Count down is to one!

Saturday, July 14, at 11:00am we will gather and leave for the airport. What an adventure! We will fly to Dallas then on to London Gatwick. From Gatwick we will trek to Heathrow in London and catch a flight to Amsterdam. From Amsterdam we will fly to Nairobi arriving at 8am Monday morning (Actually, that will be around 10:00 Sunday evening here.) There is an eight hour difference in the time. Others who have traveled there tell me to forget the watch and relax. That's asking too much right now!
I am packed, Ellen is not. We will get that done today. One suitcase is full of soccerballs, pipecleaners, tape, puppets, art supplies, etc. We will get to help with contruction so I have also included gloves!
These details let you know, as best as I can, I am ready. Am I really ready? Probably not but I am trying. I want God to work through me. I want courage and confidence. I want an open heart along with my open eyes.
I will try to post Monday evening. Please pray for us.

Sister Susan

Susan is my "baby" sister. Since she is just fourteen months younger than me, we not only shared a bedroom for eighteen years but many life experiences. The family story is that I HAD to start walking after she came because mom was too busy to hold me (I think that qualifies me as type B personality). This picture is important for several reasons. Mainly it reflects our mother's careful attention to us including the handmade dresses that matched, the clean white socks and the perfectly combed ponytail and hair. We were greatly loved and cared for. The bicycle represents hours and hours of exploring our little world and escaping the confines of indoors.
Susan and I are soulmates. We laugh in such unison that, if sound had a mirror, you would see a perfect reflection. Our relationship is full of bright colors, twists and turns, and unending love.
Now to the chicken. Susan loves this bright spot in my laundry room. She challenged me to post it and so I have. See, I still like to please you!!

Up in Smoke

No one has a better brother than I do. Since Jim is alittle older than me, I have never known life without him. Of course there are many stories to tell but, every year, around the fourth of July, I remember the summer Jim (accidentally) burned down the fireworks stand at Happy. He was helping sell fireworks with the boy who ran the stand. He shot a bottle rocket from the counter that backfired. My dad was very calm but told Jim he would have to pay half the cost. Being a young kid, money earned was treasured. It took Jim quite awhile to pay his part but he did so without question. Jim is a very honest, hardworking, intelligent man. I know he would do anything for me. Stories of sister, Susan, will come later.

My Father's Shirt

You are probably asking yourself why in the world would I post this picture. Sixteen years ago this fall my father fought a very quick battle with cancer and lost. From diagnosis to death was six weeks. Since he appeared to be the healthiest one of our four parents the news was a great, grevious shock. It might seem odd to you but my pain was eased by walking. After he died, I kept several of his shirts. One of which I still walk in to this day. During the initial days of personal struggle and grief I wrote this:

Clothed in grace,

wearing my Father's shirt.

Walking daily, fully covered

moving toward eternal health.

I am wearing the shirt in this picture. Aged shirts are very soft but the comfort comes through memories. My dad was not perfect but he loved me and he taught me many great life lessons through example. There continue to be struggles that require walking.

Close up

I have no clue why I am so fascinated by flowers "close up". My family makes fun but it doesn't shame me into stopping. Hollyhocks seem to do interesting things as they age on the stalk. There is more to see if the flower has aged. I find that interesting. I can't say that this picture is pretty but I do think it is interesting. What do you think?

God's Love Changes Everything!!

This is the week for VBS (Vacation Bible School). The western theme is clever and fitting for a west Texas church. Wearing bandanas and cowboy hats adds to the fun. I stand amazed at the joy I receive working with kids and getting to know their eager hearts. "God's love changes everything" is part of our theme for the week. Today we talked about the word "lavish". John 3:1 says, "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God". Lotion and chocolate illustrations helped define what lavish means. God lavishes his love on us!
Chris, Maria, and Jordan are my very able helpers. We are having a great time together. Hopefully I can post a picture later in the week.

Storm Chaser

You that know me well understand what a surprise it is that I was out taking pictures of this tornado. Miss Scaredy Cat has gotten courageous with age. (It also helps to have a basement available and kids that can take care of themselves.) Small town west Texas excitement comes in weird ways!