Angela's Adventures

Bring on the Rain

2010-10-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

Some seasons are full of sunshine and happiness. Each day brings smiles as we soak in the blessings and live our dreams. Everything looks lush, green, and healthy. Life is good.

Those seasons are made possible only by the rain that brings nourishment, cleansing, and growth. Gray skies loom and sometimes envelop us. Then they let loose and the drops pour down. As water seeps down the window pains it often mirrors the tears that stream down our faces and our souls.

The rain comes whether we like it or not. But when it's all over it purifies and brings growth and healing.

"Bring On The Rain"
(By Jo Dee Messina)

Another day has almost come and gone
Can't imagine what else could wrong
Sometimes I'd like to hide away somewhere and lock the door
A single battle lost but not the war ('cause)

[Chorus:]
Tomorrow's another day
And I'm thirsty anyway
So bring on the rain

It's almost like the hard times circle 'round
A couple drops and they all start coming down
Yeah, I might feel defeated,
I might hang my head
I might be barely breathing - but I'm not dead

I'm not gonna let it get me down
I'm not gonna cry
And I'm not gonna lose any sleep tonight

Bring on, bring on, the rain

I'm not gonna let it get me down
I'm not gonna cry
And I'm not gonna lose any sleep tonight

Bring on, bring on, the rain

I bought new rain boots this week (see above). I am armed and ready. I will face the rain. I will jump in the puddles. I will dance my way through it. I will let it do it's job.

BRING ON THE RAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Launching Pumpkins

2010-10-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

I was in my room today minding my own business when I look outside to see this...

Actually what I first saw was Coleman's mom ducking for cover as a giant pumpkin came crashing down right beside her (it was almost fatal I swear!).

Does this surprise me? No. I often enter the backyard to find Andy and his friends doing crazy and dangerous things (at least they didn't make a smiley face out of lighter fluid on the ground and set it ablaze, like someone I know!)

I'm sure the new neighbor lady feels safe and happy right now in her new home...

O well, the day ended with no casualties. Just another day at the Lounsbury's ya'll...

Show Me

2010-09-29T22:24:00.000-07:00

Some seasons are filled with unspeakable joy and fulfillment. Other seasons are for trials that bring growth and build character. Both are equally necessary to become the vessels that God is fashioning us to be, so we can be used by Him. This season of my life has been much different than the last season-not necessarily bad-just different. God is teaching me that I am nothing without Him and I can do nothing without Him. He is everything. Even if I lost everything, He would be all I need. I believe it with my head, but it's a lot harder to convince my heart.

I recently came across this song by Audrey Assad and it's been on repeat for the last two days as I let the words sink into my soul.

"You could plant me like a tree beside a river.

you could tangle me in soil and let my roots run wild.

And I would blossom like a flower in the desert.

But for now just let me cry.

You could raise me like a banner in battle.

put victory like a fire behind my shining eyes.

I would drift like falling snow over the embers.

But for now just show me how to lie.

Bind up these broken bones.

Mercy bend and breathe me back to life.

But not before you show me how to die.

Set me like a star before the morning.

Like a song that steals the darkness from a world asleep.

And I'll illuminate the path you've laid before me.

But for now just let me be.

Bind up these broken bones.

Mercy bend and breathe me back to life.

But not until you show me how to die.

Let me go like a leaf upon the water.

Let me brave the wild currents flowing to the sea.

And I will disappear into a deeper beauty.

But for now just stay with me.

God for now just stay with me."

Pumpkin Spice Latte

2010-09-24T09:01:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about fall is Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks...

But at $4 bucks a pop one can hardly afford to make them a habit...

Two a week equals $32 a month. That is the same amount of money it costs to sponsor a child so they can go to school and have adequate meals for a month. The good steward in me has a hard time justifying that.

So...I found a way to make my own Pumpkin Spice Lattes and they are quite easy!!!

Here is the recipe:

2 cups milk

2 Tbs. canned pumpkin

2 Tbs. sugar

2 Tbs. vanilla

1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 cup hot brewed coffee

Cook milk, pumpkin, and sugar in saucepan on med. until steaming. Remove from heat and add vanilla and pumpkin spice. Whisk until foamy. Fill mugs halfway and top off with coffee. Add whip cream and pumpkin spice or cinnamon on top. Enjoy!

Sisters

2010-09-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

Sisters are blessings. They make you laugh. They cry with you. They tell you when you are making a very bad fashion statement. They lend you their cute accessories. They let you hang out with their friends when you don't have anyone else to hang out with. They listen. They understand. They are cut from the same mold. They are honest. They stick up for you. Sisters are pretty much great.

My sister is in Albania.

I miss her already.

It's her turn to spread her wings and fly.

She is attending Bible School for 7 months.

She is off to make many new and interesting friends.

She will make memories that last a lifetime.

I am so proud of her.

I love you Jackie!

26 Years Later...

2010-09-21T22:24:00.000-07:00

Last week I celebrated my 26th birthday. I don't know where I thought I would be at 26 years old-probably married with kids and working in an office somewhere-but I'm glad to be standing where I am looking back at the last 26 years. Before I was created in my mother's womb God knew my name. He knew what I would look like. He knew what would make me smile. He knew what my heart would beat for. He knew how many hairs would be on my head. He knew me. I'm thankful that He knew me/knows me better than I know myself. He's taken me places that I never dreamed and opened my eyes and heart to a world of beauty.

Right now I sit at a desk for most of the day and I don't always feel like I am spending my time

in the most meaningful way possible. I'd rather be sitting in the dirt in Africa with a bunch of children, or in a classroom teaching a bunch of eager students about life. But, the truth is that right now God has me here and he is preparing me for what is ahead. Even here, I have many opportunities to show God's love and to serve. So I strive to be faithful, even in the non-glamorous things of life.

A friend shared a quote with me recently that was shared with her by a wise professor. He said

"maybe you need to stop trying to save the world for awhile."

The words keep running across my mind. Too often I find myself trying to save the world or wishing I could save the world and instead becoming frustrating. It's not my job. I know that.

The problem is that I tend to take the burdens of the world on my shoulders instead of leaving them up to Christ, who already has it all under control. He only calls me to be faithful in the small things and to plant seeds. I can't control anything and I need to stop trying.

I went to the Oregon Coast to celebrate my birthday with my family. As I dug my feet in the warm sand and watched the waves crashing one after the other the phrase God kept giving me was

"Live and Let Go."

It sounds cliche, but it was what I needed to here.

I asked God to take all the things that cause me to worry and to help me let go...

I wrote it in the sand for all to see...

And then as a symbol I plunged into the cold ocean fully clothed, jeans and all to jump the waves (and be attacked by giant tangles of seaweed that wanted to drag me out to sea)...

After a discouraging couple of weeks my spirits were lifted this week and I was overwhelmed by the birthday love I received from friends and family. I am truly blessed. May year 27 be filled with new adventures, sweet moments, lessons learned, and a life well lived...

The Story of Humanity

2010-09-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today I read one of the most beautifully and clearly described presentations of the Gospel that I have every heard. It is from Donald Miller, one of my favorite authors. He writes..

"The Trinity existed forever in a completely loving community. They were and are other focussed, without what we think of as ego (though I believe they have something like ego, we would not recognize it in comparison to our own) and they created an existence, including you and I, to enjoy their company. That is the most loving thing a perfectly loving being could do. But love cannot be controlling, it has to set it’s muse free, so they gave humanity an option out. And humanity took it, thus, by necessity, there was a separation between pure good and anything other than pure good. So now, we who have been designed to be complete in God, seek affirmation and validation from each other as though our lives depend on it. But it doesn’t work. Nobody has agency but God. So God sends his son to earth and his son essentially says this:

“You guys have all walked away from God. He can’t have anything to do with you, because he is purely good. But look, I haven’t walked away from him, so if you marry me, and we become one, you’ll be reunited with the Trinity. He’ll look at you and see me. We’ll do this at a wedding in heaven. Until the wedding, though, just have faith. It’s as though it’s already done. But it’s going to kind of suck until then.”

So that’s where we are in our story. We are waiting for the wedding, and until then, we have hope, and we have an explanation for our hope."

You can read the rest of the blog entry here.

Let the Autumn Festivities Begin!

2010-09-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of summer vacation here in these parts. Tomorrow school starts, and I must admit I am a little sad that I won't have a classroom of children to teach. I keep looking through the ads in the newspaper and drooling over school supplies. This time of year causes me to dream about bouquets of newly sharpened pencils, fresh notebooks waiting to be filled, and minds ready to be written on with new information. I am definitely wired to be a teacher, but I am taking this year off, as God seems to be leading a different way this year. Despite not being in the classroom, I am looking forward to the Autumn season here in Medford. As I thought about it this week, I realized that I have not been here in autumn since 2004- 6 years ago! There are so many things to look forward to....raking leaves, husking corn, high school football games, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin EVERYTHING, hot tea every morning, sweaters and comfy jeans, dancing in the rain, and day after Thanksgiving shopping with Mom!!! I plan to make the most of this season :)

This week is the kickoff-the first football game happened on Friday (and South won!), Saturday I had my first pumpkin spice latte, and yesterday I husked corn :)

I think one of the reasons that autumn/fall is such a great season is because it signals a fresh start of sorts. The beginning of the school year offers a new hope and eagerness for learning, making new friends, buying new clothes, and creating new memories. Even though I am not in a classroom this season I am looking forward to learning many things this year and creating some great memories. Learning doesn't just take place in the classroom (in fact most learning takes place outside the classroom) and as a lifelong learner I find joy in discovering the creativity and goodness of my God as I learn more about this world He created. I hope all you out there in bloggerland will join me in learning and making some great new memories this season. Let the autumn festivities begin!

Family Quotes

2010-09-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wish that the whole world could hear the conversations that happen at my house. We would make a great reality TV show, I'm telling you. For your enjoyment.....a few quotes from the last 24 hours:

"Get out of my way or I'll run you over with my walker!" (a disgruntled 83 yr. old man said this to my mom at the nursing home she works at, because she wouldn't let him go outside!)

"You could go to Afghanistan." -Papa

"You could raise goats." -Andy

"You could wear a turbin." -?

"You could bring goats home for mom to milk." -Andy

(this was part of a conversation we had while discussing my sisters travel plans when she goes to school in Europe this fall. The goats is only funny because my parents have been drinking goat milk but none of us kids like it :(

"It would be more fun to throw up in the ocean than in the toilet." -My dad (trying to convince me that it would be fun to go to beach for my birthday next weekend even if I still don't feel well).

Hope this made you smile :)

A portrait of my day...

2010-08-31T19:31:00.000-07:00

I stole this idea from somebody else's blog, so I can't take the credit, but I like it so I am going to copy the idea :)

Outside my window: two hammocks strung between the tree, an old sailboat mast, and a giant 2x4 that my brother and friend put up for us to enjoy lazy summer days and nights!

I am thinking: I wish I had more energy and better health to be at a party tonight, but I don't so I am left at home pondering how to spend my evening.

From the kitchen: the smell of boiling peach syrup is wafting into my room. Mom has bought over 300 lbs of fresh peaches in the last week and h

as been canning, making jam and syrup, and giving them away. Yummy!

I am wearing: jeans that I can't decide if I like, and a grey shirt with flowing sleeves that my brother Andy says look like wings :)

I am reading: The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne. Very thought provoking and inspiring.

I am hoping: that I will soon find out what these health issues are so I can get back to normal life and have energy and not be light headed.

I am hearing: the loud thundering of the dryer that sounds like a rocket ship ready to take off.

I am creating: a surprise for someone special :)

One of my favorite things: chatting on the porch swing with an old friend (which I did today!)

A few plans for the rest of the week: work, get blood work done, read, brainstorm ministry ideas for church, eat lots of peaches :)

Some pictures of this week around here:

{Mom and some of her beloved peaches}

{Tomatoes from the neighbors-mom is canning them too}

{My brother and friend sleeping in the hammocks}

Chicago Misadventures

2010-08-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

Life doesn't often go the way we plan...I'm pretty used to that. This past week was just another example. For weeks I looked forward to going with my little brother Josh to Chicago to help him settle into school at Moody Bible Institute. I worked hard to pay for it, made a list of all the people I wanted to visit, drooled over the many Chicago restaurants/food to catch up on, and thought about all my favorite places in the city that I wanted to visit and take Josh. Well, the trip happened and Josh is at school, but it certainly didn't go as planned. Tuesday evening: August 17th (with rain and giant hail pouring down and soaking us and all our luggage) Josh and I boarded a red eye flight to Chicago, via San Francisco. Thank goodness the weather (that had grounded earlier flights) lifted just in time for us to take off. We flew into SF at sunset and saw the Golden Gate Bridge glowing in all it's splendor. After a layover and another long flight we landed on Wednesday morning at 4:30 a.m. That day was exhausting as I tried to help Josh work out money, insurance, health forms, etc to get into school. It was very surreal to walk around the campus on which I have so many memories, but not see more than a couple familiar faces. It is Josh's turn now, to make memories there and I have no doubt he will make some great ones. Armed with his fedora hat, umbrella, and guitar he is bound to have an impact on Chicago and visa versa. The next day and a half, as Josh attended orientation sessions I was able to visit with old friends and it was wonderful. I had hoped to have 4 more days full of city fun, however, Friday afternoon while having lunch with a friend I nearly passed out for no apparent reason. For the rest of the trip I felt dizzy, lost my appetite, and was very weak. I spent most of my time laying on the couch and only ate applesauce and soup....no deep dish pizza for me :( thankfully I had friends and family to take care of me, but it was quite frustrating and a bit scary to be feeling that way away from home. On Monday I said goodbye to Josh and left him to fend for himself in that big city. Praise God I made it safely back to Seattle, where my dad and brother, Andy, met me. We had grand plans of exploring Seattle and visiting friends in Bellingham and British Columbia, but because of my health most of those plans had to be scrapped, sadly. While my dad finished his business conference, Andy and I decided to try seeing a few sights. We made it to the space needle, but shortly therafter I began to feel faint. I told Andy we could go to the museum of Science Fiction, but he had to push me in a wheelchair the whole time. He did. It was awesome, and we had a good time. After a quick visit to the African Children's Choir office in Bellingham (where I got to reminisce a bit and see items from my tour, including my kiddos costumes that still smell like them!), we headed home. Andy drove the whole 10 hours as Dad and I were not feeling well. What a kid! I am now home safely and happy to be in my own bed. Still not feeling myself, but Tuesday the doctor will run some tests and help me get better :)

So the trip didn't go as expected and I wasn't as adventurous and busy as usual, but it was still good. I still got the chance to visit with old friends from college, professors, and meet new friends (from Africa!). All in all it was a good trip. And Josh is at college, which is the most important thing. So I am thankful. I've just been looking back over pictures from this summer. God has given me a good summer. I've worked hard, spent time with some very dear friends and family, enjoyed Oregon, taken a few trips, and been blessed. On the hard days and in the rough times I look back and realize I have so much to be thankful for...

A few pictures from last week...

{Josh ready for the City!}

{My friend Jimmy from Kenya}

{The REAL Deathstar from Star Wars!}

{My mode of transportation around Museum of Science Fiction}

{Seattle Space Needle-Wahoo!}

Back To School Shopping

2010-08-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know what my parents felt like when they sent me off on a plane to college, but maybe it is something like I am feeling now as I help my little brother Josh prepare for his freshman year at Moody Bible Institute (my alma mater). I'm excited for him and nervous for him. I made him a packing list and checked it twice, I bought the plane tickets, I signed him up for classes, I have given him all the pointers on what to do and what not to do (like don't be the boy who sits in the plaza and plays your guitar...but hold on to your wallet and don't lose your ID). Today I took him shopping and it was probably one of the best shopping experiences ever. He is worse than a girl. Fred Meyer was our first stop (well after I got my Starbucks iced coffee to get me through our escapades). Up and down the aisles we roamed picking out school supplies and necessary, well, necessities for college life. I picked out the practical thing

s like highlighters and notebooks, while Josh picked out the impractical things like a ruler that folds up into a little square like Jacobs ladder. 8 spiral notebooks for 96 cents?! Now that is a deal. I commanded Josh to pick out 6 colors for his 6 classes. See the colors below:

He proceeded to choose his colors based on the following criteria..

Blue-for his favorite class

Black-for the evil class that he will hate

Yellow- for the sunshine class that makes him smile

Green- for the class that help him grow the most

Purple- for the class with the pretty girl that he is attracted to

Red- for the class that causes the most spiritual warfare

Okay Josh...that is great!

I left him mumbling about pretty ladies and spiritual warfare to search for an eraser for his new shiny silver dry erase board. The nice lady with the name tag was showing me to the correct aisle and asked if I had lost some keys. I assured her I had not, but felt sorry for the poor people who would come back looking for them.

We moved on to 3m hooks and bedsheets. I asked Josh all sorts of questions about colors, and hanging things on the wall, and offered bits of nice older sister advice, while he.....carried around a giant Woody the cowboy (Toy Story 3) doll that he'd found, and read random quotes to me from a mini book of wisdom that he's picked up along the way.

I told Josh as he was checking out that I wish I could follow him around at college with a video camera to see how his college experience goes. I'm pretty sure it would be a hit reality show. I think I might hire somebody to follow him with a video camera and take pictures :).

As we arrived at the car Josh fumbled through his pockets and realized he had lost the car keys somewhere along the way (and he'd also left his water bottle chilling on some shelf). As we walked back through the store I realized that I had spoken too hastily to the woman with the lost car keys...thank goodness she wasn't the person at the customer service desk who handed them over to us. We walked out and I informed Josh that I would be driving from that point forward and I mumbled on about how he's going to get into all kinds of trouble in Chicago. He will probably get kidnapped by crazy people who will hold him for ransom until they get tired of him singing at the top of his lungs and let him go!

Our second stop was Target, where I enjoyed watching Josh try out all the pillows, contemplate polka dot sheets or black sheets (he chose black thank goodness), and take 20 minutes to choose which travel shampoo and toothpaste he wanted. I love my brother.

Tuesday I am getting on a red eye flight to deliver him to Chicago and help him settle in at Moody. I have no doubt he will fit in and do very well, but my motherly nerves are still frazzled thinking about how he will find a good job, learn to manage his time, make good friends, and succeed in his classes. If it is this bad with my brother....what will it be like when I have my own children. O dear......

The moral of the story is that I love my brother and I'm proud of him. I will miss him, and I wish him the best in the Windy City and in life...welcome to adulthood!

Angela's Epic Adventures at Crater Lake...

2010-07-31T21:44:00.000-07:00

Of all the places in the world to be stranded, Crater Lake is probably one of the best I can think of. And no that is not a hypothetical statement. That is exactly where my dear friend Maria Imig and I found ourselves stranded yesterday; sitting in wooden rocking chairs, overlooking one of the most nationally recognized scenes of beauty in the United States.

It all started when Papa told us we could take the Taurus up there and he though it would be just fine. I wasn't so sure, but with no other real options we decided to go for it. The drive was gorgeous and car was just fine...until 5 miles before the lake. It suddenly lost all power and white smoke began pouring out from underneath the hood. Just my luck, and just what I feared might happen. We pulled over, as did the people behind us. Of all the people in the world who could have stopped, it just happened to be a young, extremely good looking, wonderfully friendly man from New Zealand, who is a teacher on holidays. Unfortunately his girlfriend was with him, but nonetheless I was happy. He asked me to pop the "bonnet" and grab some water from the "boot." I obliged. We couldn't do much until the car cooled off, so our NZ friends gave us their phone number and headed off, while Maria and I laid a blanket out in the woods and settled in. She read Psalms out loud to me, while we munched on carrot sticks and imagined what our course of action would be if we saw a bear (jump up and run for the car or jump up, grab the blanket, and run for the car?).

Several other nice folks stopped, but we just waved them on. When the bugs forced us out of the trees we got back in the car and pondered our fate. After 45 min of letting the car rest, we put water in, but it still wouldn't budge. A family from Alabama stopped and two kind brothers checked it out (well one brother checked it out while the other told terrible jokes-what note do you get when you throw a piano down a mine shaft? A flat minor!). We discovered the transmission fluid was gone, but even after putting in a half quart the gears still would not budge. So we grabbed our stuff and piled in the suburban of our new Alabaman friends, and listened to their corny jokes the rest of the way to the lake. After calling my Dad and my brother's friend, Russ, who is living with us, Maria and I spent the rest of the day waiting to be rescued from one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Papa thinks the car is toast. That would make three cars in one week that have pretty much bitten the dust. O dear God what are you doing?! He must have something up his sleeve. While we waited for Russ to bring transmission fluid and a trailer, Maria and I read and soaked up the view (Well, I actually chronicled the day's adventures so I can record them in my memoir someday, which Maria assures me she will buy many copies of to give her friends for Christmas!)

After getting some dinner at the Rim Village we sat outside on the veranda watching the sun disappear behind the mountains. As it slipped away, the mosquitoes came out in full force. It was nearly impossible to keep from being attacked. So with our hooded sweatshirts on we twirled, and swatted, and walked trying to keep from being eaten alive. Around 8pm we knew Russ couldn't be far so we stood by the road on some boulders, in a field of wildflowers, singing all the praise songs we could remember the words to and watching for our knight in shining armor.

Meanwhile, 5 miles down the road our rescuer had found our car. Not knowing if we were by the car or at the lake (or he thought, maybe looking for wild berries in the woods?), he parked his truck and shouted my name over his PA system several times so that "An-ge-la!" echoed through the woods for miles. Eventually through a text message and some broken up phone calls he found us. We were elated to see our knight in shining armor come around the corner on his white steed (okay-a giant white Ford pickup). We snapped some pictures of the lake at sunset and headed off to find our poor Ford Taurus.
Even in the pitch black we could see the fading hazard lights (of course I left them on and killed the battery). The three of us took turns holding a flashlight and pushing the car uphill, trying to get it on the trailer.

After 15 minutes or so with no success, we saw headlights in the distance and flagged down the poor unsuspecting couple. They were enthusiastic to help to be sure-but they turned out to be completely drunk. So even with a drunk girl in a skirt and stocking feet, with a cigarette in one hand..and a drunk guy with a rope and a shovel we were getting nowhere. Long story short we finally rolled the car so it was facing downhill and got it on the trailer. After thanking our enthusiastic/creepy helpers and telling them for the 14th time that we didn't have any beer (like they needed more!), we were off. Happy, tired, and covered in mosquito bites and transmission fluid, we crammed in the cab of Russ' truck. After a long day, we munched on skittles, like little kids, guessing which colors we were holding, and sharing stories about our lives. Falling into bed at midnight, I thanked God for His protection, our knight in shining armor, good friends, and this always adventurous life!

Adventures in Bend with Jenny

2010-07-25T22:25:00.000-07:00

Last week my friend Jenny asked if I would like to meet her in Bend (Central Oregon) for a mini vacation. After a very hectic, emotionally draining month I jumped at the idea. God, in his infinite goodness provided a free place for us to stay with some wonderful people, and a rental car for me to take (so I didn't get stuck on the side of the road in one of our beater cars ;). Wednesday I left Medford and Jenny left Portland at exactly the same time. We drove the beautiful mountainous roads to Bend and miraculously arrived at exactly the same time.

Thanks to some wonderful new friends, and Bend locals, we found some of the best places around to enjoy the scenery...

Around every bend in the road (no pun intended!) we found ourselves gasping at the beauty of God's creation and stopping to take pictures...

After missing the turnoff to our original destination we found ourselves at Elk Lake where we rented a canoe for the afternoon and paddled around basking in the sunlight, with a view of the rugged snow capped mountains...

From Elk Lake we drove back to Todd Lake (our original destination) and hiked around the lake through meadows of purple, pink, and yellow wildflowers, with snow covered mountains on either side...
It reminded me of Switzerland or some other exotic place...

Thursday evening we headed to the Old Mill District for dinner. I had butternut squash, gorgonzola, hazelnut ravioli and tiramisu on a patio overlooking the Deschutes River, with Mt. Bachelor in the distance. What a glorious day.

Friday we headed downtown to peruse the shops and walk along the river, through Drake Park.

For lunch we found ourselves at 'The Crepe Place.'

While I was eating the most delicious crepes of my life (one with chicken, mozzerella, and pesto; the other with marionberries, and vanilla frozen yogurt) we got quite a show from a local cross dresser. Please note the person sitting behind me in this picture...

This tall man, who'd obviously had breast implants, was wearing jean shorts, and a colorful bikini top, along with 4 inch bright red platform shoes. In his hand he had a leash with a cat on it. The whole town apparently knows him/her because as they walked by they would say "Hi Frank," to which he would reply "It's Monica. I'm going by Monica now." They would ask about his fake pet cat (and his real pet cat) and he would ask where they were going and where they were coming from. I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing as he sat two feet behind me and had these conversations. Life is always interesting.

Thank you Jesus, Jenny, and Bend for a lovely, much needed vacation :)

A Brand New Princess

2010-07-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

VBS has started off better than I could have ever hoped for! We are praising God for his hand upon us and the 170 kids who have been in attendance...

Yesterday we welcomed into God's family little Rachel (a second grader)! After story time she approached our photographer and started asking questions. Amber was able to pray with her to accept Christ and she was very excited. Today I ran into Rachel at game time and told her how excited I was that she is now a part of the family of God. "Did you know that you are a real princess now?" I asked. "No" she replied. "Well the Bible says that Jesus is the King of Kings and when you asked him to be your savior He adopted you as His daughter. So that makes you a REAL princess!" At this she beamed and the girls around her became very excited. That is when I got the idea to make Rachel, the new princess, a crown. With the help of one of my creative staff assistant we made Rachel a pink, glittery princess crown that said "I am Jesus' princess." She wore that crown with pride and a great big smile.

During the end assembly I had Rachel stand up and I announced to the whole crowd that she was now a part of God's family and the newest princess. When I looked at her and across the room my skin began to crawl with goosebumps. At that moment I realized that all the time and effort we have put in, all the planning and thinking that I have done...has all been worth it. That one little girl made it all worth it. God is faithful and his love is MIGHTY. Thank you for your continued prayers this week!

Let the High Seas Adventure Begin!

2010-07-11T18:27:00.001-07:00

Hi Ho Hi Ho... It's off to sea we go! After months of planning and organizing our High Seas Expedition Vacation Bible School sets sail tomorrow. As Director I got myself a nice tricorn hat with a white feather and I am ready to man the helm and direct the crew. We don't know exactly what to expect, but we anticipate at least 250-300 kids. God is at work and we are excited. Please pray for me and my team this week and for the children that will be on board with us.

Bon Voyage!

Convenient Destruction of Vows

2010-07-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

While Browsing at Staples Office Store today I found something that made me a bit sick...

So I took a picture of it...

Is it really this easy to renig on "till death do us part?" I realize that there is more to it and the process can be long and is always painful and ongoing. But I saw this today and thought to myself..So one day I decide I don't want to be married anymore so I jump in my car and drive on down to the local office supply store where I pick up a "how to" to DVD (as if it were Pilates instructions), a packet of forms to fill out, and voila! Wow.

Lifelong marriage relationships are becoming more and more rare to the detriment of our society. The list of problems caused by failing marriages could go on forever. I will spare you. When the going gets tough it's easier to quit than to stick it out. The root problem of many marriages today is that people aren't as careful in who they choose or in taking the time to build a solid friendship from the beginning.

With that in mind, I am excited about a new group that my friend, Michelle and I have started at church. When I was high school I was very involved with the youth group and I was a leader for several years in the junior high group. In fact, I was Michelle's leader. Now, many years later Michelle is older, wiser, and married. I am older, wiser, and well....an experienced world traveler I guess you could say. Michelle and I decided to start up a girls small group at church to give girls an outlet to talk and to give us an opportunity to mentor them as they grow into young women.

Proverbs 31 is our jump off point and we've begun to go through and look at the characteristics of a godly woman. the girls made notebooks...

In these they take notes, glue in handouts, journal, and doodle. Next to the Bible, it is becoming somewhat of a life manual on what it means to follow Christ, make hard decisions, stay pure, and choose Mr. Right. We hope to see these girls making good decisions and someday loving, respecting, and honoring their husbands as they do Christ. I don't know half of what there is to know out there, but I do so love being able to share what I have learned and experienced with others! This is my challenge to you...don't horde all your knowledge, experiences, and wisdom - share it with the people God has placed in your life. You have much to offer I am sure.

Wednesdays at Mellelos

2010-06-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

Wednesday afternoons = Mellelos Coffee

I have made it a weekly habit to take my computer and journal and head to a local coffee shop to take a break from working in order to think, journal, blog, and catch up on emails. It's a lovely tradition and I look forward to it every week. It helps my brain to slow down a bit. With VBS rapidly approaching in t-minus 12 days there are so many things to think about, people to talk to, and big and little tasks to be done. My brain feels a bit like a major LA freeway with cars of all shapes, colors, and sizes zipping around, crashing into each other, going the wrong way on one way streets, and making a lot of noise. I'm not really stressed, per say. It is more of just the pressure of being responsible for directing this whole thing. It is no easy task. Note to self: don't ever become a CEO, or a business owner, or a doctor, or president of the United States, or anything else that requires loads of responsibility over lots of people. Just watch. Now God will place me in one of those positions. Eek. As I try and examine myself and analyze who I am and what I want these are the thoughts that have been emerging recently: I like to lead by example in small every day situations. Acts of service, hospitality, gestures of love, words of encouragement, unexpected gifts, etc. I never want to let myself get too busy that I don't have time for those daily moments of ministry.
Just this morning I had an experience, in which I surprised myself by speaking up in a situation that I would have most likely kept quiet several years ago. While standing in line at the Bank of America ATM downtown, I watched as a young woman and her daughter took an unreasonably long time to complete their transaction. From behind me I heard a grouchy old gentleman speak up. The conversation went something like this:

Grouchy man: “What are you doing up there- writing a darn book?! This is ridiculous!”

Me: “Patience is a virtue you know” (smiling at him)
Grouchy man: “Ya? I read that on my refrigerator this morning too. Love holds no record of wrongs..but the Bible doesn't say that I can't speak my mind.”

Me: “It does say to speak only kind words to others.”

Grouchy man: “Well some people are just inconsiderate”

Me: “We are pretty spoiled here in America with having everything so quick and readily available.”

Grouchy man: “I don't know if that's the point. Some people people are just ridiculous. Besides Bank of America only has two locations here.”

Me: (after finishing my transaction) “Yes, well have a nice day.” (smiling)

I felt so bad for the woman (who obviously heard the whole thing). I had to stand up for her. I hope I planted a seed of happiness in that man though and gave him something to think about. I prayed for him afterward because I can tell he needs some joy and perspective in his life. What I really wanted to tell him was to go to Africa and then he would appreciate what he has here in America a little bit more.

I read this week that there are really only two questions that have driven people for all of history. It all boils down to 1) Who is in charge? And 2) How much do you love me?
Love is the center of it all. My actions should all stem from love and when people look at me I want them to see the love of Christ. He said “they will know you are my disciples by your love for one another.” If I just remember that ministry and life boils down to this then it is easier not to get stressed out or muddled up in ideas, philosophies, theologies, methods, or accomplishments.

My apologies if this doesn't all flow together. It is the inner workings of my head this week as I try to serve the Lord, serve others, and make some big decisions about the future.

Coffee, McDonalds, Photography, Jesus, and Delayed Gratification

2010-06-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

You may be wondering what coffee, McDonalds, photography, and Jesus have to do with each other. Well stick with me for a minute and hopefully it will makes sense.
This week I was challenged to figure out what my unique love relationship with Christ looks like. Take away expectations, molds, other people with their ideas, and figure out how to love Jesus. Not easy. As I've pondered that this week I have realized something about myself that I am not proud of-I am not good with delayed gratification. I like immediate results. This is partly due to my personality and undoubtedly due in part to the culture I was raised in. I can drive through a coffee stand and have my sugar free hazelnut mocha in 2 minutes. McDonalds workers can make nasty burgers for 25 people in 10 minutes (I don't want to know how). I feel inconvenienced when I have to stand in line at the grocery store for more than 4 minutes. For Pete's sake....you can get married at a drive through chapel in Vegas now! (not that I would EVER want to). I find myself hard pressed not to succumb to this fast paced society. This week I took a photography class and started doing some research on how to be a better photographer. Becoming a great photographer takes time and practice. I know this, but for some reason I find myself overwhelmed and feeling like I want to know everything there is to know and understand it right now. This mindset seems to permeate my every day thinking. I want the wisdom without the years of experience. I want to see the pounds melt away instantly when I exercise. This becomes a big problem when I project it onto relationships. I want to see change/growth in people, but it takes time. Time. In my efficient, every moment counts, rushed American mindset it's difficult to wait patiently and faithfully, but God has all the time in the world. Eternity in fact. He will take his sweet time fulfilling his plan and I've got to be okay with that. This idea of time, growth, and delayed gratification has affected my relationship with Christ, in that I somehow feel like I need to grow fast, understand more, love better. Instead of loving Jesus on a daily basis and let the relationship develop at a good pace, I find myself thinking about better Bible Study methods and comparing my relationship with Him to His relationship with other people. Ouch. Good thing He waits faithfully for me while I figure this all out and he loves me just the same. Always has and always will.

I don't have any idea how many days the Lord will allow me to walk this earth, but I'm trying to let go of the idea that I need to do it all, understand it all, accomplish it all now. It's about enjoying the journey, stopping to smell the roses, if you will.

So I took a lunch break to eat this gorgeous plate of fresh fruit and vegetables, while reading one of my favorite books...

I took mom to relax for the morning and get a pedicure...(I tried to load the pics here but it's not cooperating :(

and I am planning a weekly date to spend time with my precious Jesus as I grow to love him more each day...

Thank you to my African friends and their culture which have helped me to see the value of being more laid back. I'm still learning and I have a feeling God is going to send me to another country to force me to slow down and just live.

Core Values

2010-06-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

Donald Miller is one of my favorite authors. He makes me think and inspires me. If you're a Donald Miller fan and you've never checked out his blog..it's worth checking out. Lately I have really enjoyed his thought provoking words about life. He leaves me pondering and wishing I were in a discussion group with other people who wanted to discourse about the same things. One recent post was about discovering our core values and importance of knowing what your core values are. Miller says in order to figure out what your core values are you need to pinpoint what makes you mad. So today, holed up in the corner of a coffee shop I am asking myself What makes me mad? What do I live for? What fuels my decision making? I guess I have always known pretty clearly what I believe and what I'm passionate about, but it's harder to verbalize. I came up with the following list which I think is a pretty comprehensive list of what makes me mad:ignorance, injustice, bad parenting, child neglect, untruth, materialism, disrespect for God, irresponsibility, negativity, apathy/complacency. Therefore, I guess some of my core values would be: education, justice, nurture/protection of children, Truth, simplicity, respect, responsibility, positivity/optimism, passion/concern for life. That's a pretty good list to live by (though I probably fail on more that one occasion to actually live by those values). So what are your core values? What makes you mad?

Poor Little Neglected Blog

2010-05-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends do not be deceived. I am still updating this blog. Yes, I know it has been what seems like decades. I have been neglectful and confess to experiencing a bit of writers block when it comes to keeping you all updated on the ongoing adventures of my life. Of course this doesn't mean that there is nothing in my life worth reporting. My family always keeps things interesting...for instance...this afternoon found my mom and my 16 year old and 18 year old brothers waltzing around the house with puppets on their hands pretending to poke fun at one another and singing duets of White Christmas and I am 16 going on 17 from Sound of Music. Why in the world do we have puppets lying around the house? Well, that would be because mom found them at a garage sale yesterday and just could not help herself (she has a little bit of a puppet fetish). Of course I got the whole thing on video. I thought about posting it here...but then I realized the consequences of this (my whole family disowning me) and decided not to :). Nevertheless...there is no lack of excitement around here. That is for sure.

Beyond the daily amusements and goings on let me take a moment to fill ya'll (yes I miss living in Nashville) in on what God is doing in my life. Today I realized it has been 6 months since I finished my tour with the African Children's Choir. Can that really be?! Time has flown, but these past several months have been a very rich season of physical, spiritual, and emotional renewal for me. I am so grateful for God's goodness and faithfulness. He knows what his children need and gives it to them in his perfect time. I've been able to work from home for my Dad doing office work which is flexible, and relaxing. Perfect for this season of life.

As I ponder the future and pray for the Lord's guidance I have seen the Lord clearly guide me into the position of Director of Vacation Bible School at my church this summer. I loved VBS as a child and enjoyed helping out as a youth. I even directed a small somewhat hodge podge VBS in New Zealand when I was 19. This is going to be a much more large scale event, with many wonderful volunteers to oversee. As we plan and prepare and pray, two major aspects about this event bring me great excitement. First of all, our goal is to advertise and bring in many unchurched children from the community who would be unlikely to enter a church otherwise. Therefore, this is going to be a huge outreach and we are praying that God will work in the hearts of many that they will be saved! Secondly, I am excited because this is a healing and redeeming event for our church. We've been through a lot in the last 15 years and the Lord is at work healing wounds and growing the church. VBS has not been a part of the church programs for several years. This year we are bringing it back with new vision and goals and it will be a chance to bring people of all different ages together to minister to each other and the children. I am hopeful and excited to see what the Lord is going to do! Please pray with me for this event (July 12-16). I would appreciate it ever so much.

The ever lingering question is what is next for me. Well, I know I will be here (Lord willing) until the end of July (for obvious reasons). Come August, the sky is the limit. I am knocking on doors and praying for the Lord's guidance and peace. I know He has been speaking to me to let go of my expectations and to be willing to go anywhere. Pray with me that I will not be anxious about the future, but that I will find the balance between waiting on the Lord and seeking out opportunities. Life is a wonderful journey and I am happy to be walking it with so many of you!

I promise to keep up the blog more regularly....and hope you will continue to read..

Calling vs. Task

2010-03-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

Every day for the last two weeks I have wanted to sit down and blog, but for some strange reason every day I feel like I have writers block. It's not that nothing is happening in my life or in my head that I want to share. The inspiration to write just hasn't been there. But today I am determined to break the streak of non-writing. So bear with me as I try to explain what has been on my mind...

For the past seven weeks I have been going through a Bible Study by Beth Moore. The title is Jesus the One and Only. I LOVE it. Beth has a way of really digging deep and causing me to think and see things in scripture that I have never seen before. Recently I got stuck on the distinction she made between a CALLING and a TASK. A calling is an overall (usually lifelong) direction in life. It involved the skills, gifts, abilities, and passions that God gives us to fulfill the plan He has for each of our lives. A task however, is a specific (probably short term) objective that can be fulfilled as part of a calling. Disclaimer: these are my imperfect and not comprehensive definitions. Christ called His disciples to follow him and spread the Gospel, and make disciples. He also gave them immediate tasks. We as Christians often confuse the two. God doesn't call us to be surrendered to an assignment. He calls us to be surrendered to Him. So I find myself pondering my calling and my immediate task. Beyond being surrendered to Christ, I can say with a fair amount of certainty that my calling is to minister to the orphans and the widows; to be a helping hand and an advocate for the poor and oppressed. That is what grips my heart. That is where my compassion lies. That is what pulls my heartstrings and fills me with passion. I read articles, I listen to sermons, I watch videos, I see pictures, I pour over blogs, and my heart breaks. My soul fills with longing. My mind gets overloaded with desire to help, to reach out, to love, to share Jesus, but I so often feel that I don't know exactly what to do with all these feelings. This so-called Christianity that I've grown up in-this sub-culture of American, feel good, self-centered, Christian religion that I have been surrounded by my whole life is wrong. I daily see that being surrendered to Christ, believing the Gospel and responding to it requires radical change and commitment. It's hard. It's ugly. It's uncomfortable. It's smelly. It means going against the flow. It's easy for me to say that is what I want. It's harder to believe it with my whole heart and live it out. So I guess my calling becomes more and more clear, but the specific task before me looms as a big question mark. Lord here I am. Send me.

As I wait for the Lord to direct me to the next "major task" (aka job/ministry) I wake up every day with anticipation. He's been faithful to give me small tasks (and some potential bigger ones soon) that are in line with His calling on my life. Whether it is baking brownies for the new family down the street, being willing to serve wherever needed at church, helping my busy family by cooking and cleaning, giving someone a ride to Bible study, talking to the person behind me in line at the grocery store...it's days full of little things that matter. Whether you know your calling in life or not, make every day count. The way we spend our moments is the way we spend our lives.

What Makes a Good Friend

2010-03-11T23:03:00.000-08:00

What makes a good friend??? As I ponder this question I realize that we often don't recognize what we appreciate about a person until they are absent from us. Over the years I have come to make a mental list of the things that make a really good quality friend...someone who is loyal, like-minded, passionate about the same things, enjoys life the same way, makes me laugh, brings out the best in me, encourages, loves unconditionally through the good times and the hard times, is comfortable to be with, challenges me, someone I can talk with constantly or enjoy silence with. These are just a few of the things I can think of. It is rare to find such a lifelong friend. As I have read back through old journals from junior high and high school this week I have seen how many good friends I've had that have come and gone. They were best friends for a season and then life drew us apart and we moved on. The last few months my family has laughed at me because I say that most of my friends live in the computer (aka they live far away and I can only keep in touch with them through the computer). This last week however, God blessed me with a visit from my kindred spirit, Laura. As we toured together with the African Children's Choir I gradually saw that she would be one of those rare lifelong friends. Everything is better with Laura by my side. Every day this past week was full of treasured memories, as I showed her around my home state of Oregon and introduced her to the people and places that shaped my childhood and my life.

We climbed Roxyanne...

We enjoyed the breathtaking sights at Crater Lake...

We picnicked at Mill Creek Falls...

We cooked lots of new recipes and drank lots of tea...

This week I am thanking the Lord for good friends and the way He uses them to influence my life. If you have such a friend in your life remember to tell them how much you love them and appreciate them. You can never say it too much!

God's Truth Through a Child's Eyes

2010-02-17T20:35:00.000-08:00

God often uses the most unlikely characters to teach us about his profound truths. I love it when He speaks through a small child to reveal to me a profound truth or to teach me something about life. Today was one of those days. I was babysitting an adorable 4 year old boy and together we were enjoying a sunshiny afternoon at the park. On the way home we were walking hand in hand and he was chatting away as usual, when he looked over to see our shadows. We were side by side and his shadow had dissappeared next to mine. He looked up at me and said "Look my shadow is hidden inside your shadow." He smiled and kept talking, but I stopped and thought, that is exactly what it looks like for me to be hidden in Christ (Col 3:3, Gal 2:20). After placing my faith in Jesus Christ I am literally "in him". I am still there, but I am not visible because he has overshadowed me. When people look at me they should see him. I am walking hand in hand with him and together we are one. He is my shield, my protector. Because I am in him I need not worry about my life, where I will live, what I will eat, where I should go, what I should do, how I should serve. My life is in him and I live by faith in the one who loved me and gave his life for me!

The Fragility of Life

2010-02-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

Life is interesting. Most days we get caught up in a routine and we busy ourselves with daily activities...take a shower, do the dishes, run to the grocery store, pick the kids up from school, run through the drive-thru for dinner, get to soccer practice on time, stay up late to meet the deadline at work, study for the spanish exam tomorrow, grab a cup of coffee to keep you going, watch a few moments of television to see who made it to the next round of American Idol, do a load of laundry, pay the bills, go to the gym , stop at the post office, make a dessert for the potluch at church, answer emails, call back the 4 people who left you phone messages...and the list goes on. But every once in awhile something happens to stop you dead in your tracks and make you think about the fragility of this life. This week a guy who I grew up with at church (who was my age) died. The cause of death is yet to be determined. Yesterday I went to his memorial service to celebrate the life God gave him. This is the second young person from our church to die in the last month. This leaves me wondering about God's purposes and pondering the fragility of life. I have no guarantee that I will be here tomorrow or next week or next year. All I have is now. I used to be afraid of dying, but as the years go by I am less and less afraid. I know where I am going and I know who I am going to see and that is exciting! But while I'm here God has a purpose for me. Am I fulfilling that purpose? In addition to the fragility of life I've also been thinking about the glory of God and how he glorifies himself through us. He brings glory to himself even in difficult, hard to understand situations (like death). The Gospel was preached at this memorial service and I know that many people in that room did not know Christ as their Savior. I prayed God's Spirit over that place because I know that God desires to bring glory to himself through these circumstances.

Today I had the opportunity to teach a Good News club for 5th and 6th graders. My sister Jackie and I spoke passionately about the power of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the single most important event in the history of the world and our entire faith hinges on the fact that Jesus was raised from the dead. At the end of our time together I played the song In Christ Alone for the group and asked them to write down what the resurrection of Jesus means to them. Most of the kids didn't write much, but a few had some thoughts:

"What does God mean to me...he is the one and only God/Jesus and the only one who can rise from the dead. And that is so amazing and important. When I am with him I do not fear of anything."

"That he died for me. He took my punishment. How much he loves me. He suffered for me."

"He died for my sins and if someone is going to die for my that means he loves me that much."

As I read through so many of their papers I realized that many of these kids couldn't even spell "God." My heart broke. I wonder how many people out there not only don't know how to spell the word "God" or "Jesus" but don't even know His name. This life is short and it is fragile. It could end any moment of any day. I want to use every opportunity to make Jesus known. I want to share with others the love and hope I have found in Jesus. Friends, speak the name of Jesus today and speak it boldly. People need to know what true love looks like.

Teaching to Change Lives

2010-02-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

Today I am contemplating how to not give in to the mundane life-the kind of life that most people around me tell me is my eventual fate. The kind of life in which you settle down, get married, get a job so you can pay the bills (even if it's a job you don't like), buy a house, put down roots, have some kids, and get stuck in a rut of every day routine. Now don't get me wrong-getting married isn't bad. Getting a job and being financially responsible isn't bad. Buying a house isn't bad. Putting down roots isn't bad. Having kids isn't bad. It's that last part that get's me. I have met plenty of people during the last few years who were married with kids and had a "normal life" but they they still live adventurously for the Lord. People like the Beasley's who had enough faith to move with their three young children from Texas to New Zealand for a year. I find there is a syndrome....it's called medioctrity. People lose their passion for life. Today as I keep running into people that seem to have succumbed to a fate of living a boring life, I am determined not to. I am praying that no matter where the Lord takes me I will never lose the passion for life and learning and growing and people and everything that an abudnant life in Christ entails.

I picked up a book today that I read in college. Well, I actually dug it out of a box in the garage and dusted it off. It's called Teaching to Change Lives by the amazing Howard Hendricks. It is a classic. The book was printed in 1989 but it will never go out of style. I am sitting here reading through it again and loving the words all over again. A few of my favorite quotes from the first chapter:

"If you stop growing today you stop teaching tomorrow."

"If you want to become a change agent then you also must change."

"The two factors that will influence you the most in the years ahead are the books you read and the people you're around."

The book is funny, inspiring, and full of stories and nuggets of truth. I highly recommend it for any teacher..whether you are a teacher by profession, a Sunday school teacher, or you just teach your kids as you are raising them. Scratch that..I recommend it to everyone because we are all students and teachers in life. Just read the book. You can probably find it on Ebay for $5. Over the years I've been blessed to have been introduced to hundreds of really good books. A friend asked me the other day where I hear of all these good books and it occured to me that not everybody has access to so many good books or knows what books to read. Therefore, I have decided to start compiling a list of books that I would recommend. I will post them on my blog when I come across them, or feel free to ask me if I have any good recommendations. I would also welcome any book recommendations that the rest of you out there may have for me. Please send them my direction!

Quiet Days

2010-01-30T18:18:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I had a QUIET day. This concept was introduced to me while I was attending Capernwray Bible School in New Zealand about 6 years ago. The idea is to spend at least 10 hours of total solitude-no phone, no computer, no music, no people-just you and God and a journal, and maybe a few books. I have tried to keep up the habit since then, though have found it quite difficult while living in downtown Chicago, traveling the world, and living at home. There has been litte opportunity for true quiet alone time since I left tour and I have been craving it. This weekend I was given the opportunity to house-sit for a family I used to nanny for. I am relishing in the quiet solitude. Yesterday I spent 12 hours just me and God and it was wonderful. I read the entire book of Matthew out-loud. If you have never done this I highly recommend it. God's word is powerful and life transforming. Something happens when you read it out loud like that. Towards the end of the day I decided to make a list of all the things I love in life, the things that make me who I am. I made a word web and turned it into a bit of an art project. I tried to load the picture but my computer is not cooperating.

Here is the list (in no particular order)...
Adventure
Going new places
Ice skating
Teaching
Organizing
Writing
Children
Mountains
Music
Learning
Talking with good friends
Walking in the rain
God's Word
Driving
Laughing
Inspiring
Creating Things
Natural Beauty
Being outdoors
Exercising
Encouraging others
Reading
Quiet alone time
Traveling
Africa
Giving people hope
My family
Singing
Cooking
Dancing
Public speaking
Photography
The ocean
....this isn't a comprehensive list, but I think it's a pretty good one. A good reminder of the things I love in life and what I should be doing :)

Everybody Has a Story

2010-01-19T14:54:00.000-08:00

Indeed...everyone in this world has a story. If only we would take the time to listen to those unlikely people, we might see that God is at work and loves those that the world has forgotten. We might even see that we have a lot to learn from those quiet, unassuming people. Last night I joined some people from this hometown community of mine to help host a dinner at First Baptist Church. The guests were not so called important people, nor were they church members, or old friends, or missionaries. The guests of honor were those men and women in our community who have no place to call home, nobody to love them or care for them. They live on the street, in abandoned buildings, out of their cars, and on park benches. We see many of them each day sitting on the street corner with their signs, asking for money, food...love, but we never stop to talk and ask them their stories. I ate dinner last night with a few very interesting men. The stories are sad, they are aggravating, heartwrenching, and more and more common. I realize that there is not a whole lot that separates me from some of these folks. Many were abused, forced into situations that tore them down and made them into something they did not want to be. I find myself lumping them all into one category and usually find myself believing that they are lazy, addicted to drugs, and probably lying about how needy they are. But I am wrong. It's hard enough for me or any other straight laced, hard-working person to find a job right now. How much harder must it be for a man who has spent 21 years in prison as a convicted felon and doesn't have the money to get a haircut or a decent pair of glasses? It's hard. He may have all kinds of skills and experience and good work ethic, but it doesn't really matter to most people when they see his record. I wish I could do more to help. We sent them off with extra food, blankets, tarps, jackets, clothes, toiletry items, and a smile. I invited a few to church on Sunday and they said they would come. I shall wait with hope and see if they keep their word. I don't have much to offer, but I can smile, I can give them Jesus, and I can do my part to feed and clothe those God brings into my life. There are people across the world in Africa who need my help and my love, but there are also people on my own street corner. I challenge you to look for the people in your life today who need a smile, a glass of water, and Jesus.

Transition

2010-01-15T21:30:00.000-08:00

Transition is difficult and often character building. In a way I have been in a state of transition for the last several years. It's made change easier for me, but my body craves rest for sure. The past month has been quite a time of transtion for me. I have found myself excited about the future, thankful for the past, enjoying the present. It's a blessing to have friends who understand me through everything and know how to encourage me (thanks Laura!).

Laura and I attended the Urbana Missions Conference between Christmas and New Years which was an incredible experience. At this time in my life I was overwhelmed by the amount of people, but was able to strategically avoid crowds and still soak in what I wanted to. I know that I'm not ready to jump into another big adventure quite yet, but after a time of rest I feel that God has someting exciting in store. During Urbana he moved my heart and continued to build in me a desire to reach out to "the least of these..." On New Years Eve in an arena of 18,000 believers I praised the Lord and felt his Spirit moving. It was a spangle-dangle moment (thanks Mark for contributing this word :) We began to sing the song In Christ Alone and I cried. This song has great meaning for me because it was the song I was singing in Moody's Torrey Gray Auditorium when the Holy Spirit impressed upon me that I was supposed to attend the school. Once again I heard the Holy Spirit whisper in my ear. I know he isn't calling me to a specific place yet, but He was moving me to a commitment to live outside my comfort zone and to reach out to the most vulnerable and unloved in this world. That much is clear.

For now I am home in Oregon and this is my mission field. I don't know how long "now" is but I am at peace and resting in the Lord. People keep asking me what is next. I could choose to get annoyed since I don't have a solid answer, but I don't. I just tell them....right now I am resting, processing, re-getting to know my family (all who have grown so much since I left!), doing all the things I haven't been able to do in the last few years (grocery shopping, reading, sleeping in the same bed every night, cooking, and looking over old journals to see what God has done in my life). Thanks to a wonderfully generous family at church I have a truck to drive for awhile (yep..I'm a truck girl now!). It's nice to have the independance again.

So I hope you'll continue to read and see what God is doing in my neck of the woods. I plan to update as regularly as possible and pray that my words and my life bring some encouragement and inspiration to your life.

Angela

A few words before the 12 hour bus ride...

2009-12-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

Praise God for good friends and times to rest. This past week I have been with Laura at her home in London, Ontario. I can't believe it's only been a week and a half since I waved goodbye to my children and sent them back to Uganda. Over the last 10 days we have rested, cried a little, laughed a lot, and tried to process where we are at. What a blessing it has been to be together. Together we have gone for walks, prepared for Christmas, drank LOTS of good loose leaf tea, watched our favorite movie-Anne of Green Gables, decorated a pretty snazzy looking gingerbread house, made several calls to Africa to check on our friends there, and...went to see the Olympic torch come through London on it's way to the Vancouver 2010 Games. It's been exciting. Christmas Eve and Christmas morning it really started to hit me how much I miss the kids and how lost I feel without them. I don't have any children to care for, no meals to cook, no real place to be. That's hard. I still have purpose in my life, it's just not as easy to see everyday. My goal in these next months is to rest and be renewed, but also to pour myself into other people just as much as I poured myself into those precious children.

It's 8pm and Laura and I are getting ready to board a bus in about two hours to drive all night to St. Louis. There we are attending the Urbana Missions Conference, along wtih 22,000 other young, enthusiastic, missions minded people. I am hoping it will be a great time of renewal and learning and not too overwhelming at this point. If your reading this I appreciate your prayers that God would use this week to help guide me into the next chapter of life. Will keep you posted!

Tearful Goodbyes

2009-12-19T19:37:00.000-08:00

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." -Dr. Suess

Thank you Dr. Suess for this quote that has become my motto over the last week. Wednesday I tearfully watched my children get on a plane and fly back to their homeland of Africa. It was hard not to feel like they were walking out of my life. I held myself together until hugging them goodbye and then I could hold the tears in no more. As I sit here 3 days later though, I am sincerely content and so thankful about the way our last hours were spent together. The night before going home, the children finally got their tour long wish to play in snow. We sledded and built snowmen, and chucked snowballs at each other with great excitement. The perfect way to spend our last night together. I slid down the hill with Racheal and at the bottom we layed back and looked up at the stars for awhile. I told her that even though we will be oceans apart we can still look up at the same big sky, the same sun, and the same moon. It's a beautiful thought and makes me feel so much closer to them. During our last hours together at the airport we had plenty of time to talk, take pictures, and read/draw pictures/play. Thanks to the wonderful people at British Airways we were all allowed gate passes to accompany the children all the way to the plane! What a tremendous blessing. I looked out the window at the plane backing out and imagined that someday those pilots in the cockpit will be Christopher and Julius. I hope with all my heart that their dreams come true.

Laura and I made it safely to Ontario Thursday and have been resting and adjusting to life off tour. I'm so thankful for her amazing friendship and the chance to be together at this difficult time of letting go. We've cried a bit, but also laughed a lot, reminisced, processed, and praised the Lord together for the rich year and half that we have shared. I'm quite content with how tour ended and am feeling good altogether.

Friday morning we awoke to a call from Africa and had the chance to talk with Patrick and a few of the children. What a blessing to hear their voices and hear all the children playing and laughing in the background. They are happy to be home and excited to see their families. As I write this blog the children are enroute to be reunited with their families and friends-a moment I wish I could be present to experience. They have grown and changed so much. I know their parents/guardians will be shocked, delighted, and proud to see who their children have become. I know their Christmas celebrations will be extra special this year, before the children return to the boarding school and start their full-time education.

Thank you for your prayers, sweet notes, and support for me during this time. I am doing surprisingly well right now. The intial parting and letting go has not been as difficult as I thought. I know it will be a gradual process and some days and moments will be hard, but I am so thankful for the Lord's strength, and good friends to walk through these times with me. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to those I won't see during the holidays!

Final Days

2009-12-13T17:59:00.000-08:00

There have been many lasts these past couple weeks, but tonight was the finally the "real" last concert. I'm so thankful that we had the opportunity to do this Christmas event with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra as our last event. It's been such an honor to rub shoulders with world class musicians and singers. The children have made us so proud this past week. They have sang their little hearts out and they have impressed people who are far more educated and professional than they are. N'Kenge, the Broadway soloist who sang in the show with the children, just about knocked their socks off. She was gorgeous and had a brilliant soprano voice. I found Peace after the concert writing a letter to her tonight. She said "I love Auntie N'Kenge. I want to be just like her when I grow up. I am going to come back and visit her at her house." She said it with the most genuine childlike eagerness and faith. I promised to get the letter to N'Kenge.

As the children sang "Love in Any Language" tonight I geared up for the tears to come...but they didn't. When the entire cast and the whole theatre stood up to sing White Christmas at the end I got a little lump in my throat and I was sure I would cry, but somehow I didn't. This whole week I have been anticipating tears but it hasn't happened. I just pray they don't come at the most inopportune times.

Two days left now. That's when it really hits home. I appreciate your prayers for all of us as we prepare to go separate ways.

30 weary travelers arrive in Cincinnati

2009-12-09T07:40:00.000-08:00

Newsflash: 30 excited and weary travelers arrive in Cincinnati after a 12 hour drive from North Carolina! All the bags are packed, the house is cleaned, the cookies are baked, and the kids are ready. Through rain and snow we made our way yesterday to the place that has seemed so far off in the distance. This week the children have four Christmas performances with the symphony orchestra before heading home to Uganda on the 16th. Our time at Mirembe flew by in the blink of an eye, but I am so thankful we had the chance to be together as a family. The bus pulled out yesterday morning and we waved goodbye to Mirembe. I thought I would cry, but I didn't. There were a few tears on the bus though, as I thought about things. I wrote down some random moments on the bus to try and remember the small things...

Christopher earned his own CD player, so he sat in front of me with the world's biggest smile, pinching himself to make sure he wasn't dreaming. He said he dreamt about it all night. Uncle Steve made him his own personal mix CD, so he rocked out the whole ride to Lion King, Kirk Franklin, African Children's Choir, etc.

12pm-we entered Virginia and the children began to cheer as they saw snow covered hills for the first time!

2:15pm-random rest stop in West Virgina. After using the toilet and getting our Starbucks fix, everyone broke out into a huge snowball fight in the parking lot. It was the best snowball fight of my life :)

2:30-I pass out exams for the children to do while they ride. Meanwhile, I rock out to Christmas music and try to process...

3:45-I got bored and started passing notes to the kids. Nelson turned around and gave me the biggest smile ever. I started crying, thinking about how much I am going to miss little moments such as these. He wrote back asking if I am ready to go home or if I want to travel with them again. I cried again and told him I would like to live with them forever, but this season is over and it is time for us to go separate ways. He said he can't wait to be in Heaven with me.

6pm-Stop at buffet to stuff our faces :0

9pm-Arrive in Cincinnati and check into Comfort Suites...whew..home for 4 days.

In memory of my Grandmother

2009-12-02T21:08:00.000-08:00

This blog entry is dedicated to the memory of my Grandmother. It's been 10 years (on Dec 22nd) since God took her to be with Him. I imagine she is having a party with him today, worshiping him and loving life. As the children were rehearsing this morning, and the rain was pouring down outside, I decided to be suzie homemaker (as my mom would say). Clad in an apron, I set to work baking chocolate chip cookies and banana bread. As I was cracking eggs, measuring flour, stirring with a wooden spoon, and scooping out dough, I thought of my Grandma. She was the best cook ever. Many of my childhood memories involve baking cookies or pies with her. As I was baking this morning I wondered if she could see me and if she would be proud of how I've learned to cook and am now feeding 30 people at a time. I love to cook, though I haven't had much opportunity until now. The kids have paid me many compliments which is very encouraging as a developing cook :). I hope that I inherited Grandma's cooking skills and I hope that someday my grandchildren can say boldly that I was a great cook. I love you and miss you Grandma. Can't wait to see you again someday!

Thank You Jesus

2009-12-01T06:54:00.001-08:00

Thank you Jesus for always providing for my needs
Thank you for eyes to see the beauty of your creation
Thank you for this wonderful house you have provided for the choir
Thank you for the sunshine outside
Thank you for hot tea
Thank you for your Word which changes lives
Thank you for ears to hear music
Thank you for the 21 children across the room who have such hope and dreams
Thank you for the gift of photography to capture moments in time
Thank you for the amazing friends you have placed in my life
Thank you for the mystery of phones and the ability it gives me to keep in touch with loved ones
Thank you for the internet
Thank you for my incredible family
Thank you for the gift of love
Thank you for never giving up on us
Thank you for the gift of life
Thank you for this computer you provided for me to use
Thank you for the opportunity to travel and meet people from all nations
Thank you for the generous body of Christ
Thank you for words to communicate
Thank you for the freedom to worship you anywhere
Thank you Jesus for being a sovereign God who I can trust with my life

Gifts of Joy

2009-11-29T19:44:00.000-08:00

It's like Christmas around here today! when the lights were turned on in the living room this evening the children entered to find giant suitcases for each of them filled with new clothes, shoes, towels, school supplies, soccer balls, clothes for their families, and everything they will need for when they return home (in two weeks!). Imagine 21 children screaming and running around. Imagine teen boys wrapping their arms around a suitcase and kissing it over and over. Imagine a small boy throwing underwear in the air and shouting "new knickers!" Lindsey, Laura, and I have the privilege of going through the suitcases with each of them as they try on all the clothes. Their responses have been priceless. Rose said she was shocked and cried out in excitement. Patrick said "I am going to sleep in my suitcase. I think so."I can't wait to go through the rest tomorrow. No matter what Christmas holds, this makes my Christmas. I don't need a wii, or an iphone, or ten new sweaters. These children have reminded me what it means to have joy no matter the circumstances and what it means to be thankful for each blessing God gives. May I never take life for granted.

Jackson led devotions tonight and he did a fantastic job. I know he wants to be a chef, but I secretly hope he becomes a pastor. He read the Great Commission and talked about what it means to go and make disciples. The children fired questions at him like, How do you make disciples? Do you have to go to another country to be a disciple? And if you make disciples of your family members can they go and make more disciples? Nine year old Jackson confidently stood and answered those questions like any good pastor. As I listened to these children talk about following Christ, teaching their families everything they have learned from us, and being missionaries no matter where they are, I was filled with such pride and joy. These children are special and I have no doubt that they will go on to change the world...one person at a time. May God protect them and bless them on this journey!

In Christ Alone

2009-11-28T20:54:00.000-08:00

In Christ Alone is one of my all time favorite songs. It has a lot of meaning in my life and brings up many memories. Five years ago I sat in Torrey Gray Auditorium at Moody Bible Institute listening to that song for the first time ever. I cried. It was then and there that God showed me that he wanted me to move to Chicago to attend Moody. Much has happened since that day, I graduated with my degree and have been many places, but I still love the song just as much, if not more. Tonight the words of the song floated through the room here at Mirembe during devotions, as the children wrote down what Christ has done for them. They pinned their papers to a handmade wooden cross that Geofrey and I made this afternoon. As I watched them, I thought back to that day at Moody and marveled at how far I have come. I just finished reading back over the 112 blog entries I have written on tour, to prepare myself for debriefing. It's crazy to see it all written down. Thanks for prayerfully following the journey with me.

Thankfulness Abounds

2009-11-27T20:11:00.000-08:00

I don't have to think hard this Thanksgiving to figure out what I am thankful for. My heart is already brimming over. I have just been reading back over old blog entries from the past year however, to help process and get ready for debriefing this coming week. I noticed that my older entries flowed much better and were beautiful to read. The more recent entries seem to appear more straitforward and not so eloquent. Not sure what happened. Anyway, it's wonderful to go back and see what I wrote and what I was thankful for this whole year through. God's faithfulness is incredible and his blessings abundant. I sometimes fail to see them though. It is my prayer that I will never lose the eyes to see God's fingerprints on everything around me every day of my life.

Our time of celebration here at Mirembe House has been great. Yesterday we piled in the bus and went to the movie theatre to see Fantastic Mr. Fox. Kind of a wierd movie...but also strangly funny. Today was more of our Thanksgiving celebration. Thanks to a family from Kings Park International Church we spent a fun morning, at their Christmas tree farm picking out a tree, playing games, and taking lots of pictures.

With some time to kill after the tree farm we decided to crash the party at Starbucks. After ordering 21 hot chocolates and several fancier drinks for the aunties and uncles we settled in at the tables, on the chairs, the windowsills, and the floor of Starbucks to read books, play games, and enjoy our drinks. Once again, the children's behavior amazed the people around and made us proud! You should have seen the barista's face when I informed him that these are the children that recorded on the CD that he had on his counter. Right now if you purchase $15 worth at Starbucks you will receive a free CD called All You Need Is Love. The first song of the same title was recorded by Playing For Change and features in part The African Children's Choir (our kids!). The song was recorded by many people/groups so you may not be able to distinguish their voices but they are part of the chorus :) Go pick it up if you get a chance. This afternoon a lovely family from KPIC invited us all over for a Thanksgiving Feast. It was wonderful. With full tummies and full hearts we enjoyed a leisurly afternoon and then toasted marshmallows by the fire in the evening. With 21 firey marshmallows being waved around I was a little nervous. God spared us all though and we left with sticky fingers and warms hearts. Thank you to the Metty's!

19 days left until the children fly home. The marbles in the jar hardly cover the bottom and as each day slips by I try to focus on the children and not think about how hard it is going to be to say goodbye...

Andy Griffith

2009-11-24T15:59:00.000-08:00

I remember watching the Andy Griffith show at my grandparents house when I was a kid. I loved watching all those old shows. Television used to be worthwile and funny, now it just makes me sick or worries me, or makes me wish I had a boyfriend or different clothes. Pointless. Today I took a walk down memory lane in Mount Airy, NC. I'm staying with my friend Kimi, from Moody, and her husband Adam for a few days vacation. This afternoon we decided to take off and go to the hometown of Andy Griffith. It's a pretty tourists place, but we had fun playing tourist. We got to see the real squad car used in the show and did some shopping. Apparently we were close to getting arrested too...I went on some private property to get a picture in a rare laurelwood gazebo and a lady jumped out of her car and came running to tell us to get off the property. I guess they have been having trouble with trespassers and the police had just left a few minutes earlier. She was worried they would see us and arrest us. Ha! Would have made a great story. We managed to stay out of trouble the rest of the day, but got some good pics :)

A Boy with a Vision

2009-11-22T16:22:00.000-08:00

No 13 year old boy has ever brought such tears to my eyes or hope to my heart, as my precious Nelson. I made some tea and sat down with Nelson at the picnic table this afternoon to have a chat with him about preparing to go home and about his future. I am absolutely blown away by the wisdom and vision that God has given him at such a young age. Last night Nelson was asked what poverty is and he answered that it is people who do not have enough money. I decided that though he is young, I think he is knowledgeable enough and mature enough to discuss world poverty. So I asked him if poverty is only a lack of money. He replied that there is also poverty of the heart, in which people (even people who have money) are hopeless and unhappy because they don't have Jesus). Exactly the point I was getting at. God has undoubtedly given this boy the heart and mind of a preacher / missionary. We chatted about how hopelessness is at the root of poverty and people who don't believe they are worth anything or that anyone loves them, cannot get out of their circumstances. This is why the cycle of poverty continues. We had a really good talk about it and I told him that I want him to make sure he understands poverty because I firmly believe that God is going to use him to help pull other people out of poverty and give them hope. He has an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness. He didn't have a relationship with Jesus Christ until he came to Makindye and Music For Life. God rescued him through Music For Life and he is a changed person. He now wants to help others and give them hope and a future. I asked Nelson about what he is excited about when he goes home. He said he is worried about his family because so many of them are not saved. When he went on break from Makindye he tried to tell them about Jesus and they told him he was just a small kid with silly childish ideas. He has such a vision to go home and give hope to his family and teach them how to love Jesus more. It's incredible. He said he wants to increase their faith. Nelson wants to be a minister, but he asked me what I think he could be if he doesn't become a minister. I told him he would make a good teacher, or possibly a businessman, but most of all I think God might call him to be a missionary. He agrees. I showed him the video clip of Jimmy Wambua, a man from Kenya who was sponsored through Compassion International as a small child. He is now in the States studying at Moody so he can go back to Kenya and stand in the gap to help others break the cycle of poverty. He even sponsors his own child now. Well, a few months ago he had the opportunity to meet his sponsor for the first time at a Compassion convention on stage. He wept. I watched the video and cried too. I showed the video to Nelson because I thought it would be good for him. He loved it and he told me that when he grows up he wants to be like Jimmy. He wants to come to America and study God's word. He wants to sponsor other children. He wants to adopt children and help them. He wants to travel the world and spread a message of God's love and grace. He has such an incredible vision for such a small boy. And he is so humble about it all too. I was very honest with Nelson and told him about my hopes and dreams for working with the poor and oppressed. I told him about wanting to come back to Uganda. I told him why I came to work with the African Chidlren's Choir. The boy brought tears to my eyes. He gave me a string of the greatest compliments I have ever received. He told me I have changed his life because I have loved him, I have taught him to love Jesus more, I have educated him, I have helped him learn really good English (like supercalifragilisticexpialidocious), I have given him hope, I have believed in him, I have encouraged him. Honestly, the boy just reaffirmed God's calling on my life. Giving hope to others is the best possible way to spend every day of my life. He told me a good teacher is one who believes in the students, who cares about them, and who loves God and gives hope. The moments I will never forget. I love that boy and I wish I could adopt him. I can't wait to see how God uses him. Never has any child made such an impact in my life or inspired me so.

Living Without Regret

2009-11-21T19:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I did a lot of thinking about how to live without regret. I feel like I have done a pretty good job of living without regrets on this tour, but in preparing to do some staff devotions for our team last night I realized how precious each moment is. I read a quote I loved..."a moment lost is gone forever." What a good realization. So...today I made the most of every moment. It was a great Saturday. Started off with Chocolate chip pancakes and little smokies, while blaring the Christmas medley that the children are trying to learn for their symphony performances next month. Laura put up the lyrics on posters all over the dining room and we listen to the song at least three times at every meal. Lindsey commented the other morning that it looks like Christmas threw up all over our walls. It's true. We added some lights the other day to make it look very festive. After some bopping to tunes while cleaning up around the place I spent the morning with a few of our smallest boys. We jumped on the trampoline (a very rare treat), and then had a treehouse club meeting. Hannington, Mo, Christopher, Patrick and I made some chai tea, put it in travel mugs and headed up into the fort. There are conversations that take place in a tree fort that just don't happen other places. Can I just say that I love little boy conversations..especially from these little boys. They actually spent 20 minutes seriously trying to convince me that mermaids are real and they have seen them in Uganda. When I insisted that they are pretend and Ariel is just make believe they made up some elaborate story about seeing mermaids sitting on a rock when they went to fetch water and told me that there different things in different places. I said yes, but I know mermaids don't exist-even in Uganda. Chris then gave me a very spiritual answer-if God wanted to create a mermaid he could. I replied.."well yes, but he didn't." They didn't believe me. O well.

As we drew pictures of tree houses, airplanes, Superman, and Veggie Tales, we talked about life and what we'll miss after tour. Christopher almost made me cry when he commented. "I don't think I'll forget Lino because he teached me." My other favorite Christopher quote from the morning:

Can God talk to the sun? -Chris
Yes. -Me
Then why doesn't it have eyes? -Chris

In the afternoon we built a fire and roasted marshmallows. Well..I sat on the picnic table pretending to play guitar, while Julius roasted them for me :) I've decided one of my goals for this coming year is to learn guitar. I know i've said that before. But I really mean it this time. I think.

A dinner of grilled burgers and now we are finishing off the day watching a very nostalgic movie...Homeward Bound. Perfect Saturday.

Rainy School Days

2009-11-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

Today I am having a hard time with organized/structured learning. I am a firm believer that children learn best when they are doing something hands on and talking about it. Some days we do that, but in Uganda school is mostly done sitting still and quiet, so I find myself trying to uphold that expectation. Some days it near drives me crazy. Hurrican Ida has left us with a few days of heavy rains and high winds so the children haven't been outside for a couple days. They are a little stir crazy and so am I. This morning we are trying to make some thank you cards. They are cute, but the only think getting me through is my hot tea and good music :) Lord give me patience.

Tonight I am making pork loin . Never made pork loin before, but I found a tasty looking recipe online. Hope it turns out as good as the last few meals. Here's hoping!!!

P.S. Did you know you can make at least 264 words with the letters in the word edification? Crazy.

Settling in at Mirembe

2009-11-10T08:58:00.000-08:00

The touring part of tour has come to an end and though we are a bit sad that the concerts are over, the host families are over, the bus rides are over, the new cities are over, and the amazingly generous churches are over, we are happy and relieved to be together and have a rest from the craziness that was so much a part of tour life. We have settled in to our life here at Mirembe House in North Carolina for the next 6 weeks or so. It's good to be back, nestled in the woods, next to the lake, at a place all our own. Here the children can run around and play outside or inside and we can just be a family. What a blessing this place is. This past week was camp, meaning the children did nothing but play. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves in the warm sunshiny NC weather.
One of the highlights of this past week was our complimentary trip to the Paul Mitchell Salon training center, for free haircuts and manicures. Even the skeptical boys ended up having a good time. After all the pampering was over, the people at the salon turned on music and the whole staff had a giant dance party with all of us. How many can say that have had a dance party at the salon?! Haha. Then they all played a big soccer game in the field next the salon. Good times.

Being at Mirembe House also means we get to do all our own cooking which is fabulous. I have learned many things and aquired many random skills while on tour, one of which is grocery shopping and cooking for approx 30 people :) This past week I had to make beef stew for everyone and I was terrified, because I have no idea how to make beef stew. Laura, my faithful sidekick and I looked up a recipe online and started chopping. Five hours later we had two giant bubbling pots of delicious beef stew and a pumpkin cake for Laura's birthday. It turned out so good they came back for thirds! Yes! I was excited.

This week we started back into school and rehearsals to prepare for our Christmas program with the Cincinatti Symphony Orchestra. I asked a few of the boys if they were excited to go back to school and rehearsals or if they still wanted to play all day and they excitedly said school and rehearsals...because they love to learn. Bless the teacher's heart :)

Last Church...

2009-10-31T19:39:00.000-07:00

So, last night was our fun end of tour concert (even though we have one concert left tomorrow..but it's a big ticketed event, not conducive to silly aunties and uncles). I thought I would feel more emotional, but I didn't..maybe because I know I will still be with the children for another month and a half, and I will see them sing again with the Cincinnati symphony in December. We had fun though. During sound check Steve put on Gilbert's costume and surprised the children by coming out to sing the "O Happy Day" solo.

Auntie Lindsey, Auntie Rachel, and I joined the children for warm-ups. We put on the boys' hats and did breathing excercises. The children pretty much lost it. Haha. During the concert we all sat in the front row and helped conduct on some of the songs. When "O Happy Day" rolled around at the end we surprised them again by jumping up on stage to dance with them. Laura did the solo and the rest of us made a fourth row in the back and danced like fools. My host commented later that evening that I "looked really great up there." Hahaha. All I could think about was how much fun I was having and how I never would have been caught dead a year ago dancing like that on a stage in front of all those people. How I have changed :).

I honestly don't know how those children do what they do. After one song I ran off to man my product table at the end of the concert. I was huffing and puffing and almost choked until Lindsey brought me some water! Note to self: take dancing lessons when tour is over.

Today we drove through the gorgeous hills of W. Virginia and Virginia to get to North Carolina. This is our last church on tour. unbelievable!! Monday we head to Mirembe House for about 5 weeks to prepare to sing with the symphony and to prepare to go HOME. Please continue to pray for us as we go through the process of ending tour and I look toward the future. I'm so happy to be sharing this journey with all of you.

Lasts

2009-10-27T18:45:00.001-07:00

This week we are beginning to experience the beginning of the 'lasts' on tour. We have 3 concerts left on church tour before we spend some downtime at Mirembe House in North Carolina and the children perform with the Cinncinnatti Symphony in December before flying home the 16th. Today was my last "official" day off on tour. It was a wonderful day in Charleston, West Virginia with my two best friends from tour. Highlights from the day:

1) Slept in until 10:30 am in my 'bear cave' after going to bed at 2:30 am.

2) Enjoyed a leisurly morning alone.

3)Drove a cute white Honda into downtown Charleston.

4) Bought a cute new sweater in preparation for Christmas in Canada (after Patrick and Laura watched me try on about 20 in JC Penney!)

5) Saw a friend from Moody (Mike) @Starbucks in the mall (he is getting ready to go to Uganda as a full time missionary!)

6) Walked along the river and did a fall photo shoot with my 2 best friends.

7) picnic on the water (in the rain) with really yummy cheese.

8) Had tea and mini dance party with Sarah, Peace, and Gladys before bed.

9) Listened to Josh Groban Christmas music while blogging :)

Life is good. Life is changing. I am thankful. I am excited. I love my friends. I am blessed.

Be sure to check out Facebook for more pictures :)

Boys Will Be Boys

2009-10-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

I love being an auntie to boys...last night I stayed with 6 of the boys and we had a party here in beautiful Charleston, West Virginia. Yes, it included me walking around with a baseball cap on sideways, saying "Yo, what's up boy?" Hehe. I love my job. It also included me up at 11:30 giving out cough medicine and throat losenges (sp?) because nobody could sleep. I don't mind that part either. I like taking care of sick kids. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the evening...

"I didn't know what beauty was until I saw your face" -Nelson to Auntie Angela

"Hello, my name is Hanny. When I grow up I want to be a honey man." -Hanny

"Leadership is hard...people want different rules. I would rather be a minister and bring people close to God and teach his rules, rather than be a king making my own rules for people." -Nelson

"I wish I had your voice Nelson. I would scare people." -Geofrey

"How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?" -host son

"Is that English?" -Nelson

"Girls are crazy. They get annoyed and stay annoyed for years." -Lino

"Boys, don't buy me a python for Christmas. I won't write you letters when you go back to Uganda." -Me (after the boys were looking at pictures of snakes and talking about how I need one)

At bedtime I had just tucked the boys in when they all jumped out of bed. Gilbert shouted "remember what Auntie Laura said?" They all started circling me and then jumped on me on the bed in a huge dog pile. We all started laughing and our host said, "We call that a dog pile. What do you call it?" They said, "a sandwich hug!" Then all I heard was, "Auntie Angela is the tomato..I am the cheese...I am the mayonaise!" Hahaha. Thank Auntie Laura. Loved the bedtime hug.

West Virginia Fall Evening

2009-10-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

12:30am...do I go to bed or blog??? Definetly blog :)

I am here in a hotel room in West Virginia enjoying a few rare hours of peace and quiet, but also feeling a little lost without my children and wondering how awefully lonely I will feel after tour.

The leaves in WV are beautiful! I just wish I could get a really good picture of them...unfortunately when the bus is moving is not the best time, and that is when I see the best panoramic shots. This week has been refreshing and exciting. Three small tidbits of exciting news:

1) Laura had a host give $700 in cash the other day to use to buy the children any new clothes that they need. She said her mom gave her the money before she died and she hadn't known what to do with it until now. Wow! Laura and Lindsey and I went on a shopping spree today to pick out $700 worth of clothes. It was so much fun!!!

2) The church we are at here in Huntington decided to bless the children with new winter jackets as the weather is turning colder and colder (there have even been threats of snow!). The jackets were presented to all the children last night amidst squeals of joy and dancing around the room. Some people are so generous!

3) I got to spend my day off today with an old friend from Moody. Kalyn and I were inseperable our first week at Moody in 2005. People thought for sure that we had been friends before coming to school, but indeed we had just met. I thank God for Kalyn's friendship, especially that first week. She is now married with an adorable son (Xavier) and we spent the day talking, catching up, and playing with Xav. Good times! Praise God for good friends in so many places. It's refreshing.

Now I am finding anything to do, but go to bed, because I want to enjoy the peacefulness of this hotel room and the productive feeling I have right now :) However, there is not much else to do at this point...so goodnight world. Off I go to dreamland...

Best Tea Party of All Time

2009-10-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

If you think life is boring..bring yourself down to the level of a child and play their games with them. Tonight my hosts had to go out for worship team practice so we had the house to ourselves. I popped my head into the girls bedroom and suggested we have a tea party. The suggestion was met with squeals of joy and questions about what exactly a tea party is. "Do we just drink tea?" Peace asked. The night only got better from there. We raided the kitchen and made hot chocolate and lemon cake with strawberries on top.

I let the girls dress up in my clothes, scarves, hats, and jewelry. The lipgloss was the icing on the cake. You'd think they had died and gone to heaven. There was an oblong swinging mirror strategically placed in the room, along with a perfect round table and wicker chairs.

When the dance music started the girls danced, posed, and giggled around the room while I took pictures. Those girls know how to work it...let me tell you! Peace, Racheal, and Sarah are total naturals who know how to work an outfit, and make my photography skills look great. They make my job behind the lense easy. We sat down to tea (hot chocolate) and cake and toasted to...life...the beauty and adventure of it.

I think this picture of Racheal perfectly captures the beauty and joy of these children. She is one of the most joyful and pure girls I have ever met.

After the tea and "crumpets" we had to work off some calories so we turned on Kirk Franklin and danced to our little hearts content. Life doesn't get any better.

Conversations That Last...

2009-10-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

I have recently had some very touching, very funny conversations with a few of the children. Let me share a few of them with you...

Conversation #1

This morning Scovia came in when I was putting on my make-up. She had her Bible in hand and she said, "Excuse me Auntie..group 4 is leading devotions this morning and I would like to share something with my brothers and sisters. Can you help me find something to share with them?" I told her that was great and asked what she had in mind, or if God was teaching her anything in particular lately. She scanned the page and said "harvest." Okay, well I told her I would look for a good verse about harvest. We settled on Matthew 9:37 (The harvest is ready..but the workers are few...) I explained to her that the harvest is people who don't yet know Jesus as their savior. The workers are the missionaries that God needs to go share the good news about Jesus. She asked me to write down some questions she could ask the others and togethere we jotted down a small page of notes. She asked, "What is a missionary? Can you write that down, because I know somebody will ask and I need to be able to tell them." So I explained what a missionary is. At the end she thanked me and carefully placed the notes in her Bible and held it close all the way to church. I wasn't there to hear what she shared...but I will try and tell you how it went :)

Conversation # 2: The other day in P4 class the children saw a picture of me and my sister. They went off on how beautiful we are. Nelson said the kings will fight over us and Gilbert said they might not even eat for a day! Julius said, "I wish I was older." At that comment all the boys started laughing and asked what he would do...He became shy and said, "Okay, okay...I will just say it...I would marry Auntie Angela!" This brought the whole class into an erruption of laughter. I thanked Julius for his comment and assured him that God will bring him a lovely wife his own age someday. Nothing like a group of 4th grade boys

to boost my self-confidence :) I love them.

Fall is My Favorite

2009-10-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

I haven't had the opportunity to rake leaves for several years. Living as a guest in people's homes every day doesn't allow us the opportunity to do many chores or regular household activities, which we often miss. Last night my host offered to let the girls rake the leaves in her front yard. We jumped on it..literally! Scovia, Sarah, and I raked to our hearts content and then jumped and rolled around in the leaves, giggling all the while. I let the girls bury me in leaves and we had a giant leaf throwing fight. These are the moments in life that create a great story. Jump in the leaves, play make-believe with your children, throw a tea party, dance in the rain, make memories that will last and leave an impression.

Splashes at Kalahari

2009-10-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Usually I hate water parks. This was different. When we pulled into the Kalahari waterpark in Sandusky, Ohio this week I could tell it was no low budget, dingy, smelly waterpark. It was HUGE. It was clean. It was bright. It was fancy. And best of all, it was themed like an African safari. Kenya, the giant costumed walking elephant came out to greet us in the parking lot and had us laughing from that point forward. Since all the kids have gone back to school, we had this huge, exotic, indoor waterpark pretty much to ourselves for an entire day. The children were overjoyed just to jump and swim in the wave pool...until we dragged them over to the GIANT waterslides and they discovered the thrill of zipping through a tube on a big water donut, with their friends. The squeals and smiles were priceless. I wish I could bottle up Christopher's smile and his joy and keep it forever. He and I laughed and screamed and smiled all the way down the slides time after time. Childhood memories of the Emigrant Lake Waterslides came flashing through my head. I used to love them as a kid, but this was a million times better. I even tried the surfing ride several times. To my complete amazement and shock I was able to do a couple of flips and pretty cool tricks. Very impressive after my failed attempts at surfing in New Zealand in 2004.
The chef at the resort found out that Jackson wants to be a chef when he grows up and invited him back to the kitchen to watch him for awhile and ask questions. What a treat! The kid sported his paper chef's hat and got us all invited back for free ice cream sundaes at the end of the day. During the ice cream party we somehow landed our own personal DJ who found out what dance songs the kids know and played them for us. We all ended up on the stage having one big dance party by the end. Sometimes I'm amazed at myself when I realize I am in random public places dancing the macarena like a crazy woman, with a bunch of African children! Good day.

Quiet Love

2009-09-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

Most Sunday mornings find me frantically setting up a product table and selling merchandise to excited and teary eyed people who come out of our concerts, but this morning was different. I really miss going to church and worshiping corporately with other believers. I am very much looking forward to observing Sunday's as a day of rest again. This morning we had no concert, but some lovely church folks fed us a nice breakfast at Willard Church of God in Willard, OH. Their church service this morning was led by a traveling group called Quiet Love. The group travels around and performs mimes and sign language to popular Christian songs, all under blacklights. We couldn't stay for the service but they offered to do a little mini show just for us! For 20 minutes we enjoyed the coolest most powerful time of worship. I had flashes of what I imagine heaven will be like...people all worshiping the Lord with lots of light and energy. Of course it helped that they were signing to "I can only Imagine!" I had goosebumps the whole time as we clapped, danced, and worshipped together. On the last song they pulled our children up on stage too and they all danced together under the blacklights. The camraderie between the two groups was unique too, since we all travel around and perform. I felt like we understood each other on a performers level as well as being brothers and sisters in Christ. Because they gave us a special show, we gave them a quick little show too. It was great! I love these spontaneous experiences that God brings our way!

Fall Has Arrived!

2009-09-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

9.21.09
Fall has arrived! Today marks the beginning of my favorite season. I love the changing of the leaves, the cooler weather, jeans and sweaters, hot drinks, and football games :) Today was long..with all the paper work, teaching, inventory counting, etc. I didn't even have a chance to eat lunch today-it was a candy bar on the run. Sad I know. By the time I dragged myself back to the host home all I wanted to do was lay down and be alone. I planned to go for a walk and the girls were going to go to the park, but as soon as we stepped out onto to the porch it began to pour down rain. Racheal, Esther, and I stood and watched the rain for a few minutes and then we said, “what the heck, let's go play in the rain” So we rolled up our pants, took off our socks and shoes and ran off into the rain. We danced, skipped, and ran down the street, jumping in the puddles, and playing soccer with some red apples we found on the ground. People driving down the street might have thought we were crazy, but we were perfectly happy, enjoying life. The girls with their giggles, smiles, and pure love of life pulled me right out of my tired, grouchy mood and reminded me what life is all about. We found a tree that had begun to turn brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange, and was dropping it's rainbow colored leaves at our feet. The girls I gleefully gathered our favorites and basked in a “first day of fall celebration.” After arriving home soaking wet, we took hot showers, drank some hot chocolate, listened to Disney music, and arranged our leaves to dry so we can press them and make some beautiful cards! I am thankful to the Lord for knowing what I need better than I do. He used two beautiful girls and some rain to kick me out of my self pity slump and show me how to make the most out of what I have.

A Bedtime Conversation

2009-09-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

I haven't had internet for a few days..but here is a couple updates I wrote...

Tonight as I was tucking Racheal and Esther into bed I asked them if they had any questions before they went to sleep. I expected to hear maybe a simple question like are we doing math or english tomorrow, but what I heard surprised me. Esther said, “yes, I have a question. When the world is over will Jesus send stairs down from Heaven for us to climb up?” I tried to simply explain to them that when Jesus returns he will gather all his people together and we will go straight into his presence, while the wicked will remain on earth for awhile until God's wrath on earth is complete, and then all will go to Heaven or Hell for eternity. Which we all agreed is too hard to understand. Racheal's response was, “Some people think it is a punishment to die, but it is just because God wants us to be in Heaven with him.” Wow..I want her to speak at my memorial service! Racheal also said.. “I have another question. Did God send Jesus to earth or did Jesus send himself? Because there is only one God, but how come there is Jesus and the Holy Spirit and God?” I tried the egg explanation and we discussed the Trinity for a few minutes, before deciding that it is just too hard for us to really comprehend and we will have to wait until we get to Heaven to see God and ask him...which we are all excited for. These are my favorite moments on tour :)

Off Into the Sunset...

2009-09-14T19:45:00.001-07:00

It's been a great birthday week already. My tour family and friends around the world have made me feel so loved and honored. I am so grateful for the amazing friends God has placed in my life. Where would I be without all of you? I don't know.

All I have wanted to do this summer is go on a boat ride. I have waited patiently and summer is almost over. Tonight, God lovingly granted my wish. I can see him up in heaven smiling as he ordained the events of this evening. Rose, Gladys, and I joined our lovely hosts aboard the ski boat in their backyard and off we rode into the sunset on Lake Michigan. With Rose cuddled in my arms and Gladys next to me in the front of the boat we cruised into the night sky giggling and feeling perfectly happy. Rose exclaimed "This is the best day ever!" And I had to agree with her. We anchored and ran through the waves on the beach for awhile, which resulted in squeals and laughter. I have never enjoyed wave jumping and running in the water SO MUCH! Tonight I am grateful to God for the little pleasures in life that He sees fit to bless me with. How much he loves his children!

Playing For Change

2009-09-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

As God narrows my vision and passion for bringing cultures together and helping people to see the many ways that we can help each other, I meet many other people who have similar visions and dreams. Mark Johnson and the people involved with playingforchange are just such fellow visionaries. Mark started the non-profit organization PlayingForChange four years ago in an effort to show how music can bring cultures together. He and his crew have traveled all over the world filming musicians singing the same song, in so many cultures and languages. The group now has a CD available and holds benefit concerts to raise money to help people all over the world. Today Mark and his cohort, Enzo, traveled to Holland, Michigan to record the African Children's Choir. They set up at the church and our children recorded the song "All You Need Is Love" by the Beatles. People from Jamaica, Argentina and various other places are going to be on the song and I can't wait to hear the finished product. Supposedly it is going to be sold in Starbucks..though I don't know when the release date is. If you would like to read more or see some the videos Mark has already made check out http://www.playingforchange.com/. It was an honor to work with these guys and to be a part of this great project!

CANADA!

2009-09-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord for mini-vacations! The past 24 hours have been the greatest blessing. Yesterday morning Laura and I arose around 5am and caught a taxi to the Detroit Greyhound station. Yes, it was very sketchy...but in true Angela fashion, I ran into a guy at the station that I went to school with at Moody! Laura will never let me live down the fact that I know people EVERYWHERE we go.Haha. The three of us survived the Detroit station together and hopped a bus to CANADA! Praise the Lord we had no trouble getting across the border. Laura's family lives in London, Ontario and I am so excited to finally have the chance to meet them and experience the place Laura grew up. As much as we love our little African children, it has been soooooooo nice to take a break. We went to the market, had a beautiful lunch at an outdoor restaurant, and explored Port Stanley. Yesterday I got to see Ontario for the first time and Lake Erie. All right! What a treat to enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the beach, eating ice cream and exploring cute little boutiques with Laura and her parents. I'm happy to report that Laura's mom knows how to cook the most beautiful meals and how to be a lovley host. She even made me the best carrot cake I have ever had to celebrate my birthday two days early! God bless her! After a quick walk to Tim Horton's for coffee this morning we are off to have a lovely lunch and head back across the border to meet up with the children and the team. Anway, just wanted to give a quick update from Ontario :)

Have a great day!

Ang

A Few Thoughts From Detroit Tonight

2009-09-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long silence on the blog (for me anyway). It's been a crazy hectic couple of weeks with lots of goings and comings and limited internet connectivity (while I had the brain power to actually write something). No promises that this entry will be coherent, but something is better than nothing right? I am currently procrastinating on some paperwork I need to do, as well as finishing up my
taxes :(.
There are some people in this world who I instantly connect with and they get added to my list of favorite people. Abraham is one of those people (if your reading this...well..you already know this). He is our Ugandan manager and a man I deeply respect and love. He's taught me a lot about inter cultural relationships and life. Having him around was a morale booster for everyone on the team, as we head into the final stretch of tour. Hard to believe that we are so quickly approaching the end. Last night Choir 31 (which I trained with last year) flew home to Uganda. It was just a big reminder of the big goodbye that is coming. I try not to think about it too much, but unfortunately it's hard not to. While Abraham was here doing devotions with us as a team and giving a pep talk, I thought back to our training together in Africa last year. Then I thought about all that we have been through this year and all the emotions I have experienced. Being together with Abraham again reminded me of everything and I felt like the emotions of the whole year caught up with me. Lots of tears were shed. It's been an emotional couple of weeks.
Andrew (our former tour leader) was able to come down from Ontario to visit us for a few days here in Michigan this past week, which was another nice treat for everyone. We enjoyed catching up with him. The boys showed him how big their muscles are, we shared stories over coffee (he's the one who had a hand in my becoming a coffee drinker), and his family finally got to meet the kids who have been praying for them this whole year. We love you brother!
There are many more choppy thoughts I could share with you, but I must be getting to bed. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we persevere to the end. Pray for the children of choir 31 as they transition back to life in Uganda, and pray for choir 34 and 35 as they are still transitioning to tour life here in the States.
Blessings to you all!

Soaking up Some Sun

2009-08-24T19:19:00.000-07:00

If you hadn't noticed I decided it is time for my blog page to get an overhaul. Thanks to Heather for giving me some ideas on how to make my blog more attractive and fun (even though you don't know you gave me the idea :)

The sun is shining over the waters of Lake Michigan here in Traverse City, MI and we are enjoying some late summer hours at the beach, trying to soak up every last bit of fun and sun that we can before it gets cold and we are stuck inside. It's been a pretty good week on the road...the joy of the Lord has been evident in the small moments. My favorite moment of the week was Saturday on the bus-little Christopher sat in front of me with his rain jacket on, hood up, face smooshed against the window, quietly singing to himself "O the blood of Jesus..." In that moment I wondered in my head how I could ever get frustrated with him for not being able to read or stay focused on anything. He is so precious!

I spent a couple days in Michigan a few years ago and though my memories are fuzzy it's all coming back to metoday as I had the chance to explore some familiar places. This afternoon we marched the children down to the beach for a few hours of playtime. Shoes were thrown off, jeans rolled up, and wading in to the knees, turned into soaking wet jeans up to the hip, heads in the water, water push-ups, and 22 happy children covered in sand from head to toe. O, well...we tried to keep them clean. Digging in sand, splashing in water, and burying friends never was so much fun!

After dinner some of us headed to Sleeping Bear Dune to see how much more sand we could get in our ears! Forget the work out tonight...climbing that dune twice and running down was enough for me. I think I burned a few calories. Lydia decided she needed to bring the container of jello with her as a mountain snack. She conveniently needed a break every 5 seconds to eat sand covered jello. Scovia asked if she was a "snacker" (as if it were some bad habit to kick like smoking!). Lydia then announced that she was the jello monster (the red cousin of the cookie monster I presume). Good times! We will all sleep well tonight (after I stop doddling around on the computer and write an english test for the P4's for tomorrow. Yikes!)

Frankenmuth...

2009-08-20T19:02:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Michigan! This past week we have been in Grand Rapids and now we are in Saginaw. I'm enjoying the north. God has blessed me with some really interesting and great hosts lately. I've been reminded on more than one occasion not to judge people based on first impressions. Every time I do I end up putting my foot in my mouth so to speak. Funny how that works. I have been fighting a cold this week, but I think I'm on the upswing. It's a good thing because today was a day for great adventures. Laura's two best friends from home (Chantal and Mallory) are visiting from Ontario and we have the day off, so we decided to go find the bavarian village of Frankenmuth, Michigan. It was so cute! We had a picnic of 3 different kinds of cheese by the river, explored the shops, listened to a guy play the accordian, walked across the covered bridge, and took LOTS of pictures. I LOVED it. I'm thankful to Laura for sharing her friends with me. I know your probably reading this Chantal and Mallory-thanks for coming to visit. You guys are awesome!

I don't have any exciting stories to share, but here are some great quotes from the past few weeks:

“The best part of tour is swimming and staying in hosts. The hardest part on tour has been eating cheese.” -Julius

“Last day I ate three cavities. I enjoyed them so much-as good as strawberries!” - Racheal

“This is the worst day of my life!” -Christopher (covered in puke after Lino puked all over him on the bus)

“Bananas are good for our bodies. Especially for the people in Kampala who live on the street. If they eat a banana then their bellies can get full.” -Peace

“It's like an elephant is standing on my foot.” -Gilbert (in response to Auntie Angela stepping on his toes)

“Something is wrong with my head. My wisdom ran away. I think I gave it to Rose.” -Lydia

“I really want to go to heaven so I can play with Jesus.” -Rose

“A day will come when you young children will want to get married and have a husband or a wife.” -Uncle Patrick

“Yes, I can't wait!” - Gilbert

“No thank you!” -Racheal

“I cannot wait to see my wife!” -Hannington to Scovia

I hope these sweet sayings brought you a good laugh and smile today! Now go do something kind for someone else today!

One Year Anniversary

2009-08-12T06:18:00.000-07:00

I wrote this entry yesterday but wasn't able to post it because I didn't have Internet...

August 11th...today is my one year anniversary with Music For Life and the African Children's Choir. I celebrated by getting a manicure and pedicure with Laura and Lindsey (for the first time ever!) One year ago today I stepped onto a plane and headed to North Carolina to spend a few weeks training with Choir 31 before heading to Uganda to meet the children who would soon become my life for the next year. Since that day I have experienced enough life to fill five years, it seems. I've learned about myself, I've learned about relationships, I've learned about teamwork, I've learned about parenting, I've learned about how people live and think, I've learned about culture, I've learned about many States that I knew next to nothing about, I've learned about God and his heart for the poor and oppressed. The last 365 days have been filled with joyful moments, sad goodbye's, difficult challenges, victories, lessons learned, dances of joy, and tears of hardship. I don't have any regrets and I would do it all over again.
A few random things I have done this year:
-eaten fried alligator in New Orleans
-ridden an elevator in a home in Mississippi
-spoken from stage to thousands of people
-met Archbishop Desmond TuTu
-visited with friends all over the country
-rafted the Nile River in Uganda
-showered outside overlooking the Nile River
-walked the Vegas strip with 26 African Children
-ran around downtown London taking pictures
-danced like a fool in front of complete strangers
-driven an army truck from the 1950's
-done push ups in the airport
-climbed inside a B52 bomber at Barksdale Airforce Base
-ridden in a hummer limo full of African children to a rodeo
-drank too much Starbucks
-had surgery
-sunbathed in the middle of winter on the gulf of Mexico
-been interviewed live on the radio
-seen the marching ducks at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis
-LOVED DEEPLY
Just to name a few things...and it's not even the end. We have several months left of tour and as I have gotten tired God has given me a second wind and is allowing me to still enjoy the small moments that make life so precious and beautiful. As I look forward to the future God continues to narrow my ministry dreams and goals. As I have seen and begun to understand more fully God's heart for the poor and oppressed, those marginalized by societies, my heart has begun to yearn for a chance to help. Many thoughts have been jumbling around in my head this year about how I can be involved in being Jesus' hands and feet and his voice to those who are overlooked. I feel more and more compelled to reach out and bridge the gap between cultures. I want to encourage and inspire Americans to see how wealthy we are and to get off the couch, put down the Wii and get INVOLVED. While we spend dozens of hours being entertained in front of the television each week, young girls are being forced into prostitution, boys are being forced to fight for rebel causes, children are starving, families are falling apart. I know that the problems in this world and the injustice can seem overwhelming and people don't know where to start or don't think whatever small thing they can do will really make a difference, but it does. I picked up a book the other day called Hope Lives (A Journey of Restoration) by Amber Van Schooneveld. It's a 5 week study and takes people through the exact process that I have been thinking about in my head. I don't want to see people guilted into giving money to the poor. I want to see people examine their hearts, examine God's heart, and come to a point where they really see who they are in Christ and what their responsibility is as a believer. Showing compassion and helping others is what the body of Christ is all about! I want to inspire. I want to encourage. I want to show people how exciting it is to act as a real body of believers, helping each other and glorifying God in the process. I love the point made by Amber in Hope Lives. She says, “It's not that God loves the poor any more than he loves me or anyone else in America-he's not a reverse social snob.” God loves everyone equally, but there is a special place in his heart for those who are being treated unjustly, as shown throughout his word. I don't know what this means for my future...but I'm excited to find out :) Well..that's the short version of the thoughts rolling around in my head. I have wanted to share for quite some time, so you can be praying with me about all of this and how God might lead me after tour. Thanks for listening and praying so faithfully. I am blessed to know God has given me such an amazing team/family of supporters-people who believe in me and my vision. May the Lord bless you abundantly.
In Christ,
Angela

We Love Starbucks and Starbucks Loves Us :)

2009-08-07T16:46:00.000-07:00

Today we treated the children to hot chocolate at Starbucks for a job well done. The children know Starbucks as the place where their Aunties and Uncles always stop for their "happy juice." One lonely man sat on his laptop when we entered the building and filled the tables inside with smiles and excited laughter. I am sure those Starbucks employees did not come into work this morning expecting to have 22 Ugandan children walk into their store, but boy were they thrilled. Mo leaned over to me when he got his hot chocolate and said. "Auntie I thought we were getting coffee and I was really excited!" Yea right! I told him he has enough energy without caffeine and the reason I drink it is because I need the caffeine to keep up with him! I snapped some photos of the children enjoying their drinks and then they crammed in front of the counter to sing the thank you song to the workers. "Thank you very much for the (sip) and the yum yum!" went over very well. On the way out we apologized to the one other customer for invading his calm world. In return he asked if we take donations and handed me a ten dollar bill :) It's small moments like this that make tour so much fun. It doesn't take much to bless one person or ten people or a hundred people...we enjoy it. The following are a few pics from our Sbux escapade. Check out Facebook for more..

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2009-08-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

If I could bottle up the smiles and joy of these beautiful children I am privileged to know it would be difficult to put a price on. I try daily to capture their beauty and their personalities, but I know that I fall short. I write down quotes and I snap pictures, but sometimes you just have to be there in the moment (like when Rose turned around in the bus the other day and asked if we would find Curious George in Heaven). Most days I want to write down whole conversations and video tape entire hours of the day. After a few pretty rough weeks, God has blessed me with several absolutly blessed days. Tuesday I was able to spend some time with one of my dearest friends from college. She followed me around and got to see what my afternoons/evenings look like and then we chatted late into the night about the excitement, the hardships, and the possiblities of life. Yesterday, only a few hours after leaving her we arrived in Crystal Lake, IL and two more dear friends from Moody came to visit. The people on my team make fun of me because I have friends in so many places, but God knows I sure needed some familiar faces, hugs, and encouragement this week. I'm excited to share this adventure with so many of you in person. These past few days my "home away from home" has been a quaint little farmhouse in Illinois. My wonderful host has created a photographers paradise with rustic barns, laundry lines, tire swings, cornfields, trees, antique furniture, and even a real maypole! After a lovely snack of chai tea and pumpkin bread last night we went to bed, but this morning when I woke I hurried the girls along so we could take some pictures. Uponing returning to the house this evening I discovered that it's no accident this place is a photographers paradise.....Nancy is a professional photographer! She pulled out all kinds of dresses and the girls thought they were in heaven as they danced and giggled in their flowy dresses. I snapped picture after picture of them as they ran through the fields, posed with the scarecrow, and ran around the maypole, getting completely tangled in the ribbons. Sarah, Esther, and Racheal are the best little models I could ask for. Their smiles radiate and their joy is contagious. They looked like little princesses tonight and they truly are. God's princesses and the princesses of my heart. A picture is truly worth a thousand words and some of the moments I captured tonight will forever etch in my mind the beauty of these times that I get to spend with the children, loving them and nurturing them.

R.I.P. Grasshopper

2009-08-02T13:20:00.001-07:00

After watching the shift in “playtime activities” over the past generation I had begun to lose hope that children remembered how to play using their imaginations rather than video games and other such electronics. Fortunately Hannington and Patrick proved me wrong today. Up here in Washburn, Wisconsin the children had an afternoon to play, while details were being set for the outdoor music event they are performing at tonight. While most of the older boys were playing soccer I glanced over to see Patrick, Hannington, and Christopher lunging in the grass, running a few more steps, and then lunging onto their stomachs again. Upon closer examinations I realized they were catching grasshoppers! Patrick proudly held out the handful he had already captured. I thought of the conversation I had two days ago with Gilbert and Nelson about Americans are missing out because we don't eat grasshoppers, and I cautiously asked Patrick what he planned to do with the grasshoppers. He replied, “I'm going to put them in my pocket!” Well, I talked him out of that and instead the boys found a plastic container and continued their hunt until they proudly came to the aunties to show us at least 30 grasshoppers! After lunch Hanny informed me that one of the grasshoppers had died and they were going to have a funeral and bury it. Half an hour later I wandered over to the edge of the woods to find the boys (along with a few girls who had joined them), just as they were finishing up the grave. They were so proud of it they could hardly wait to show me. Let me just say that no grasshopper in the history of the world has had such an elaborate grave or fine burial. First, they made a pillow of out some cloth they found on the ground and wrapped the grasshopper in two leaves. Then they buried the grasshopper and put sticks and flowers poking up out of the ground. Around the area they used sticks, moss, and other materials to build a giant heart shaped barrier, that looked somewhat like a bird nest. Needless to say I was quite impressed. R.I.P. Grasshopper.
Only ten short minutes after this burial I sat and watched Hannington perform his new solo on stage during sound check. He glowed and his sweet voice echoed across the tent and out into the woods. What a kid! Completely and 100% little boy and yet full of such amazing talent and joy. I love my job.

Familiar Faces

2009-07-31T21:04:00.000-07:00

Familiarity is rare on tour, so we we find it, it makes us very happy. Last night we had to chance to go back to Pathways Community Church in Appleton, Wisconsin where the children performed last October. Most of us got to stay with the same host families and it was a joy to see familiar faces and stay in familiar homes. Laura and I stood in the church and reminisced about the memories from that church and how much has changed over the last 10 months. We've both grown so much and been through so much together. Indeed, some very vivid and precious memories surfaced upon arriving back at Pathways. This was where the children sprayed water on both me and Lindsey to celebrate our birthdays (since they had only sung to me at 4am on my real birthday, right after we arrived here from Uganda).

We left Appleton this morning and traveled north to Fish Creek, a small vacation community, full of cute shops, and right on Lake Michigan (wierd since I have only ever seen Lake Michigan in Chicago). On the way in we passed a full size tractor made completely out of hay bales! I so wish I could show you a picture, but I didn't have time to get the camera out. Laura, Lindsey, and I took a nice walk downtown and bought some fudge and custard. What a nice treat to get away for an hour.

When we arrived at the venue today mo spoke up behind me and asked if we were at the wrong church. I told him the concert was not at a church, but a theatre. He asked "What is a theatre?" but then answered his own question by saying, "A place where musicians perform? But we are not musicians auntie." I said, "Yes, you are. Your voice is your musical instrument." To which he responded, "So that means we are musicians of God." Priceless. I love that kid.

The next few days we take a break from church concerts to perform in some theatres and music festivals. I enjoy switching things up and am looking forward to it.

Fast Cars, New Friends, and Lots of Driving...

2009-07-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

Funny story from today: we were driving through Chicago when Gilbert saw a black sports car whiz past us going probably 85 mph (and very loud). He responded "Auntie that is my friend!" The boys around me then noticed a police car turn it's lights on and speed off (he had inevitably noticed the zippy sports car too). I'm guessing that guy didn't get where he was going as fast as he wanted to...and he's not quite as rich either!

We are on our way from Ohio to nothern Wisconsin so this week involves a lot of driving. I don't mind though..I enjoy the rides. Mo sits behind me and looks over my shoulder asking questions the whole time and pointing out his favorite cars, Hanninton is always asking me to read him a book, and Gilbert draws me pictures. Driving is just a nice time to be with the kids without other people around. We can relax.

Tomorrow my new friend Stacy goes to Uganda to meet the children from the next choir coming out. She has only been with us two weeks (training), but we fell in love with her. She is a kindred spirit. Pray for her as she spends a few weeks learning the culture of the children and building a relationship with them. This time is crucial.

Some Days I Feel Like Gumby

2009-07-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

It's been a long week. As I have spent time cleaning up vomit, soothing fevered brows, and dealing with accidents and injuries this week, I have experienced a side of parenting that is not the pretty side...but I've realized I like it. God created me with a mother's nurturing spirit and when I get to use it, it feels good. There is almost nothing in this world that I would rather do than comfort a child. We are experiencing much change within our team this week and it's been somewhat difficult. Amidst all the hard moments and the stresses I am learning more and more how to trust God in his plan and to rest in the promise that he will never give us more than we can handle. A friend shared a verse with me this morning that really hit home: 1 Peter 1:6, 7. "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed."God is certainly stretching me and testing my faith. Some days I feel like Gumby (I wonder what I did with that shirt..wish I had it with me). At the end of the day I pray that my perspective will be right and that my priorities will stay in line. Thanks to those who read faithfully and pray for me. Your prayers are getting me through the hard days!

Love you all,
Angela

Lunch with an Ugly Catfish

2009-07-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

As much as I love my kids, at times I really need to take a break from them. Any parent can relate to this I'm sure. Last night we pulled ourselves away from the kids and went out as a staff to the Jazz kitchen here in Indianapolis. Thanks to Portia who recommended the place! It was a perfect night out. You might now appreciate a full description of what I ate for dinner, but after weeks of spaghetti, chicken nuggets, pizza, fried chicken, and other kid friendly foods, I crave good adult food :) the baked brie cheese with crackers and fruit, strawberry walnut salad, and creme brulee hit the spot! My ears were able to take a break from "He is my light" and "Teach me to dance," to listen to some awesome live jazz music as well-a real treat for all of us. Especially those on the team who are musicians and miss their instruments. The lovely night was followed by a lovely day off today. Laura and I enjoyed a picnic on a dock in my backyard, during which we were joined by two giant ugly catfish. Gross! We do have the most interesting experiences some days. Despite knowing the nasty critters were around, we dove into the lake and swam to the other side and back. I've craved a day like this all summer and it was WONDERFUL. I wish it would last a week. Lydia woke me this morning and first thing told me about how they fed the fish and she touched a catfish last night. I assume this evening's activities will include some of the same. Can't wait!

Hayrides, Tornadoes, and Fireflies

2009-07-17T08:53:00.000-07:00

Today we find ourselves in Portage, Indiana. The church has graciously allowed us to stay in farmhouse on the church property and we have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. After a rough week, I am feeling more rested and encouraged. Wednesday evening I was able to catch up in person with a former professor and friend from Moody and yesterday I had the joy of going out to breakfast with a family I nannied for in Chicago. What a blessing it is to see familar faces and catch up with old friends. Last night some wonderful members from the church took us all on a hayride around the farm....so fun! What farm stay would be complete without smores too? The children enjoyed roasting marshmallows (aka lighting them on fire and blowing them out), and smashing their charred sugary goodness between graham crackers and chocolate. We ended the night by singing several devotion songs around the campfire. I always so enjoy being able to break away from our usual schedule and do different things with the kids. The chance to swing on the tire swing, rest in the hammock, shoot baskets (from the picnic table) and enjoy the kids all together was a breath of fresh air. Two of our managers are visiting right now as well and it's good to have new people around :) After the kids went to bed last night we sat down as a team to play dutch blitz, only to be interupted by a tornado siren. The children were roused out of bed and we all headed to the basement for 15 minutes where we spent the entire time explaining tornadoes and other natural disasters to the children who had a million questions. Thankfully that was as exciting as things got and we were able to play a rousing game of dutch blitz and catch some fireflies in a jar before bed...

Standing on the Promises of God

2009-07-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

It's been a hard week. I am dealing with a lot and tonight after talking with a friend I realized that I have been trying to bear a big burden on my own instead of giving it to the Lord. I have turned my palms upside down and dropped it in God's lap. He's big..he can handle it. :) This friend also reminded me that I need to stand on God's promises. So I have spent this evening looking up many of God's promises. I've claimed them and prayed over them and tomorrow for devotions in the morning I plan to go over each promise with the children. I would like to share just some of those promises with you here. No matter what you are going through right now remember to stand on the promises of God and don't let the troubles of this world get you down!

Standing on God's Promises
God promises that he has already given us the victory-1 Corinthians 15:57-58
God promises that there is power in the blood- Isaiah 53:5
God promises to be with us wherever we go – Joshua 1:9
God promises that all our sins were forgiven at the cross – Psalm 103:2, 3, 12
God promises to guide and direct us – Proverbs 3:5-6
God promises to hear us and answer our prayers -Psalm 55:16-17
God promises to give us everything we need -Philippians 4:19
God promises to be our strength -Psalm 27:1
God promises to bring justice for the oppressed – Psalm 146: 7-9
God promises to give us boldness -Proverbs 3:26
God promises his peace will guard our hearts -Philippians 4:6-7
Jesus promises to make us new and set us free from sinful habits -2 Corinthians 5:17
God promises that when we seek Him we will find Him-Jeremiah 29:13
God promises that his word will endure forever -Isaiah 40:8
God promises to give us wisdom if we ask -James 1:5
God promises that whoever believes in him will not perish
Jesus promises that he is preparing a great place for us and he is coming back for us -John 14:3
God promises that if you humble yourself before him he will lift you up -James 4:10
God promises that if we ask anything according to his will he will give it to us -1 Jn. 5: 14-15
God promises that he will never tempt us beyond what we can bear -1 Corinthians 10:13
God promises that if we love our enemies our reward will be great -Luke 6:35
God promises that nobody can snatch us out of his hand and we can never lose our salvation
-John 10:28

Yodeling on the street???

2009-07-11T07:29:00.000-07:00

I really want to buy some Amish furniture. I realize this sounds random, but the thought has crossed my mind several times this week since we are in Berne, Indiana-Amish country. As I have walked down the quaint streets in town I have enjoyed watching families in their buggies on the way to buy groceries or play at the park. It's not every day you see horses and buggies tied up outside the cafe's and hardware stores in town. One day I walked down the street and heard an old Christian hymn being blasted through the speakers on the main street. The next day it was yodeling coming out of the speakers. I couldn't help but laugh. You know your not in Chicago anymore when...It's been a very pleasant stay and I'm sad to leave today, but I'm sure the next church is excited for our arrival and wouldn't be too happy if we didn't show up. This morning I am laying in bed sick as my boys headed to the lake to have some fun. I'm pretty bummed (I may have even shed some tears in my bed), as I was really looking forward to this morning. I know I needed a quiet morning to myself to rest though. Hopefully I can kick this darn virus quickly. May this weekend be fun and restful for everyone out there!

A Fun Fourth

2009-07-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July was a rainy firework-less day here in Indiana, but we ended up having the opportunity to take the kids on a backstage tour through the Indianapolis Children's Museum. I hear it's one of the best in the country after experiencing it myself I would have to agree. I was blown away by the technology and creativity, not to mention the great carousel. In the Star Wars special exhibit we actually got to see the real prop starfighter from the Clone Wars movie. Pretty cool! The children got to experience life in Egypt (including participating in an Egyptian baby blessing contest), as well as a jourassic park style dinosaur exhibit (with real dinosaur bones!).

Screams at Kentucky Kingdom

2009-07-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

I'm super tired after an eventful day but wanted to say a few things before signing off for the night. Today was a special treat for the kids. We took them to Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville for a day of thrills and screams. I was apprehensive about how brave they would be and who would last without throwing up their lunch. Thankfully nobody lost it and they were all brave enough to try the rollercoasters. It's a good thing I had to be the brave auntie and go with the girls or I probably would have opted out of the rollercoasters. After they tried it once they were hooked. My stomach hurt by the end from laughing at the girls. I'm not sure who screamed louder though, me or Peace. What a place to spend my first day back :)

Right now I am staying with Brittany (my roomate from Moody). What a blessing to see old friends and share our new lives! She and I trained together to be teachers and now we are both teaching and making new memories. I praise God every day for good friends.

A few days with the fam...

2009-06-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

The last two weeks found me crossing hundreds of miles from Tremont, IL to Chicago, to Atlanta to Salt Lake City, to Idaho, to Eastern Oregon, to Portland, to Medford, to San Francisco, to Vegas, to Memphis, to (hopefully) Louisville, KY (if this plane ever gets here). I have enjoyed a whirlwind vacation visiting many friends and family. In Tremont I was able to spent two quality days with Maria (a dear college friend), walking in the cornfields and enjoying small town life. In Chicago I wandered from favorite coffee shop to favorite restaurant to favorite hang out places with Rachel and Heather (more friends from college). What a nice treat to just walk around Chicago and enjoy it with friends without worrying about homework or getting back to school. In Boise, Idaho I got to see my great grandmother and grandpa who I haven't seen in several years. My family met me there and we embarked on a long roadtrip. After meeting all my dad's cousins and other random family members and seeing all the places my dad remembers from growing up in Meridian/Boise area we headed to the little town of McCall where I got to have breakfast with Ralene..another dear friend from school. There I had the biggest pancake and cinnamon roll I have ever seen in my life. I wanted to spend some of my vacation sitting on a dock by a lake and I got my wish in McCall (for about 40 min). It was nice while it lasted. We headed from McCall to Joseph, Oregon where we have dreamed of backpacking for years. None of us are really in shape to backpack right now but we went on a short hike to get a magnificent view of Wallowa Lake. There we stayed with friends and got to explore the small town where people still leave their doors unlocked and trust each other. From there we headed to Portland briefly and saw several friends.....you know who you are and it was SO GREAT to see you! On the way home we stopped and I got to see Josh (my big little brother) at Camp Tadmore where he is working for the summer. I can't believe they can get him to wake up at 6 every morning and clean toilets until lunch. Unbelievable! On to Medford for 3 days where I caught up with friends and family and enjoyed sharing stories and pictures with my church and all the people who have been so supportive. My wonderful sister woke up at 3:30 this morning to take me to the airport and I have been on three flights and am waiting for the fourth..to get me to Louisville, KY to meet up with my team who I miss so much! I better wrap this up before the internet times out....Ang

Help Stop the Sex Slave Trade

2009-06-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Perhaps you are aware of the horrendous business of the sex slave trade in countries such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Thousand of young girls are being forced into prostitution and sold for their bodies. I have long had a burden for these girs and lifted them up in prayer, but have not had a way to directly be involved. This week I was talking to my dear friend Maria and found out her friend's cousin is doing something about this. She has written beautiful songs and made a cd to help raise money to stop this sex trade. I have purchased this cd and am very moved. I would like to encourage you to check out the website (http://www.canyouhearus.org/), read the stories behind the songs, buy the cd, and most importantly spread the word to your friends, families, and co-workers. This is something we can do to help. 100% of the proceeds from sales of the cd go to organizations like Shared Hope International and International Justice Mission. Please spread the word...we can do something to stop this.

A brief update from Tennessee...

2009-06-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

The internet has been sparce lately. My apologies for the lack of posts. So much has happened that I would love to share too! The past few weeks have been a blast. I have fallen even more in love with Tennessee than I was before. We spent three days in Franklin right around the corner from New Hope Academy, where I taught last year. I so enjoyed being able to show the kids were I taught and walking around downtown made me so happy.

We recently took the kids to the Memphis Zoo, which they LOVED...and so did I :) I've been to a lot of zoos in my life, but I really really enjoyed this one. My favorite quote was when Gilbert asked the lady that was working in the reptile are how they feed the giant python. She replied, "We just open the door and throw in the pig." PIG?!! I wish you could have seen Gilbert's face. I was pretty shocked too.

This week my friend Mark, who is teaching up in Canada, did a fundraiser with his class. After hearing about the African Children's Choir all year, one of his 4th graders decided to put together a fundraiser. The kids did a drive in movie and sold snacks at the school. The whole class called me during the fundraiser to say hello and they passed the phone around and talked to 5 of my girls. I haven't heard the final number, but when they called they had raised almost $500 and the principal had said he would match what they raised. All the money is going toward helping to build a school for my kids to go to when they go back home to Uganda. I am so excited to see how far reaching the impact of these kids and this program is. It truly blesses my heart to know that a group of kids in rural Canada loves my kids and is raising money so they can go to school.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support that allow this ministry to go on and change lives, one child at a time. We wouldn't be here without you!

A day in the Life

2009-06-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

I made a few notes in my journal the other day about my daily activities and I find them quite humerous actually. I thought I would share with you what a somewhat "typical" Saturday looks for me:

8:30am: wake up, get the boys up, work out on the eliptical machine in my host's basement while the boys get ready

9:00 -breakfast, shower, play with the boys

11:00-arrive at church and leave for next destination

11:15- riding on the bus listening to Gilbert sing 'Walkin on Sunshine' on one ear, while Jackson sings 'Old MacDonald' in the other ear. Lydia is writing a letter and asking me how to spell things like pot roast and violet. Hanny is sitting next to me asing how to spell his siblings names. How should I know?! Mo has his face plaster to the window, looking over my left shoulder for FedEx trucks.

11:30-nap on the bus

12:30-Starbucks pit stop for aunties and uncles (where we get our happy juice as the kids say)

12:45-Listen to TobyMac and send up a prayer thanking God for where I'm at and the amazing life He has given me.

1pm-Bathroom stop for the kids (and me!). 10 minutes of sunshine while the kids do flips in the grass and throw paper airplanes.

1:45pm-The children spontaneously break into song-singing Worthy is the Lamb.

2:15-Arrive at church in Nolansville, TN-children play outside, chaperones set up concert, church people volunteer to wash the bus-whistling while they work!

5:30pm-bird poops on my head-luckily I was wearing Patrick's ballcap!

5:45-Pizza with host families

6:30-Dippin Dots and dance party :)

7:30-showers at host home

8:00pm-sing Bless Yaweh and How Great Thou Art and pray with girls before bed.

8:15-chat with hosts

9:00-Watch Slumdog Millionaire

11:30-Bed. zzzz.......

Of course every day is different, but this was a good day :)

Back in Franklin!

2009-05-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

Some days I just marvel at God's goodness and the way he works things out. Today I couldn't help but thank him over and over again for the most marvelous day imaginable. For months I have been looking forward to coming back to Franklin, Tennessee. A year ago when I finished my student teaching here I left New Hope Academy with tears in my eyes hoping and praying that God would bring me back. Now here I am! Many of my students, parents, and teachers from the school came to our concert last night and it was such a blessing to share my children with them and show them what I have been doing. Today, God blessed me with a car to drive and I was able to meet up with many former students, teachers, and parents from New Hope. Thanks to those who came out to see me!!! I so enjoyed catching up with everyone, sharing stories, and laughing together. I'll always feel at home here.

After a great afternoon with friends I was able to take Laura and Patrick to see The Grand ol' Opry and the Opryland Hotel. We had a blast and I so enjoyed sharing with my new dear friends this place that became so special to me last year.

A sweet story from tonight: My friend Mark has been teaching up in northern Canada this year. He has shared with his 4th and 5th graders all about the African Children's Choir and they have made a project this year to learn all about Africa and how they can help. Denna, one of the girls from the class, has written up a proposal and the class is now having a drive-in movie fundraiser next month to earn money to help with the building of the new African Children's Choir Primary School. I just got off the phone with Denna...she called all the way from a remote area in Canada to ask me all kinds of questions about my kids and what I am doing with the choir. This little 9 year old is so curious and is learning so much about helping people she doesn't even know. I am so excited to see kids all over the world being touched by the choir and recognizing how they can help children in other parts of the world who are less fortunate. God is at work! This is a public school and most of the students don't even know Jesus. It's amazing to see how God works! Thank you for being a part of this ministry. It is more far reaching than you can ever know.

Because it is 11:28pm and I haven't blogged in awhile...

2009-05-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

11:28 pm...I could go to bed...or I could blog. Hmmm. Well I'm not tired so let me just give you a glimpse at the last few days :) Firstly, I must just say that I am SOOOOOOO excited to be back in Tennessee!!! A year ago I was living near Nashville, teaching at New Hope Academy and loving my life. Then I applied for the African Children's Choir and life took an exciting turn. After all the places I have traveled and all the people I have met along the way I still love it here in Tennessee and I miss the poeple here. Every church we have been to here has been wonderful. The landscape is beautiful and I just feel happy to be here. In two days we head to Brentwood where I get to see so many familiar faces and I can hardly wait! Who knows what God has in store for my future...but I kinda hope he brings me back here.

Tonight I had an apartment to myself with three of my girls and we had a BLAST. After eating dinner and going for a pleasant walk we did a little role playing. The girls colored pictures for me..the first was a bouquet of flowers which I am supposed to use for my wedding, then some shoes...a dress..and finally a picture of my prince charming. After all the wedding talk we decided to put on a wedding of our own. I pulled up some wedding march music on my computer, got out my shawl and we took turns playing the bride, prince, and pastor. Of course I got it all on video and it's hilarious. I hope you get to see it someday :) What wedding would be complete without a little beat boxing at the end? Ours that is...Rachel, our host is an R&B singer and she taught the girls how to beat box last night so they have been practicing. I laid aside any shyness tonight and broke out into my best (and first) attempt at beat boxing ever. The girls thought it was absolutly hilarious. Of course we got video of that too. There is no denying it now. I tucked them in and we spent some time in prayer. Now I sit listening to the thunder and rain outside, counting my blessings and thanking the Lord for a great day. I love going to bed feeling happy, content, and blessed. Signing off for now....Angela

Mo's FedEx Moment

2009-05-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

I believe I have mentioned before about Mo's obsession with FedEx. I don't remember when or how it started. All I know is that he can spot them from a mile away and always yells "FedEx!" when he sees one. He has been keeping count of how many he sees for a long time. For a long time I have wanted to find a chance to get a picture of Mo with a FedEx truck. Today...by a miracle orchesrated by God's hand the most incredible thing happened. We decided to stop at CVS pharmacy on the way home so I could pick up a few things. For some reason we went to the one by the house and not the one by the church. Mo came in with me to hold the basket while I shopped. As I was checking out I didn't notice a FedEx man walk in behind me to deliver a package. As I'm wrapping up my transaction I turn around to see Mo chatting it up with the FedEx guy. He turns to look at me and asks if he can show Mo his truck. Seriously! I was shocked. Faster than I can say yes, Mo has hopped up in the back of the truck and the man is showing him all the packages and explaining his job and how he delivers the packages. The man could have had no idea he was making a dream come true as he posed for some pictures with Mo. I tried to explain to him how much Mo loves FedEx and that he's from Africa. He was was so wonderfully kind. Mo has been on cloud nine all night. He's walked around non-stop saying, "this is such a blessing to me. This is the best day of my life!" Never in my life did I expect that seeing the inside of a FedEx truck would make my day, but you better believe I was just as excited as Mo because I know how much it meant to him. Wow...sometimes you have to stop and enjoy the small things in life.

Transition

2009-05-14T10:12:00.000-07:00

After several days without email access, I am enjoying a leisurly day off at Panera Bread, catching up on emails and such. I have to say Panera has become one of my favorite hang out places. Cinnamon crisp bagels, hazelnut coffee, chicken frontega sandwiches, free wi-fi? What more could a girl ask for? :) I will happily eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner here any day!

Transition is probably the word that would describe these past few weeks most accurately. Steve left for vacation, Lindsey came back, Andrew went home for good, Lindsey became tour leader, I took over concert speeches again, and tomorrow we go from Georgia to Tennessee! I can't wait to get back. I only spent three months there, but in some way it feels a bit like going "home." It's a familiar place full of people I love and miss. Not only are all the adults going through many changes, but the kids, in addition to experiencing changes with their aunties and uncles, are growing up and going through many changes of their own. The boys are beginning to talk about growing beards and a few are very concerned by the fact that they are growing hair on their legs and toes! Even after explaining how normal that is they insist on plucking it and asking the aunties if they can shave it. Haha. 22 pre-adolescents on the road makes for some pretty interesting conversation sometimes. I'm sure there is much more to come!

Thank you so much for your prayers as we continue to serve the Lord and these children through many transitions. The team is doing well. Lindsey makes a great tour leader and we look forward to what God will do in the near future in and through us. Please continue to pray for wisdom, health, safety, energy, and God's provision for my financial needs. In faith we live and move and breathe!

My favorite magic show

2009-05-06T17:06:00.000-07:00

Iv'e never been THAT impressed with magic shows that I have seen over the years. Maybe I sat in awe as a kid at the "amazing" tricks that were performed before my eyes, but I certainly have no recollection of it. It's true that sometimes it doesn't matter you are doing, but rather who you are with. This past week a wonderful host from a church here in Georgia invited a Christian magician to come in and do a show for the kids one evening. I had to smile when he showed up with his magaicians garb, his big beard, and a parrot on his shoulders. I was actually pretty impressed with the guy...and of the course the kids were in awe. Some of them weren't too sure what to think. When he threatened to turn Uncle Steve into a frog Lillian burst into tears and had to leave the room. I eventually coaxed her back and I think she enjoyed the rest of the show. I was glad he began the show by explaining that he is a Christian and what he does is not actually magic, but just tricks. He produced a chinchilla from a box, and a rabbit from a hat. He brought a parrot out of a pan and turned our beloved Uncle Steve...not in to a frog..but into a super hero..of sorts...Chicken Nugget Man to be exact! The kids LOVE chicken nuggets, so of course they burst out laughing. I have to say it was my favorite magic show ever....

CHANGE

2009-05-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have thrived on change for as long as I can remember. One more reason why I viewed this position with the African Children's Choir as a perfect fit. CHANGE and FLEXIBILITY has certainly been key words for me these past 9 months. I still enjoy the change of scenery and all the things that make life interesting, but I do now recognize and value the importance of staying put sometimes and resting. It's amazing how much can change in one month, one week, one day, one hour, and one moment. I'm constantly reminded that God holds us in the palm of His hand and the blink of His eye things can change. I'm reminded of the verse that tells us that we can't know what is going to happen tomorrow so we musn't assume we will. God brings people to a place for a season of their lives and then he moves them on. Sometimes I'm grateful for this and sometimes it is so hard to say goodbye. Friday we are saying goodbye to Andrew, our tour leader (and friend) of the last 9 months. He has been a great spiritual leader, challenger, and friend on our team. God blessed us with his leadership and we appreciate Him so much. It's sad to say goodbye, but we know that God has called him elsewhere at this point. With Andrew gone Lindsey will be filling in as tour leader and I will be taking over speeches in the concert and media spots again (for at least awhile). Pray for our management team as they seek the Lord's guidance in making a decision about a new leader for our choir. Pray also for the kids and the team as we adapt to the upcoming changes. There are a lot of role changes and we need each others support.

Pictures From Tuesday's Adventure

2009-04-30T10:34:00.001-07:00

Letter From Home

2009-04-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

Remember the song "Letter From Home?" John Michael Montgomery came out with it awhile back and it was hit. The lyrics describe the feelings of a soldier upon receiving letters from his family back home. This week I was reminded of that song when I got a box full of letters from my kids' families and friends back in Uganda. Being able to hand deliver those letters to each of the kids was unbelievably exciting. The joy and excitement on the bus that day was contagious. I traveled from seat to seat in the bus, reading the each child's letter and looking at pictures of their families. They were so excited to show me pictures of sisters, brothers, aunts, grandparents, and even neighbors. For me, the most emotional moments came, however, in reading the letters. Almost every letter said thank you to the head teacher. I was reminded what an enormous responsiblity was placed on me and how grateful these parents are that we are giving their children an education that they never could. It brought tears to my eyes. In those moments when I'm tired, I don't know what to do, or I'm frustrated with school, those letters keep me going.

After a long week, God blessed me with the perfect day off today. Our host church here in Acworth, Georgia is right on a lake. Laura, Steve and I were able to take out a canoe and a kayak and spend the whole day paddling around the lake and swimming. What a terrific blessing....God always knows exactly what I need.

Just when you were wondering...

2009-04-20T18:41:00.001-07:00

Just when you were wondering if I had dropped off the map...(for those of you who follow this on a regular basis)...here I am! I have not really been neglecting writing. Internet access has unfortunatly been very limited the last few weeks. April 4-16th we took a rest from our tour and headed to our base house in North Carolina. What a treat it was to have acres of land, a big house all to ourselves, and a lake nearby. The kids enjoyed playing soccer for hours, painting pictures, skipping rope, reading, and relaxing. Easter was great! Kings Park International Church put on a giant easter egg hunt for the kids and they loved it. Of course we also spent the whole week talking about the events leading up to Jesus' death and resurrection. I've never seen people (especially children) who feel so deeply the meaning of Easter. It's not about the easter bunny people!

On the afternoon of Easter I got one of the biggest scares of my "parenting" career. While I was single handedly watching five of the kids at the lake...Mo managed to get a small stick lodged in his eye. When I saw all the blood and the stick poking out I was pretty scared. Praise God for the woman who was at the lake with a suburban and took us back to the house. After an evening of prayer and uncertainty, Mo returned from the hospital with good news. The stick didn't wound his eyeball and he is okay! What a relief. God was watching out for us once again.

We are now back on the road in Georgia. It's been a bit difficult getting back into the swing of things but we are getting there. Two small but encouraging Wal-mart stories for you: Yesterday I went into Walmart on the way to our evening concert to get some change. The lady at the customer service counter said she was not allowed to "sell change." However, she called her manager over. The manager proceeded to tell me that they are not allowed to make change....but she said she would do it for me anyway. She mentioned she had heard we had a great concert that morning and many people were blessed. I walked out with $150 in five dollar bills! Amazing. A few moments later I was waiting for Andrew when a woman tapped me on the shoulder. She said she had followed our bus into the parking lot and searched all over Wal-Mart looking for us. She explained that God had laid it on her heart to give us something and she handed me a $100 bill! She gave me a huge hug and said thank you for the work you are doing. Wow! It had been a really long hard day already and I was on the verge of tears. It took everything in me not to burst out crying in the middle of Wal-Mart. So there ya go...God even works through the people at Wal-Mart (just when you thought there was nobody nice or helpful there).

Would you please keep our team in your prayers this week. It's been an emotionally rough week and people are dealing with some personal stuff that I am not yet at liberty to share. I covet your prayers for peace, comfort, and God's guidance for our team though. Thank you for your faithful support. I wish I could post some pictures, but I'm writing from someone elses computer. Next time :)

From Mississippi to Alabama

2009-03-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

We crossed the border into Alabama today and we couldn't resist playing (yes, you guessed it), Sweet Home Alabama (the song) as we entered the state. We will be here one short week before heading to North Carolina for a bit of a spring break :). After spending a few weeks in Mississippi, these are my conclusions. It is a BEAUTIFUL state, especially in the springtime. Lots of trees and flowers. I might consider living here if it weren't for the unbearable hot/humid summers. It's hardly spring yet and the poeple here are already talking about the summer. The people are very nice and laid back. Most people joke about those who live in the backwoods and have no running water (though I never met anyone like that). I did have trouble getting wireless internet and cell signal in a lot of place though. O well, forces me to read more. I read the Shack in three days and am currently finishing up Eat, Pray, Love (both of which I really enjoyed). Each one has been a "make you think" book. I realize both could be considered controversial, but I enjoy processing them. I truly wish I could have read the Shack within a book club or something so I could discuss it with people. If you've read it and have comments or would like to discuss it, let me know....

The Beauty of Christ in Children

2009-03-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

This morning my three girls woke up early in the trailer we were sleeping in here in rural Mississippi. As I awoke to the sound of birds chirping I also heard their whispers. Since it was not time to get up yet I told them they could read their Bibles while I went to shower. I returned to find them reading quietly in bed and as I entered they all clamored to tell me how many verses they had memorized. How many people can say they get that response when they wake up their kids in the morning?! The first words out of little Racheal's mouth this morning were "I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the Lord most high." Rose then quoted John 3:16 and Esther could hardly wait to tell me Proverbs 3:3 (Let love and faithfulness never leave you. Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.). Music to my ears this morning and it put a song of joy in my heart as we ate breakfast, took some pictures on the dock by the lake, and sang prasies to the Lord at the top of our lungs all the way to church. Just when I am tempted to forget how special these children are or how privileged I am to be their auntie, God gives me mornings like this morning.

This afternoon the children have spent several hours rehearsing some new easter songs. I am grateful for a quiet afternoon to be outside with the Lord. After listening to a sermon by Major Ian Thomas I spent some time contemplating what it really means to empty myself and become a vessel to be used by the Lord. I know that God uses those who are available and often those who feel like failures, who are least qualified. David...Abraham...Jonah...Paul...and the list goes on. I've made decisions to empty myself and be a vessel. I want to be available to the Lord and I know it is a process, but I am just really trying to figure out on a daily basis what that means and how I can allow the Lord to change me, empty me, use me. It can be such a struggle to put off ourselves and be filled with the Spirit. Even 10 minutes after I was thinking these things and making promises to the Lord, I found myself being impatient with the children. O Lord please help me to be your servant to the world!

Musings about Mississippi

2009-03-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

Mississippi is another state I never knew much about...until now. It's beautiful here. The tall trees remind me of home in a way and the people are great. Most have grown up here and never really left. "A great place to raise a family" as so many people have told me. Except of course for the excruciating heat and humidity in the summer. We've jokingly been invited to come back then....no thank you. I'm good to be in Michigan in August :) I don't know about the rest of you, but I think it is safe to say that many people do not realize that parts of Mississippi were hit harder by Hurricane Katrina than New Orleans was. Whole towns were completely wiped out. I've been inspired by the many stories I have heard of people re-building their lives with God's help. One family I stayed with had the most amazing stories to tell. I was close to tears the whole night and yet excited to hear about how God has worked. I was so inspired I wrote down three pages of notes and took some pictures of the families home. I hope someday to write a book about it. It's worth writing.

On a random note, I have a somewhat funny story to share with you. Yesterday as Laura and I were about to leave for a nice afternoon of shopping...I decided I needed to take a picture on a tire swing hanging so peacefully in a wooded yard. With Laura poised to take the photo I smiled and jumped on. Before I knew what had happened I was sprawled on the ground in a giant mud puddle, with a huge tree branch on my head and a very bad headache. It was quite shocking. Needless to say I spent over an hour on the couch with a bag of ice on my head, hoping and praying I did not have a concussion. I had visions of the last time I had a concussion in New Zealand and ended up puking all over someone's bathroom (so sorry Ayers, if you are reading this). Thankfully I didn't get sick and other than a long lasting headache and sore couple of lumps on my head I am okay. Praise God. Thank you for your continued prayers and HAPPY SPRING!!

Mardi Gras Headquarters

2009-03-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

I never really knew anything about Louisiana except for New Orleans, which I associated with Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina. During our short stay here I've gleaned a better understanding of this state and the people who call it home. As far as Mardi Gras is concerned I haven't met anyone who could explain it to me as more than a giant party the day before lent in which people take part in all kinds of behaviors they plan to give up until Easter. Ridiculous if you ask me. I did enjoy a wonderful day exploring the French Quarter area of New Orleans though. I loved the quaint streets, shops, restaurants, and of course all the live music! We ate lunch at an outdoor cafe where we were serenaded by a guy with long dread locks who sounded just like Louis Armstrong. What more could you ask for? I also enjoyed a tasty lunch of fried alligator! I've been to a lot of big cities and I must say New Orleans certainly is distinct and has a lot of interesting people, including old men with purple hair on the street who wanted to read my palm, witchcraft specialists in the doorways, and crazily dressed men in wierd glasses wandering the streets. I was just glad I wasn't alone. We took a nice ferry ride across the mighty Mississippi River and made it back to the church safely. It was a great adventure.

Whatever would make people want to live in a state that is constantly battered by hurricanes beats me, but I've met a lot of people who keep re-building and are determined to stay. Over cups of tea and chocolate cake I have had several interesting conversations with people about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the corruption of politicians in Louisiana, and the ongoing struggles. I've learned that no matter where a person lives, home is home to them and they love it. I guess since I have such a nomadic lifestyle and love for traveling, home has been many places for me, but I've gained a greater appreciation for having a home town and family nearby, since I have been on tour. I've been a "part" of many families and observed and learned a lot about people-how they live, how they treat one another, and how they view God and the world. I'll forever be grateful for this experience that has taught me so much about life.

Milepost

2009-03-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

Today is concert 100...........Wow! Time flies when your having fun. Yesterday I pointed out to Jackson that it was the last day of February. He replied, "Auntie, I don't know why but the months go faster here. In Uganda the moon moves slow slow, but in America the moon moves fast fast." I explained that the moon is the same anywhere you go in the world, but I can't deny that time seems to go faster in America. In the midst of a fast paced life...I still try to make time to slow down and smell the roses (I actually did literally bend down and smell a rose yesterday :). Take time to stop and smell the roses wherever you are today......

An Afternoon at NASA

2009-02-25T17:49:00.000-08:00

Monday we took the kids to NASA's Johnson's Space Center in Houston. Even though they don't have a lot of background in science or aeronautics they had fun. We got to explore what the inside of a space shuttle looks like, including how the astronauts sleep, shower, and eat while they are in space. I tried to explain to the kids how astronauts eat freeze dried food, but they didn't really understand. I ended up buying them freeze dried ice cream. They liked it, but didn't believe that it was ice cream. It didn't look like ice cream or really taste like ice cream, so how could it be ice cream? Explaining the lack of gravity in space also proved to be a challenge and some of the kids were a little freaked out by the realistic looking people that were somersaulting around inside the space shuttle. One of the highlights was experiencing what it would feel like when a shuttle takes off, complete with smoke pouring into the room. I think 3 kids jumped into my arms! As a teacher, the whole afternoon was fascinating to me. I enjoyed learning about the history of NASA and space travel and their plans for the future. I even got to stand inches away from the actual command module from Apollo 17 that went to the moon! So cool!

We wrapped up 3 months of Texas travels today and headed to Louisiana. It's wierd to not be in Texas anymore and see the flag everywhere :) I am looking forward to visiting many new states though in the coming months. Soon after crossing the border we stopped at a rest area by a lake. I was a little disturbed that one of the first things I saw in Louisiana was a "no swimming" sign with an alligator on it! Welcome to Louisiana...yikes!

Small, Unforgettable Moments

2009-02-21T21:00:00.001-08:00

This morning I poked my head into the bedroom to find Nelson, Jackson, and Geofrey silently laying in bed reading their Bibles...When I asked if they had read the whole Bible yet this morning they just smiled and said, no..but a lot of chapters. They shared with my what chapters they had been reading in Genesis, Matthew, and Revelation. When I asked Jackson if he understood everything he read he said, "no, but I keep reading the other words around it and then I figure it out!" We prayed together to start our day and I went back to my room smiling and quite humbled. I rolled out of bed this morning and hopped in the shower, but my little boys woke up early and spent time in God's word. Wow. In the midst of my exhaustion this morning was a good reminder to me that it's more important than ever to be immersing myself in God's powerful and active word. Even though the tiredness never seems to really go away and life can be an emotional rollercoaster, I find joy in the little moments with the kids and it keeps me going :). Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I can't do it without you...

An Enjoyable Night of Reflection

2009-02-12T21:08:00.000-08:00

Tonight I enjoyed a night out with friends Loren and Chris (who I went to Moody with), here in Houston. I realize what a parent I have become when I say goodbye to my kids and give them all kinds of instructions about how to behave. A night out without the kids is a very rare and wonderful treat for me right now. As I stood in a room full of 300 single people at Second Baptist Church, I could hardly remember the last time I was in a room full of people around my age. To be perfectly honest, I don't miss it. I'd almost rather be around kids and poeple who are in different stages of life. Joining in corporate worship was wonderful and refreshing this evening, but as I was sitting there it gave me an opportunity to sit back and think about what I've been doing and what I've learned in these last few months. After basically living in "church" I've discovered a lot that I haven't actually thought about. I prefer small churches to big ones (though I think there is a place for big churches). I don't feel comfortable in fancy, entertainment oriented churches. I can't stand the segregation and stereotyping that goes on at churches. The expectations at church and church politics drive me crazy. I love serving God in ministry full time, but I don't think I could work full time at a church. I am extremely passionate about reaching the kids and youth and young adults of today, and showing them that the world is a whole lot bigger than they think and it's time to take the head out of the sand and be discontent with mediocrity. So there ya go....thanks for reading the thoughts that are rolling around in my head tonight :). It's been an enjoyable day off..I actually wore a sundress and sat in a rocking chair on the porch most of the day! Tomorrow, it's back to work.

On The Front Lines

2009-02-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

Ephesians 6:10-18:

"10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. "

Satan could care less about those Christians who are not living for Christ...it is those who are a threat to him that he worries about. This brings some comfort to me that we are about the Lord's work and we are threatening Satan. He hates what we are doing. I know there is a spiritual battle taking place all around me each day...Satan's demons and God's angels are locked in combat. I'm glad to know that God has already won the ultimate victory and he is our commander and king. Right now I am more keenly aware of that spiritual battle that rages around me. Satan is attacking our team and the spiritual warfare is evident to us all. He would like nothing better than to rip us apart, defeat us, and send us home with our tails between our legs. But we are not about to let that happen. This morning we spent a great deal of time in prayer and in the scriptures together. I am encouraged. Please join with me in prayer for this battle we are in. Pray that God would sustain us, unite us, and not allow us to become discouraged or defeated. I desperately seek your support in this way right now and appreciate your prayers. Let us not forget our place as soldiers in this world....we are fighting the good fight on the front lines with Christ as our commander and chief.

I know these pictures don't really go with my thoughts, but I wanted to share them with you. They are from our delightful stay in Corpus Christi, TX last week (We are in Houston now). Praise God for churches on the beach. That's all I have to say!

Cherish Each Moment

2009-01-28T13:42:00.001-08:00

I read a verse recently that was a good reminder to me...please allow me to share it with you. It comes from the Message paraphrase of the Bible (I was not a fan of this when it first came out, but have recently found it very refreshing and helpful for understanding God's Word in an applicable way). According to the message, Proverbs 27:23 says, "Know your sheep by name; carefully attend to your flocks; (don't take them for granted; possesions don't last forever, you know.)" This verse struck me and was a good reminder that I cannot take for granted this short time I have with my children. They are my flock that God has put in my charge to love and nurture. Even though I am with them pretty close to 24/7, I must make sure that I am taking advantage of every moment to the fullest. In the blink of an eye I will be sending them back to Africa and they won't be in my posession anymore. These are days to cherish. May this also be a reminder to anybody who happens to be reading this today....please cherish your children...your spouse...your parents...your friends...you never know how long they will be with you or how long God will allow you to be a part of their lives. Take care to use every moment wisely and to live every moment to the fullest. We are a gift from God to each other.

A bump in the road...

2009-01-23T11:16:00.000-08:00

It's been quite a week...but I have much to be thankful for. Over the past week or so I have experienced so many people who have shown me what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Though my family is several states away I have realized that the body of Christ is truly my family and what a great family they have been to me. I found out earlier this week that I had a cyst at the base of my spine. It was quite painful for a few days..I could barely sit or lay down or walk. A wonderful doctor at a church in Austin looked at me and was able to get me in to see a surgeon friend of his. It all happened rather fast, but I was able to have a quick surgery on Tuesday to drain the cyst. It's difficult to be sick on the road, but thanks to a wonderful family here in Austin, I was able to stay put and rest for a few days. It's been a good recovery and I am feeling much better physically and mentally. Today I go back for a follow up and hopefully he will send me off with good news. I plan to meet back up with my kids tonight and continue on with this adventure. It's been a challenge but I am so grateful for the people who have taken care of me. I feel so well looked after. Thanks to those of you who were praying for me. I covet your continued prayers for quick recovery and no complications. Our God is good!

Kids just want to have fun

2009-01-13T22:08:00.000-08:00

I have noticed something in all my travels...anywhere you go in the world..kids are kids...are kids...are kids. That's all there is to it. underneath the language, the skin color, the hair, the costumes, the manners, all kids are created the same (by our wonderfully creative Creator!). My kids may sing great, have really good manners, and be super cute and talented, but they are still kids. It was great to see this come out yesterday when my host brought out the bouncy houses from the company he owns. The church parking lot turned into a type of carnival and the kids romped around for over an hour. It was fun to watch, though the motherly instinct in me kept worrying that somebody was gonna crack their head or break somebody else! In the end I don't think any kids got hurt....only chaperones (a few bumps and bruises). I tried to go through the obstacle course once and I was so dizzy I thought I would faint. No more bouncy houses for me. I did however, manage to score a four minute Harley ride tonight...even got to wear leather. yep. It's a good day :)

One Amazing Year of CHANGE

2009-01-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

This morning as I was running lights for our concert it hit me that a year ago this week was the first time I saw the African Children's Choir in concert for the first time. I can still remember the excitement building within me as I watched the kids and realized that was where I needed to be. As I followed the Holy Spirit's leading, God clearly layed out the steps that led me to where I am. It is truly incredible to think about how much life can change in one year. As I look back over the year I am amazed at all the places I've been and the friends I have made. From Oregon, to Chicago, to Nashville, to Washington D.C , To central Illinois, back to Chicago, to Oregon, to North Carolina, to Vegas, back to North Carolina, to New York, to London, to Uganda, back to Chicago, and then all over Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, Massachussets, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and finally Texas. It's been a blessed year full of adventure, faith building, emotional goodbye's, new friendships, and CHANGE. Even though I seem to thrive on change and I love life I was reminded this week how little control I have over what happens in life. Even on the road it's easy to get into a routine and you think you know what's going to happen, but with God things are always changing. He reminded me this week that I can't be too sure of what the future holds. So I continue to take it one day at a time and do what I know He wants me to do.

I'd like to share a story with you that happened this morning...I think it will make you smile. A wonderful couple from the church we are at in Waxahachie, TX owns a limo company (I think we are riding in a hummer limo tonight!)....so the pastor was driving Nelson, Geofrey, Gilbert, and Uncle Frank in a stretch white limo to church this morning. On the way, Uncle Frank mentioned that even though we have been in Texas for a while now he still has not seen a real cowboy. Well......at that moment they happened to be passing a cowboy church (they have become pretty popular around the States). So, the pastor looked over and happened to see 6 cowboys.....on their horses...sitting in front of the church. He pulled that limo right up to the cowboys, stepped out and explained that he had three African Children in his limo who had never seen a cowboy. Those boys tumbled out of the limo and in the blink of an eye they were sittin on those horses next to some real Texas cowboys. When they arrived at church, I got to hear all about how they had gone horseback riding on the way to church. Wow! These children really do get to experience it all. :)

School Happens Everywhere on the Road

2009-01-03T19:42:00.000-08:00

We may only have 6-10 hours of school in the "classroom" each week, but I must say that school happens all the time and I'm quite enjoying the impromptu lessons I get to give each day. Last night I stayed on a cotton farm in Wellington, Texas....perfect! This morning I took the girls out into the field and showed them how cotton grows. We took some to the church and I showed the kids how the clothes that they wear are made out of the very kind of cotton I was holding between my fingers. They were baffled and asked lots of questions (then we pretended the bowls of cotton were ice cream cones!). I love it! During our adventures I have learned so much about life and people. Everyone has something to teach me-I am convinced...from the race car driver, to the pastor, to the cotton farmer, to the foster parents. Each person has a unique story. God bless them.