Sharing, Fundraisers, Co-Workers, Encouragement, and Surprises

Sharing His heart. While I was in Texas I had the opportunity to share with a youth group about the reality of the thousands of language groups that do not have the precious Word in their language. It's a sad reality and I hope that others will continue to join in meeting that need. It is humbling to think that he would choose to use us!

This document lists by name the people groups without His Word

It represents hundreds of thousands of people!

Women's Self-Defense. My friend April and I hosted and taught a self-defense class to the women in her community. I feel that it is very important for every woman to have a basic knowledge of self-defense and for her to feel equipped with the tools she needs should a situation ever arise. We had over 20 women attend and through fees and donations raised over $1,000.00 to help with our initial moving expenses! We had so much fun and I am grateful for my time with these amazing women.

April was a willing assailant...I didn't hurt her too badly :)

Practicing what we learned. These girls are tough!

Over 20 women participated and completed the course

From Florida to Michigan to the ends of the earth...He is so faithful to provide encouragement when it is needed. In August I was blessed with the chance to visit some of the organization's leadership and my fellow co-workers in Florida. It was refreshing and encouraging to talk with the leaders about the work in Asia and also challenging as we discussed the obstacles that lie ahead. But he is greater than any obstacle!!! It was also very helpful to get some more specifics regarding my upcoming move. We have some awesome leadership and it is a privilege to be working with such humble men and women.

I was also surprised to meet up with some of my fellow co-laborers and dear friends in Michigan this August. My sister Emily and friend April planned a surprise get-together in honor of my birthday and it was such an encouraging time to reconnect with these dear friends. I had the blessing to train in Missouri with these two incredible couples and soon they will also be headed to do his work in another part of the world.

Dear friends who are soon heading overseas to their place of service

This amazing couple handles all the finances, insurance, retirement, etc.

It was such a blessing to stay with my sweet friend Krystal (left) while in FL

Of course you can't visit FL without a trip to the beach :)

Hello Lonestar State

A tour through Texas. This summer my brother and sister got to see more of our country by taking a trip with me to the great state of Texas. My dear friend April and her family lacked nothing in demonstrating their good ol' southern hospitality. It was fun to watch Faith and Christian experience a little culture shock as these Yankees witnessed dirt roads, cowboy hats, men and their trucks, that southern drawl, HOT and humid air,  and life at a much slower pace. When it came time for us to leave we all agreed that we love Texas but their truly is no place like home. Come, take a quick tour with us:

Enjoyed a Houston Astros game. We won!

NASA was a blast! :)

Floating down the Comal River in New Braunfels

Riding the water coaster at Schlitterbahn, America's top waterpark

Just trying to fit in :) This is April's precious family.

Gruene hall is the oldest dance hall in the state of Texas

Eating at the Gristmill in Gruene...so delicious!

   No tour would be complete without visiting the Alamo

ALIVE Fest 2011!

This is my second year to have the privilege of attending this 5 day outdoor music festival with the youth group I am a part of when I am in Ohio. I enjoyed this opportunity to reconnect with the kids and develop some new relationships as well. We listened to speakers and heard bands like Switchfoot, Skillet, Tenth Avenue North, Hillsong United, and many more. We camped in the great outdoors and experienced creation at its fullest along with port-o-potties and limited shower opportunities. And it just wouldn't be ALIVE without rain and therefore lots of mud! Nothing can bind you all together like beautiful melodies,  mountains of mud, and stinky feet. Music, friends, fun, camping, mud, smelly...this is ALIVE. It's just something you have to experience.

Waiting for a concert on the hillside

Giving praise

Our family for the week

S'mores! S'more of what?

My mom and dad are amazing! Real troopers!

Trying to stay dry...didn't happen!

Home Sweet Home

We look dry in this one! :)

A beautiful sight

 

Jumping into Summer

There is no better way to start your summer than with time in the beautiful outdoors! Especially since our spring was full of rain, rain, and more rain. Oh, did I mention it rained a lot! 

My beautiful sister Emily and amazing friend Erin organized a local vendor and artist sale to help with my start-up costs and moving expenses. It took place in a local park and the weather was perfect! We had over 15 local vendors, artists, and businesses come together for this event. It was a huge success! We raised close to $1,000! Thank you to everyone who came out and participated in this event!

The beautiful and talented Erin and Emily

Over 15 local artists, vendors & businesses were represented

Another welcomed break from our spring of downpours was our family vacation to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. There is nothing like sun, sand, and salt to kick-off the summer. It was such a fun and sweet time with my family. I enjoyed every minute of it knowing this was going to be my last family vacation for quite awhile.

This is my biggest support system!