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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Second week home....

We have been back in the states now for 7 days. It pretty much has been a whirl wind. We landed on Tuesday afternoon. Stopped by an mexican restaurant. (didn't taste like i had remembered) Made it back to my sister-in-laws place for a little rest and visit family. Wednesday we recouped a little but we went to my younger brothers place for supper. Thursday we rested some but made a run into town to look and shop a little. ( I couldn't stay in Wal-mart long. I think my mind was having a problem processing all the English being spoke. Normally I can block out sounds when I'm walking and talking with whom ever I'm with. But I guess my ears weren't accustomed to hearing it so it wanted to focus on it. It gave me a pretty bad head ache. That was a little weird.) Friday and Saturday Teresa was out with my brother's wife and her sister. Sunday we went to church and early Monday morning we off on a plane to the International Learning Center. That is where we are at now. We are going thru some new training and a type of debriefing. We will finish up here on Sunday and 5 am on Monday we are on our way back to the airport and return to Athens.
The kids are enjoying their time. The ILC had many treats and debriefing for them as well. Making new friends and even reengaging some old ones. As well as meeting friends in 3d instead of 2d chat. They are doing a lot more but I'm not sure what. They keep them pretty busy which is a task working with TCK's. (third culture kids) If you want to know more about those type of kids send me note or email and I will go into more detail. It is quiet interesting to see TCKs interact.
Thanks again for all your prayers. In upcoming post I will be sharing what we are planning for our next term on the field.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

International World Changers Uruguay 2008















I have been wanting to post about one of the most exciting things we have done here in Uruguay. June 14-21 we were involved in ministering with the International World Changers. Paul Sheaffer has posted with the details so jump over and give a look see. Paul and Pam Sheaffer did an awesome job working with the staff of IWC and orchestrating all the events. Also all the stats of what was done is stated on the IWC Uruguay Blog.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Looking Back....

Wow how four years has flown by.
First...Thank you for all your prayers, emails, and care packages. Family, Church Family and friends have been so gracious with all that you have done for us over the last 4 years.
Second...I apologize for not doing better communicating what has been going on the ministry. I wanted to share more but always fell back into the loop of sharing what was going on in our family.
Costa Rica was fun enjoyable and a blessing. Costa Rica was hard difficult and well ryhms with carcel. Maybe it wasn't that bad, maybe so...there was times I wasn't sure which way was up. But it is all in the process of preparing for the field. Language is tough. It will always be tough, and I have accepted that. I have embraced it and now I'm enjoying it. Ministry is tough, I have accepted it, embraced it and now I'm enjoying it. My marriage is tough, It will always be tough, I have accepted it,embraced it and have been enjoying it for almost 21 years. Do you see the pattern. It's part of the process. That is the way God has designed it. I love it.
We are on to our next chapter in our lives. Monday we will be heading home for our first stateside assignment. We are all excited about seeing family and friends. Recharging our batteries. Getting some spiritual rest. Worshiping with our church family. It will be emotional to say the least but we are ready.
I'm a little nervous about going home.
My dad died about 2 years ago. We were blessed with being able to go home and be with family. But there is a lot of mourning process that we haven't went through. Like passing by the places we always saw him out doing stuff. Seeing him when we walk into the house. Drinking coffee with him in the morning. Or talking about work, laying brick or what is his next project. Dad and I had a neat connection in that he taught me how to lay brick. Something I will always cherish. He was a talented brick layer. It was done right or it wasn't done.
Also during our time while in Costa Rica my stepfather died. He was instrumental in our lives that he was one of the first to encourage us to follow our God calling to the ministry and missions.
It has been a while, I'm praying that I can hold it together for my children's sake.
I have been thinking on how I could recap these past 4 years. I can't think of anything more than to say it has been like my walk with the Lord. It has been one fun, exciting, emotional filled roller coaster ride. There is always excitement, nervousness waiting in line. It builds as you climb the first hill. You peak over the top, then you get a adrenaline rush down the other side wondering when it will stop. What can I say God is good.