Chapman said really struck me. He was asked if he was angry with God for what has happened...(I'm sorry, I don't remember his exact response but this is what I got from it)...he asked, how could he be mad at God, for it is because of Him that he will be with His precious daughter again. Wow - I guess I have thought about that before but this time it really "entered" in...deep. If God would not have made a way (remember, He is The Way - the only way, in or out), we would all be floating around down here, just trying to make the best of it, with no hope, no help, no happy ending, no anything - nothing - we would forever be separated from our loved ones - never to see them again.

I don't mean to sound morbid or all doom and gloom, but I think because of this trip coming up I have been thinking about my own mortality - the "what ifs". I believe I will be returning safely home and will be fine but "what if?" and I think that is a little natural and probably the wife and mother in me wanting to make sure my family will be taken care of. Plus I've been going over everything like accounts, insurance, etc. so my husband can find everything just in case a "what if" happens.

Mr. Chapman said that while he was with his daughter those last few moments of her life, he asked the doctors and nurses that were around them if they realized they were standing on holy ground...that they were standing at the door of eternity? This father was placing his precious daughter into the arms of Jesus...did they know Him? He was the one that gave this sweet child life, orchestrated the events of her life so she could be brought up in a Christian home with a loving family, and, yes, even numbered her days. This father wanted them to know her - really know her, not as a patient, but everything about her that made her so special, but to do that now, they had to know Him.

Do you know Him?

School Days Are Here Again

I can not believe school has already started - this summer just flew by. I am so proud of my kids, they both do very well in school which is an answer to prayer - we have prayed ever since they were little to retain the knowledge. Both are in honors classes, our daughter is in high school and part of the A+ program; our son is in junior high. Sis is on the golf team - much to her father's delight and Bub is anxiously awaiting school basketball to start (so is Mom). This year is going to be quite nerve-wracking for me since Sis will have her license in just a few short weeks; that is if I let her. LOL. (She doesn't find that funny.) I am very blessed to have two amazing kids and am witnessing them grow into awesome young adults - they are alot of fun and make me laugh every day. (They get their wit from Mom - all the good traits come from Mom - LOL)

Things are still crazy around here as usual...work has been very busy, not to mention trying to get back in routine with school starting, golf practice every day, basketball practice still 1-2 times a week, we have had Awana training all month at church, our women's ministry is planning a women's retreat for the first weekend in October, the mission trip coming up way too fast, and my husband is now on vacation replacement at work so he rebids his job every week - I have to keep my schedule open for the kids' activities since we don't know from week to week what his schedule will be. We also have 4 major birthdays this month - our cousin's precious little girl from China turned 4 on the 18th, one of my beautiful nieces turned 6 on the 11th, my father-n-law turns 60 on the 26th, and my amazing grandmother - who I only wish I had half of her strength and determination - is turning 90 on the 31st. Oh, please don't think I am complaining, (although I may be a little - sorry) busy is good, I actually think I thrive better under stress - although, maybe not since I think I just wrote all of that to make me feel better for not having anything done (and it kind of worked - for a while). On that note, I had better wrap up and try to accomplish something domestic - like laundry. (Can you really accomplish that?)

Five Weeks To Go - Check Out The Pictures

Wow, I am really feeling down to the wire - where does all of the time go? Anyway, speaking of time, I do not have much right now to share everything that is going on but wanted to make sure I got a new website up. In the margin is a listing of my favorite blogs, sites, etc. and I just added a photo album of the little precious children I will get the privilege of meeting in just 5 short weeks. The site is under Philip Hayden - Pictures; there is a site for the actual orphange we will be staying at and it is under Philip Hayden also. Please check these out as you pray over these children and the many workers that have devoted their own lives to nurturing these little ones. I for one love to have a face for who I am praying for and by seeing into these little ones' eyes I already feel very connected to them and am even learning some of their names.

Catching Up

Well, it has been awhile...our daughter made it back from Denver and is now getting ready for a youth church camp next week. Our son just got back from Columbia last weekend in which his basketball team took second (silver) in the Sho-Me State games. Both of them keep us very busy and school is just around the corner - I can not believe it. I like them home but they are eager to hook up with all of their friends again.

I leave for China 6 weeks from today - I am in panic zone about everything - trying to keep work caught up, the house caught up, and just preparing for it all - and not just preparing me but my husband who is going to be dealing with everything while I am gone. I am not too worried about him, both of our parents are close by and he is really great friends with Alan (his wife, Wendy is leading out our team) so I am sure they can help each other out. Poor Alan will be taking care of 4 children while we are away. I can't wait to hear all of the kids' stories after we get home.

I just finished up the last busy month for the season - yeah! The next couple of weeks will be kind of busy but nothing like it has been and then it will just die when school starts so hopefully I will take full advantage of these few weeks and get everything done I need to...

...like thank you cards for all of my supporters.

I have been very blessed and am very thankful to everyone that is supporting me in prayer and finances. It is very strange - I have heard people say before when they go on mission trips that the people supporting them are going with them - I honestly thought it was just a saying and a nice thing to say but, I truly feel that and feel it deep. I am praying for each of you and I am constantly reminded of your generosity and care for me that is even making this incredible dream a reality for me - Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I know you will not be with me physically but please know that someone in China will be thinking of you, praying for you, and blessed by you.

New Outlet?

I must say, I am absolutely loving this whole blogging thing - my family still thinks I'm crazy. My husband actually read it last night - he wouldn't post anything. He says this is good for me though, I need a new outlet so maybe I won't talk so much - lol; I really doubt that changes.

On Mission

So much is going on - I need to figure out how to get pictures uploaded on this thing. Our daughter is now in Denver, CO on a youth mission trip. I am missing her like crazy but fortunately, our youth pastor is updating his blog and keeping anxious parents like myself posted. His blog is listed in the margin as In the Mix. There is a picture of the whole group - our precious daughter is in the midst of the bunch; there is also a picture of her on our church website under the student ministry (that link is also in the margin).

I am so proud of her - this is her third trip to Denver; they mainly do servant evangelism - washing cars, passing out breakfast, cleaning out garages, shoveling rock, etc. Please pray for her safety/health and for all of the team to represent Christ and His love for all people. She was more nervous on this trip for some reason and I am having a tougher time with it also than usual. Ten days is a long time - I can not wait for her to be safely home but I am also anticipating the great things God is doing in her life and in her character - she is so much stronger than I was at her age.

I am also preparing to go on a mission trip to China in September - wow, it is coming up so fast. We have a team blog set up (When Love Takes Flight) and another one of our team members has a family blog (The Love of Family) - both listed in the margin. I am anxious, excited, scared - a whole lot of emotions wrapped up inside tightly. I am not an avid traveller, by any means, flying (really crashing) scares me to death so flying to China is really taking me out of my comfort zone. Sometimes, I am so elated with "Oh, wow, Lord, You are sending me to China! This is incredible!" to sheer terror, "Oh, wow, Lord, You are sending me to China? Really? Are You sure?" Of course, I know He is sure and I know He is going before me and will be with me. I want to truly take in every moment of this trip and grow in a much deeper, greater knowledge of who He is - for, really, I am going on mission with Him - the God of all Creation, who for whatever reason looked at that incredible land with its many people that He loves so much and then spun the globe around and looked down on me and my small team and said, "I want you to go" Wow. That is very humbling.

He Is!

I have really been praying about my prayer life - I know that seems a little ironic, but I have been struggling with unanswered prayers and just not feeling like I am connecting with God in my prayer time. This morning I got up and asked God to please help me with this struggle - I know He is there and I know He loves me but for some reason He is not answering me. Then in Sunday School this morning we were reading the last few verses in James and we were talking about prayer and how the prayer of the righteous man availeth much. Who is righteous? No one, only by Christ and His righteousness - what He has done on our behalf - do we become righteous. So the righteous man understands his place and who God is and what God has done; he is not looking at his circumstances or his filthy wretchedness, he is focused on who God is and His promises to us. In Hebrews 11:6 we are told that without faith it is impossible to please God, when we come to Him we must believe that He is - He is what? Everything He said He is - our Provider, our Sustainer, our Saviour, our Healer, our Comfort - He is our everything. What is the remainder of Hebrews 11:6? He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him - I must admit I have been seeking the reward, the answer to my problem -not Him. I have been looking at my own unworthiness, my own uncontrollable circumstances and I am missing Him. Sometimes, I think we are so focused on getting out of the wilderness that we miss the greatest experience of all - God - in the wilderness with us, walking with us, talking with us, but we don't listen and we don't see that He has something so much greater for us if we would just be still and know He is God.

Welcome

The kids think I am crazy for setting this up but I think it is a great way for friends and family to keep in touch with what is going on in our hectic lives. I am hoping we will all get on board, but my husband is the most skeptical of all so we will have to see.