Lunch with PL and a Blessing

I tried to post this several days ago but had some sort of technical issues and had to rewrite it!

I had my first "Lunch with Pastor Lori" for this school year. I met with a 4th grader, Jayden, and had a great time chatting and meeting some of her friends. I LOVE going to schools! Kids are so funny...sometimes you discover a whole different side of them when away from the walls of the church. Jayden is a sweet girl, tender hearted and loves Jesus. She blessed me so much when she said, "I couldn't hardly wait for you to get here!" Of course, you get the others kids curiosity stirred up when you arrive. They ask if I'm the mom, the grandma, why I'm there, if I'm staying all day, etc. When they find out I'm a pastor, they usually look at me as though they have never seen a pastor outside a church building before. That's sad if true!

I'm doing a lunch a week and to take away the pressure of deciding who I should meet with, we have a new element in Building 2-52. At the end of second service, I draw a name from our new lunch box and whomever is drawn had a date with me. I got a metal Looney Tunes lunch box (thanks to my friend Debbie!) and anyone who wants a date has their name added to the mix. I then call parents so they can in turn call the school and give the okay and let them know what day I'm coming.

I was incredibly blessed to meet the pastors of the Hispanic Assembly of God church here in Union City! Pastor Villa and his wife were sharing their passion and vision for Asambleas de Dios Juan 3:16 with me and I was in awe of their determination and sacrifice. They moved here 8 years ago from New York to plant this church. They face many hurdles, mainly with language barriers. The children of their congregation are bilingual but not many adults are so the Villas end up doing most of the work and teaching of the church. They tell the children they are raising them up to be the church! I'll be praying for them and hope the Lord allows me an opportunity to help in some way. Sure wish I knew how to speak Spanish!

Building the Team

I have been working and praying to fill some team positions. I'm so excited to have Brian and Amy Johnson and Jaime and Amanda Winstead join the Building 2-52 gang! Brian will be leading the technology department, Amy is my big event coordinator and they both will be in children's church. Jaime and Amanda take on the nursery coordinator position. I also recruited some additional people for the nursery schedule. Woot woot!

Now, I praying for a bus pastor. I am in charge of our bus ministry and it's been an area that I have had to learn as I go. So far....not too much success but I know a bus pastor is the only way this area will grow. I simply do not have as much time as it requires. So I'm praying for the person or persons that will commit to reaching out to some kids that have a pretty tough life. Someone who will be willing to invest some time to visit homes and really know these families. We are working on a 65 passenger school bus. We are painting it and getting it all "kid friendly." Of course a school bus requires a CDL and some folks willing to take the test. I'm working on mine.

Building a team takes more time than I'd like. It would be nice to just make a list and assign the positions! It's helping me grow the fruit of patience. :)

Be Careful What You Preach

It seems as though God is stretching me right now. I feel a little like that old toy Stretch Armstrong, remember that one? Several weeks ago, the Lord changed the direction in Building 2-52 from Superheroes of the Bible to Fruits of the Spirit. Okay...I'm cool with that. I want to be going exactly where the Holy Spirit is leading...not doing my own thing. Well, let me tell you, I am relearning some of the very things I'm preaching.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control." Galatians 5:22-23

Love - we ALL should constantly be challenged to love like Jesus. Some people are just not very lovable but.......you know. :)

Joy - I had to choose whether I was going to be joyful a couple of weeks ago when Randy was put into the hospital. Would I let the devil steal my joy? No way, forget it, not gonna happen. As I preached to the kids, the true meaning of J-O-Y is putting Jesus first, Others next and Yourself last. I'll keep my joy by keeping Jesus FIRST.

And now to peace - Wow, I have been tested in greater ways with this one. I really don't want to go into a lot of details but last Thursday was a tough day for us. We had a pretty big disappointment and then to top the whole day off, Micaela had a car accident. She is fine...car not so much. But Satan would have me in such turmoil and confusion and then even attack one of my kids that it proves what a liar and thief he is. Have I completely gotten the peace victory? Honestly no, but I'm working on it and rereading the scriptures from my Sunday sermon.

So this week I'm preaching on patience. Hum...

I will NOT deviate from where the Lord is leading me so bring it on Stupid Head. (does the devil read my blog?) 1 John 4:4 says "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world!" 1 Cor. 15:57 says "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

This is an awesome verse Keaton gave me as an encouragement this week....Matthew 19:29 "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life."

The scripture from Luke 12 that teaches, "to whom much is given, much is required" has come to mind often in the past few weeks. I'm trusting in you Jesus!

Obion County Fair

Giving a cup of water in Jesus' name....Mark 9:41

Julie and me...do I look goofy?

We had a great time this week passing out free bottled water, church fliers, and balloon animals. Thanks to all of our awesome volunteers...especially my friend Julie who was there every night!

Obion County Fair

Our church has a booth at the Obion County Fair. We are doing something simple for the second year in a row. We are giving a cup of cold water in Jesus' name. Free bottled water, a packet of church info with some candy in it, a friendly face and just an opportunity to be Jesus with skin on. Last night, I added some balloon animals and passed out some of my business cards. It's fun to watch the kid's faces when you tell them they can have a free balloon. Not much is free at the fair except boring business stuff that most kids could care less about. We will be at the fair three more nights. I'm praying for divine appointments and favor in our community. I want to be ready for that one person who may be at the fair that is hurting and open to a new friend. Lord, give me your eyes and ears tonight. Speak to me in the busyness of the evening so that I might show your love in a greater way.

My Man is Home!

Finally, Randy was sprung from the hospital!! His blood level was thin enough after seven days of being bed-ridden. He arrived at the hospital and was put to bed last Friday at 10 AM and we left his room at exactly 10 AM this morning. I'm so thankful he's home. He has to be off of work for two more weeks and as the doctor said, "You may putter." So I guess that means light duties and using caution.

He still has three blood clots but we are believing the Lord will dissolve those quickly. Thanks to all who have been praying and those who came to visit. We sure appreciate everyone's support.

Horses and the Hospital

We've had a hectic few days around here! Friday, Randy was put in the hospital with a blood clot in his leg...well, we found out today it's actually three blood clots. He will be in the hospital a few more days until they can get his blood thinned out a bit more. They have not determined how he got the blood clots but I hope they do before he leaves the hospital. He is being a good patient but I know he is getting tired on being in bed. He cannot be up at all! You can only watch so much TV, read and such before you go nuts. He can't even really play solitaire because he isn't allowed to sit up much. His leg has to be elevated at all times.

Randy had started his new job just four days before this all happened! He will have to be off of work for two weeks after he goes home and will have to ease back after that. So far, his new employer is being very good about all of this. We know that God is in control and He is going to work it all out for His glory. Everything from Randy's physical healing to the financial end of it. We don't have any health insurance and so this is an awesome opportunity for our miracle working, supernatural God to show the world how He takes care of us.

In the midst of this, I had a big day planned at church. Round Up Sunday was planned as a dual purposed event. Celebrating back to school and getting families back into the regular church attendance habit after the summer slump. You might be thinking, "Back to school?" Yes...our schools are back in session as of last Friday and today. Crazy, I know. So anyway....all went well even with making hospital visits and decorations for the big day. We even had two horses for some fun rides in the church yard between the two morning services. The kids had a blast and it was so fun to watch them enjoying the horses. The horses were so gentle and didn't even mind all of those kids getting off and on them. Great day even if we didn't have as many kids back as I would have liked. The kids all looked adorable in the western wear. We had some prizes for the best outfits and some crazy pictures of everyone in a "Wanted" poster.

Thanks to all who have been praying for us! We sure appreciate all of your love and concern. We'll keep you posted.

Chachachachanges

Last Sunday, we announced our new youth pastors at Union City First Assembly of God! Brian and Corey Moffitt are a great addition to the team. They will continue their full time teaching jobs and will lead our youth in all those youth-y type things they do. Seriously, the Moffitts are sold out to Jesus, with hearts full of passion for missions and they will take our kids to the next level in their walk with the Lord. I know first hand how challenging it can be to be bi vocational but they are up to the challenge!

It was hard to see Pastor Justin, Hope and Gavin move to Mississippi. I miss them very much. Changes are a very real and big part of ministry. You deal with them and move on. Not forgetting people but living with the promise that God is in control and an understanding that change is a good thing. It's an opportunity for all of us to grow in Jesus.

Another change in our lives...Randy is employed! He started this week at a car dealership here in Union City as a car salesman. It's something new for him and some long hours but we are so thankful he has a job and the Lord will take care of the rest. As with any new job, there is a lot to learn, especially if you've never worked in sales. But my husband is great with people and everybody falls in love with him so I'm sure he'll do awesome.

What a Great Week!

Maybe I should say, "What a great summer!", but let's just focus on the past week. I had the opportunity to go to Iowa for a couple of days. When I arrived at my friends, the Mains, we had a very happy reunion with many friends and some of my Iowa kids. Wow, they grow a lot in 10 months! Good food, lots of laughs, pictures, hugs, stories, new babies, new babies on the way...you can't get much better than that. I'm so thankful for Amy! She has been a faithful, supportive friend from the moment we met. I spent Tuesday and Thursday nights there.

Wednesday, I drove to the Iowa Assemblies of God campground, Sunstream Retreat Center. The weather was picture perfect! It was an awesome day of reunions with old friends, kids I've met at other camps and JBQ, and the best part...spending the day with Keaton. Can I just say how proud I am of our son? He has been working like a mad man for months preparing for all of the camps for youth and kids. If I had one person I had a hundred tell me what a great job Keaton has done for the Iowa Ministry Network. It was so fun to see him in action. Check out his "crazy hair day" pics! That's dedication! I got to hear him preach a chapel and it was annointed! The boy can flat out preach!

Keaton gave me a tour of all the updates and additions to the camp. WOW! It is amazing. They've added three zip lines, zorb balls (the official ground zorb hill is in development and will be ready next summer), go carts, remodeled the sanctuary, game rooms, snack shop, gym, many of the sleeping rooms, the cafeteria and gave the whole grounds a deep cleaning. It took months of clearing trees and heavy construction but it was sure worth the end product. One very nice addition in my opinion was the Starbucks coffee! Now that's doing things with excellence! :)

I was honored to be able to do a chapel service for the kids. It was a personal blessing...somewhat of a gift from God. Last year, when I was at camp, someone had said some very hurtful things to me and I left on the last day on a bad note and a hurting heart. I knew in my heart that I would be leaving Iowa and I was so sad that my last Iowa camp had ended on a sour note. Yes, the person apologized later but it was still sad to have 15 years of Iowa camp end that way. This week, was a full circle event. I am so thankful to the Lord. The chapel service went awesome as God spoke a message to the kids about their uniqueness and purpose in Christ. We spent some time listening for the voice of God. The kids responded so well and I hope they all remember our Big Idea, "I am a flake!" You had to be there. :)

As awesome as it was, I'm glad to be home in Tennessee! Thanks to all who made it a wonderful few days. Got the Character Connex kit and I'm excited to get going on scheduling school assemblies!

This Week....

I have a busy, exciting week ahead. It's Monday meeting day...you know how I enjoy that. It's just great to have the team together and share victories the Lord has given us. This meeting will be a little sad for me. Pastor Justin and Hope won't be there. Yesterday was their last day as they are moving to Mississippi. Pastor Justin and I have a unique bond and it was a tearful goodbye last night.

Tomorrow, I'm heading to Iowa! It's gonna be a very quick trip but I'm really looking forward to it. I'll arrive Tuesday late afternoon at the Main house where Amy has arranged a little get together of old friends and a pot luck dinner! Amy is ALWAYS doing something special for me even though I live 10 hours from her. Her birthday is Friday. Maybe I should bake a chocolate cake before I leave town.

Wednesday morning I'm up early and off to the Iowa Assemblies of God campground ~ Sunstream Retreat Center where week two of kid's camp is happening! I am beyond excited to see my boy! Keaton has been there all summer ministering and working super hard. The campground has undergone a major renovation so I'm looking forward to checking it out. To top it all off, I get to preach the morning chapel on Wednesday! It will be so cool to see all of my old camp buddies, too. Pastor Laurie Rich, who is one of my best friends, will be there along with other great friends, Pastor Kevin and Trudy Umphress, Pastor Brian Bopp aka BBopp, Pastor Heath and Ali Adamson and many more.

Thursday it's back to Des Moines to pick up our Character Connex kit! This investment will help me to get into our schools and do character building assemblies and build even deeper relationships with our community. I'm so thankful our church was supportive of the purchase and for the favor I have gained in the schools. I'll get to see another one of my bestest friends on Thursday! Judy is a pal from my days at Parkview Middle School. We are sisters of the heart. She is one of those people I can say anything to and know she doesn't judge and can keep a confidence. Those people are rare in the life of a person let alone a pastor.

I am the most blessed person to have so many incredible friends. I'm really hoping to see some other folks like the Albers tribe and the Lively clan. It's such a quick trip I will have to be a good steward of my time to fit it all in.

Friday morning it's back on the road. I'll be traveling alone as Randy is holding down the fort and making preparations to start his new job next Monday. We have a big all church work day next Saturday so I want to be back to lend a hand in that. We will be starting the process of painting the school bus! Woot woot. Can't wait to see the finished product and start picking up even more kids for church.

I MIss My Intern

Jeremiah went back to Iowa on Monday morning. His time here went way too fast. We had lots more we wanted to work on. I know he came here to learn a few things from me but he was probably more of a blessing to me than I to him.

First of all, it brought me to tears Sunday morning as he led worship with his fiance, Monica. Not because they were off key....far from it....they sounded wonderful. The tears were thankful ones. I have known those two since they were about 7 yrs. old and to see them grown up, and serving Jesus plus using their talents for the Kingdom just was more than I could contain. It made me so proud. To think I may have had just a tiny part in their journey as Christ followers humbles me right back down to my knees.

Jeremiah was a great physical help the whole time he was here. He willingly did anything asked of him. Of course, that blessed me but to see the long hours, and mental fatigue through his eyes helped me remember that the call of ministry is not for the lazy or cave-in type. Lazy ministers tick me off. Mediocrity makes me want to vomit. Be sold out or get out! People entering ministry need to know right up front that it is more than a 40 hour a week job. It's a fire in your bones that cannot be contained. There is no shut-off valve to stop the thoughts and ideas. There is no putting aside the care and concern for your church family. It is a part of your DNA...pastors are just wired different. I don't see it as a bad thing at all, but it's hard to make people understand.

Jeremiah stirred my creative juices when we would discuss service orders, characters we could develop, new music, and object lessons. We talked ministry night and day...day and night. Poor Randy was probably sick of hearing about it but I felt an urgency to tell Jeremiah as much as I could. He asked good questions and seemed to really listen and file it away in his mind. Even everyday church business and happenings were teaching moments. I just know when I started out 20 some years ago there weren't too many people around I could go to for advise, resources and help. I want to encourage and help equip the next generation of children's pastors in whatever way I can.

Thank you Jeremiah for coming and helping us. Thank you for bringing some new thoughts and ideas. Thank you for allowing me to pour something out and being a good listener. Thanks for fishing with Randy and laughing at his wonky sense of humor. I miss you already! You are gonna be an incredible children's pastor....you are already impacting the Kingdom in a BIG way.

Tennessee Kid's Camp

I am soooo behind in blogging! I got back last Friday from my first TN kid's camp at Camp Jackson. I feel like I have been gone from home for half the summer. Between Turkey, Sports Camp and Kid's Camp, poor Randy has nearly forgotten what I look like. Anyway, we took 8 kids for a fun filled week.

The weather was beautiful; sunny and warm. It was interesting to experience all the differences from Iowa to Tennessee camp. It was hard not to compare after spending 14 or 15 years at Sunstream Retreat Center. Camp Jackson is set back in a woodsy area and is pretty hilly. It has dorm buildings and cabins with the main difference being the cabins don't have their own bathrooms; you have to go to a bathhouse. From the area of the main buildings, you have to cross a ravine area with a bridge to get to the boys area and another bridge to get to the girls area. The main buildings include the cafeteria, a "shirt shack" that sells all kinds of stuff, and a gym/santuary that also houses a concession stand. There is also an open pavillion area and an open area with carpet ball. The pool is located between the boys and girls dorm areas. They have a rock climbing wall that was pretty cool. You hike down into the ravine next to the boys bridge and the wall is built up against the bridge. Of course there are several different fields for sports and a basketball court.

There were 325 kids attending our week which was #2 out of 3. The food was very good for camp food. The evangelist was AWESOME! Vance Martin and his family did a wonderful job and the kids loved them. We had some great altar times and four of our kids were filled with the Holy Spirit. I love that camp has no distractions of TV, computers, etc, and the kids can just focus on the Lord.

I was able to meet some other children's pastors that I hadn't met before. It's always great to connect with others who do what I do and understand why. Tennessee, like Iowa, has some great children's pastors and leaders. It was a good experience for Jeremiah to see another camp, too. He did a great job with our boys...and they were a challenge. :)

I'm excited to visit Iowa camp next week. They have made a bunch of changes under new leadership. I'm going to Iowa for some church business and have to honor to preach a morning chapel for their Kid's Camp. It will be awesome to see our son, Keaton, and many of my cp friends. It's a quick trip but I'm thankful I get to go.

Random Stuff of Our Week

My intern, Jeremiah, and I had the opportunity to go to the Boys and Girls Club this week and read books to the kids. They are having a read-a-thon. It was fun to see several of "my kids" who attend there and they were very excited to see us. Jeremiah works in a kindergarten classroom back in Iowa so he is an excellent story reader. I'm supposed to be volunteering once a week there but the director has failed to get me the info and schedule. You would think they would be jumping at the chance for a volunteer but it seems they really aren't in as big a need as I thought.

We are preparing for CAMP next week. Anyone who knows me knows camp is my thing! There is just something about 5 concentrated days of worship, crazy games, challenging services, point totals, contests, new friends, altar time, no sleep, mediocre food and no outside distractions that just gets me going! Kids can leave behind the crud of the world and the things of life and just be kids who seek after Jesus. Camp is one of THE best spiritual investments you'll ever do for your kids. Churches that don't want to mess with sending their kids to camp are MISSING it! We have eight kids going plus me, Jeremiah and Hailey. Please pray for us next week. I know some powerful things are going to happen....my spirit is so stirred. And bonus...I get to meet some more of my Tennessee tribe-mates!

Jeremiah and I rearranged my office this week. I love it! Garrett added a little "muscle" to the mix....as much muscle as Garrett has. Hee hee. I'll have to take a picture. If nothing else it was great to clean and get rid of all the sports camp stuff that was piled up.

We made some home visits this week. The kids are always so excited to see us when we come even if it's only for a few minutes. Jeremiah is getting a taste of what some of our kids live in and with. We have several from Sports Camp we need to go see. We got the follow up postcards out thanks to my friend Darla! She typed up all our contacts for me. I'm still praising God for such an awesome week.

Jeremiah did a great job preaching last Sunday and is speaking again this Sunday. He has been a huge blessing to me and I'll be very sorry to see him go back to Iowa. I know he is getting a workout but I hope it has been a worthwhile journey for him as he prepares to be a children's pastor. It has been fun to brainstorm and bounce ideas around. It's been nice having him around the house, too. I miss our kids and love to have extra people stay with us. He's been a wonderful housemate....neat and tidy! :) It's also been a blessing to have some live worship while he is here. I love it for our altar time...makes a big difference in the flow of things. I've tried to convince him to just move here but I guess he better stick to God's plan and not mine!

The Last Night of MEGA Sports Camp

What a great week! The last night brings mixed feelings....we had sooo much fun I hate that it's over but I'm so tuckered I can hardly blink without dozing. Tonight we had 8 more first time salvations which brings the week to 24 kids coming to accept Christ. It excites me, humbles me, and drives me. Excites me to see the beginning of their new life, humbles me to think that God allowed me to have a small part in all of it and drives me to stay focused on the vision God has given me for the children of Union City.

My intern, Jeremiah, and I were kinda debriefing the week and deciding what if anything I should change for next year. We thought of a couple of small details but overall it went so well. I think two of the keys were that everyone jumped in and was enthusiastically ready to serve kids and empowering and trusting people to take ownership in the tasks assigned them.

Water games were a big hit and I think a smart way to end the week. Ironically it was the mildest day of the whole week. :) Still warm enough to make getting wet a treat. Of course, I was a target but I took it like a trooper...it's just water after all. The youth kids got me with three big buckets of water while they were running full steam ahead towards me. Good times.

Sunday night after church, we are having a big pizza party to honor all of our volunteers!

Night #4 MEGA Sports Camp

So I'm reading through the lesson for night four of MEGA Sports camp and am thinking it's kinda wimpy. We may have one night with a child and you want to have a powerful message and not waste an opportunity. The theme for the night is sacrifice and I decided that I was going to change everything even down to the huddle time with is a segment where the teachers do a small group story and reinforce the message. The team just went with it and were totally on board. No one panicked that I made a last minute switcher-roo! We even tweaked the schedule. Result....following the leading of the Holy Spirit brings 16 kids to salvation. Can I hear a big AMEN! We had 13 new kids and another beautiful night. I still have not heard one single complaint about the weather being too hot. I'm so proud of our team! We are having a celebration pizza party Sunday night after discipleship to show appreciation and hear some testimonies of how God moved in the hearts and lives of our kids AND even the team. We will do Sports Camp again next summer - FOR SURE!

MEGA Sports Camp Day #3

It keeps getting better and better! 17 new kids last night! So awesome to see so many new faces and watch the kids having such a great time. Of course with it being the first year, I knew there would be areas to tweak if we do it again but not too many. The "normal" time frame to do a camp is during the day and for three hours so our evening event is different as it is only 2 hours. We definitely could use a little more time but I think the 6:30-8:30 time slot is really better for the kids than trying to make it later.

We have had perfect weather and no injuries other than a slightly jammed finger. Our camp nurse administered the right amount of ice and TLC and all was well! I think 2010 will be having a Sports Camp for sure! I'll add more pics later...blogger is taking too much time to load and I have tons to do!

Mega Sports Camp Day #2

Night 2 of Mega Sports Camp brought us 16 new kids!! Can I get a woot woot for Jesus? We are having way too much fun and the kids have just been awesome. Dealt with one slightly sassy mouth but other than that we've had angels. I cannot tell you how incredible all the workers have been! So many have gotten behind the vision we have to reach kids in Union City. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude, inspired to do better, and so excited to see what God has in store for all of us at First Assembly of God. I'm going to bed....I'm tuckered!

Mega Sports Camp

Night one of Mega Sports Camp was great! How great you may ask? How about a team of people who are so excited to serve Jesus and Union City kids that we had more volunteers than kids attending? 30 kids, 38 workers and a few visitors! How about new families that have never been to the church? How about a smooooth day one with no glitches except a pesky, gi-normous horse fly that dive bombed the kids right at altar time. Stinking devil! Anyway...I'm so happy with how everything went and can't wait for tonight. It was HOT and I did not hear one single complaint from the team! I am so blessed!

My intern, Jeremiah, was such a HUGE help! He is doing a great job and ready to jump in and do whatever it takes. He's preaching in Building 2-52 this weekend and I'm excited to hear what the Lord has laid upon his heart.

Too many pics to post here but enjoy a couple!

Turkey Thoughts

So I was expecting an ah-ha moment when I was in Turkey. It never came. I thought when I got there that God would clue me in on why He wanted me to travel over 10,000 miles to do that thing I do. It may remain a mystery this side of Heaven. I totally know I was supposed to go and I cherish the opportunity and experience and trust that my obedience brought about the goal He had in mind.

The missionary kids that I got to spend my week with were the sweetest, most appreciative kids. I had a small tribe so our time together was very personal. There were kids who serve in Moldova, Armenia, and Russia. We worshipped, played games, did crafts, prayed, and heard from God. I could tell that they are slow to trust new people and I think I understand why but they were starting to open up to me when, of course, our time was almost over.

Turkey is beautiful to look upon but hard to feel a part of. The country is 99% Muslim and I could feel the oppression when I arrived. It gave me an expanded appreciation for the freedom of religion we have in the USA! I felt guarded all week. We were careful as to not announce we were pastors or missionaries as we are frowned upon. I'm not used to watching how I speak for fear of my safety.

The resort where the retreat was located was so nice and the view from my room was something from a Hollywood movie. It was pretty warm and it is common for places to not air condition the hallways, restaurants, lobbies as we do in the states. Our rooms had swamp coolers that only ran when we were in our rooms and had the key inserted into the slot that gave us power. Randy would have died from the heat!

I didn't get to see much because of my schedule and leaving as soon as the retreat was over but I wasn't on vacation...I was there to minister. I did get to go to Kusadasi for a few hours and that was very interesting seeing all the people and little market shops. I heard so many different languages during that week!!

I had a wonderful experience and am so thankful I got to go. So many people helped with raising the money and I cannot begin to thank you all enough. I heard from the missionaries that their kids were really blessed by our time together and that was the most important part. I was honored to work with a young couple who love kids, too, and are learning children's ministry. I hope I was an encouragement to them in their call.

Gettin' Ready

Well, I'd love to say that my bags are all packed but I'm still working on all the details of going to Turkey. I'm leaving tomorrow. I have so many different emotions right now. Mostly, though, I'm just excited to see what God has planned.

I'm going to try to blog at least once from Turkey....mainly just so I can say that I did! :) I don't think I'll be able to use my phone but thank God for blogs and e-mail.

Thanks for praying. Thanks for giving. Thanks for your encouragement. Thanks to my church and husband who happily support me leaving for six days. (Randy may be a little too happy!)

Much love to all!