This busy summer has faded into a very busy fall. This fall finds me working on my online "Teaching English" course, studying more of the Asia culture, getting all my paperwork in order, preparing to apply for my visa, developing support partners, traveling and speaking at different fellowships and conferences, and preparing my heart for what lies ahead. It is easy to feel overwhelmed at times so I am thankful for your support and encouragement as I look to take this next step. I am currently at 50% of my necessary support level that is needed before I move. There is still so much to do and I am trying to remain steadfast in him.
I have finally added some highlights from my summer in the next several posts below. Sorry, there are no pictures of me slaving away on my computer or on my paperwork. I just didn't think that would be very interesting. However, I have included pictures of the more exciting happenings. Thank you for being a part of this journey. May you encouraged in him today!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Surprise Birthday Getaway
My amazing, beautiful, incredible sister planned a surprise weekend getaway for my birthday this year. It was a camping trip to Ludington State Park on Lake Michigan. This is one of my most favorite places and not to mention one of the most beautiful. I was accompanied by some of my dearest friends who made it very special. There was a lot of relaxing, eating, talking, and of course laughing. We were such tough women with our hatchet and headlamps. :) Thank you girls for such a fun time!
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| We had gorgeous weather! |
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| The lake was crystal clear and calm...perfect for kayaking! |
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| Tough camping women! |
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| left to right: Me, Emily, Lindsey, Emily, April |
The Blessing of Relationships
"I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich."
One of the hardest things for me as I prepare to move overseas is the thought of leaving my precious family. They are my hugest support system and not a day goes by that I don't thank him for giving me such a loving and incredible family. They have taught me so much and my heart aches at the thought of leaving them but I trust that he is sufficient to provide all that we need when we say farewell. Emily and Landon have been gracious enough to let me stay with them which means even more time with my nephews! There is nothing that can cheer me up more than a smile and a hug from these dear boys. We have bonded so much and they have definitely captured my heart. I know they are too young to understand what I am doing, how far away I will be moving, and how long I will be gone. I can hardly think of saying goodbye to them without shedding a tear. This bonding time with them has been so special to me. I have had such a sweet time spending these days with all of my family and I would appreciate you thinking of us in the months ahead. It's not easy to say goodbye.
"You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you."
Throughout the years I have lived away from home I have always had the support and encouragement from a special group of friends here in Ohio. These friends have not only encouraged and challenged me throughout my life but they have been very instrumental in my growth. I thank him for these amazing sisters knowing that not everyone is as fortunate to have such close friends who point them to him.
I also want to take a moment to thank all of you who have been behind me in this journey. I know that I am not doing this alone and I am refreshed and humbled by your support. Thank you for partnering with me...your faithfulness has not gone unnoticed!
~Dan Wilcox & Thad Mumford, M*A*S*H
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| Silas is almost 2 now! |
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| left to right: Christian, Faith, & Travis after a choir concert |
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| Hanging out at the local Cherry Fest |
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| Jumping in the puddles |
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| We played too hard :) |
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| Building a Castle (Gabe is 3 now and way too smart!) |
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| Enjoying our final days of summer in South Haven, MI |
"You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you."
~Frederick Buechner
Throughout the years I have lived away from home I have always had the support and encouragement from a special group of friends here in Ohio. These friends have not only encouraged and challenged me throughout my life but they have been very instrumental in my growth. I thank him for these amazing sisters knowing that not everyone is as fortunate to have such close friends who point them to him.
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| Beautiful women who love him! I'm truly thankful for them. |
I also want to take a moment to thank all of you who have been behind me in this journey. I know that I am not doing this alone and I am refreshed and humbled by your support. Thank you for partnering with me...your faithfulness has not gone unnoticed!
Friday, September 30, 2011
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!
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.
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.
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| This document lists by name the people groups without His Word |
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| 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.
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| April was a willing assailant...I didn't hurt her too badly :) |
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| Practicing what we learned. These girls are tough! |
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| 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.
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| Dear friends who are soon heading overseas to their place of service |
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| This amazing couple handles all the finances, insurance, retirement, etc. |
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| It was such a blessing to stay with my sweet friend Krystal (left) while in FL |
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| 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:
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| Enjoyed a Houston Astros game. We won! |
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| NASA was a blast! :) |
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| Floating down the Comal River in New Braunfels |
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| Riding the water coaster at Schlitterbahn, America's top waterpark |
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| Just trying to fit in :) This is April's precious family. |
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| Gruene hall is the oldest dance hall in the state of Texas |
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| Eating at the Gristmill in Gruene...so delicious! |
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No tour would be complete without visiting the Alamo |
Thursday, September 29, 2011
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.
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| Waiting for a concert on the hillside |
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| Giving praise |
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| Our family for the week |
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| S'mores! S'more of what? |
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| My mom and dad are amazing! Real troopers! |
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| Trying to stay dry...didn't happen! |
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| Home Sweet Home |
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| We look dry in this one! :) |
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| 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!
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| The beautiful and talented Erin and Emily |
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| Over 15 local artists, vendors & businesses were represented |
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| This is my biggest support system! |
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