A Story to Tell

I got up this morning thinking about what I was doing about this time one week ago. It wasn't exactly what I thought I'd be doing. I know you want to hear all about it, right?

As you know, a group of 3 couples and our kids ventured off to New Jersey to complete a mission project. The whole purpose of the trip was to work for God, but I didn't think God would mind if Pete took me on into New York City for a little play time before we headed back home, would He?

Thursday morning, our group split up...some heading home, others to stop in Tennessee and us to New York. I knew we were chancing it with the weather, but I didn't care. I told Pete even if I had to experience New York in the rain, it would be better than not experiencing it at all. Boy, was I in for a sur-prise.

We were ignorant. And when I say that, I mean Southerners just don't know much about getting around in the North. We drive everywhere we go. We don't have problems finding parking and it's mostly free. What I mean is, it's not a hassle to take my van when I venture out...but our Jersey friends said, it would be wise to leave our vehicle in Philadelphia and take the train into the city. That it would be much less stressful to get around by foot, or subway, or cab. I could handle that. I wasn't getting much exercise anyway. I could use a little walking. I've never ridden on the subway. Something about that sounded kind of city-girlish..unordinary for an Arkansas gal like me. And Little Ann was determined that she would, at some point in the day, whistle and wave for that taxi, just like she'd seen in the movies.

We left our hotel around 9 am, saying our goodbyes to our group and driving in rush hour traffic from New Jersey to Philadelphia. I think what should have taken 30 minutes took us about an hour. Even once we got into Philly, we had no clue where the train station was and drove around another 30 minutes for a place to park. We were suckers, but desperate and so we gave up $20 bucks for a spot that would ensure us the day.

The rain began to fall. It was busy and dreary and I began to question why I wanted so desperately to spend a day so far out of my element, but I did. After mistakenly going down into the subway station thinking that's where we were supposed to be, we were directed 2 blocks down to the train depot. Pete stood in line to purchase round trip tickets to New York only to be asked to hand over $237. He glanced over at me and I gave him this look like "are they nuts?". Get out of that line. We'll do something else.

It was Amtrack. Oops. Once again, wrong line.

By the time we were finally directed to the appropriate line, it was closing in on 11 am. Tickets in this line were for a train that would leave at 11:37 and change over in Trenton, New Jersey, but would get us to the station directly below Madison Square Gardens for only $93 round trip. Sold.

I only wish I would've know it was going to stop every five minutes and take us another 2 hours to get there.

At nearly 2:00, we exited the station and came up out of the ground onto the streets of the city that literally never sleeps.

I was frustrated at the amount of time we had wasted. We were all starving and a little grumpy, but we were in New York. New York people. I was in awe and ready to stomp some ground.

But I think I'll save all that ground stomping, subway riding, cab calling (oh! and believe me it gets better!) for another post. Come back and see me for .....as Paul Harvey says..."the rest of the story".

The Matter at Hand

Several months ago when the pastor began talk of visiting the mission in New Jersey, I was a bit skeptical. A preacher who had been raised in the North, began pastoring in the South, had developed a burden for the people in his home town and wanted to plant a church there. I had heard good things were happening. I had seen pictures of his building and had heard they were having good attendance. "It seems like they are doing just as good in mission status as we are at a church that has been established for hundreds of years", I thought. What could we possibly be needed for?

Boy, did I ever need this trip.

I learned a number of things.

First...God needs a few good men who are willing to answer His call and be willing to uproot their lives and their family and go to who knows where to plant a true New Testament Church. I am so thankful that God called this Missionary to this place where the truth is so scarce.

Secondly...numbers can be oh, so deceiving. Just because they are attending, does not mean they are strong Christians or grounded in the faith. Majority of the people who are coming to this mission are unchurched people and have never given a relationship with Christ or God's people a second thought. How wonderful that they have decided to join His family, but who else is there to disciple but the missionary and his wife. What a great task at hand.

Third...I saw neighborhood after neighborhood of houses. So many houses with people who need Jesus. So many more than our one Missionary could possibly reach. I was so happy to be a part of a team of door knockers. To get the word out about the church and to take every opportunity that God gave me to tell someone about His love. My primary goal with each door that opened was to make sure they knew how to get to heaven.


and Finally...I learned that sometimes, even if there isn't an abundance of work to be done or buildings to be erected, sometimes it can simply be about encouragement. Encouraging our missionary and his family to keep on keeping on. Letting them know how much we appreciate the work they are doing, the sacrifices they are making and the souls they are reaching. (and cooking him a good ol' Southern style meal doesn't hurt any either!)

My eyes were opened.

What I Have Discovered About New Jersey

I like it. At least the part we are in.

The town is very nice. A small, clean area with booming business and beautiful homes. How cool to actually have an attic and a basement. The people have been very friendly and most receptive.

We had a busy day today. I think we actually knocked on approximately 350 doors to get word out about the new church recently planted in this area. The guys did some needed maintenance around the building and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to their praise band practice tonight. Dinner at Applebee's was delish and the kids are having a great time. Something about being in a hotel with your bestest friends. Good times.

I am looking forward to what tomorrow brings....

Is it Really June Already?

I am thinking.....that I'm ready to see my Little Ann who's been at the grandparents for a few days. I miss her.

I am thankful.....that Pete and I continue to be faithful in our commitment we made to get healthy. Some days are a challenge with so many ballgames and reasons to "eat out", but both of us are trying to make good food choices and are still walking 4 miles a day. Hoping it pays off!

From the kitchen.....haha...in lieu of that last comment, there isn't anything going on in that kitchen right now, but I think I am going to cook up some Taco Soup for dinner before church. For my fellow weight watchers..you can have 1 cup for 3 points according to my recipe.

I am wearing.....my walking clothes. a tank and shorts.

I am reading.....nothing you could say would convince me to read my summer away.

I am hoping.....that I can scrapbook soon. I am feeling the urge BIG TIME, but it's one of those things where I get overwhelmed with guilt if I do it when I have other things lingering over my head. Believe me though. I've got the FEVER.

(haha...notice this is the same thing I was hoping the last time I did a daybook, (and the time before...and the time before)...but I STILL wanna scrapbook and STILL haven't had the time!)

I am creating.....I really got nothing here. Sorry folks. I have just never been accused of being too creative.

I am hearing.....mumbling and grunts as I watch Pete put together a baseball gizmo that Big Dan purchased with some of his graduation money. (don't you just love men and their directions!) It is called a "Quick Swing" and enables Big Dan to get in some batting practice without the assistance of me!! Very neat concept.

Around the house.....messes everywhere I look. I have got to get ready and start preparing for our Mission Outreach trip we are taking next week. We are heading out to New Jersey on Sunday afternoon.

One of my favorite things.....right now I am in total love with McDonalds Ice Cream Cones. Since being on this diet (aka health kick)..I have been lucky to find that McDonalds uses reduced fat ice cream on their cones. I can guiltlessly enjoy a nice, yummy, summer treat for only 3 points! Aren't you excited?

A few plans.....wow...where do I begin here? It's clean, clean. Wash, wash, pack, pack, buy some snacks and drinks for our trip, and Sunday we are off! I am so anxious to blog and post lots of pictures of our outreach AND the fun stuff. I never thought I would ever get to go to New York or Washington DC in my lifetime. I am pumped about being used by God AND getting up close and personal with Lady Liberty!!

A a couple of picture thoughts for the day.....

The gardenia's around my porch are just blooming away. I love them. They smell wonderful.

Hoping everyone has a great rest of the week!

Finishing Up..The Scenic Route

I've done so much yakking on my first, second, and third posts about our Mission Trip, that this time, I think I am going to just let you sit back, relax, and enjoy God's marvelous handiwork.

The only thing I do want to tell you is where you will be seeing sights from. The first pictures will be from Iron Mountain (located in the Black Hills of South Dakota). I also have some beautiful scenery from "Custer State Park". ENJOY!

Heading Home...The Scenic Route

If you are just stopping by, I encourage you to "catch up" by reading these posts first. Part 1 and Part 2 of our Mission Trip.

Now carry on...

If I had one wish for our trip, it would've been that we could have spent more time on the Reservation. It took me weeks in advance to prepare myself mentally for what I was called to do on this trip, and as I said yesterday, even when I was staring the opportunity square in the face, I was still a nervous wreck. BUT there was something so rewarding about it all. And I just simply did not get enough. Once I did it. Once I actually jumped right out on that limb, trusted God to give me the words, and thought about how He used me to be His vessel, did it become a reality. I wasn't satisfied leaving. I felt like I just simply did not do enough. I've since realized that there is a world filled with lost people and just because I have left the Reservation does not mean my job is complete. I am excited about seeking out opportunities to witness for Him in my own home town.

I had thought this post might actually wrap up my trip, but I'm just not sure. We did a lot of sight seeing on the way home and I have some beautiful pictures. I'm not sure I can pick just one or two.

Once we got on our way, a few miles up the road we encountered this absolutely breathtaking sight!!


This is what they refer to as the "Badlands" of South Dakota. Our pastor calls it a mini Grand Canyon. I was taken back by the beauty.

Although Rapid City was 2 hours out of our way, who could actually be that close and not take the opportunity to see Mount Rushmore? I was so excited. I live an extremely sheltered life and although we travel some, we seem to stay pretty close to home. I mean, I've ventured out as far as Florida several times, been to several towns in the big state of Texas, up to Branson, Missouri a few, and to visit relatives in Kentucky, (I'm sure I'm forgetting something), but never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I'd be seeing this!!!

Oh dear Presidents, how beautiful you look carved in this mountain of rock. I almost peed in my pants as I came around the curve and up the hill and saw you.

And Mr. Washington, please don't take offense to my photographing your profile. I totally understand how you might hate this...especially if you have a big nose. I should've asked if this was "your good side".

I still have a couple more stops to make on the scenic route home, so I will do you a favor and split them up into two posts again. I don't want to overload you...and I am getting rather sleepy tonight.

Happy Monday!

A Life Changer-Part 2

If you are just joining me, click on the link to visit
"A Life Changer-Part 1".

I guess I never really thought about what to expect on the Reservation. When we first began planning, I was excited and felt really good. The closer the trip got, I began to have extreme anxiety. I began to wonder how we would be accepted, what I would eat (I know that is lame, huh?) and the biggie...how on earth would I tell these people about Jesus?

The night before the Bible Study, we visited an elderly complex on the Reservation. I was really glad we went because it really gave me a little insight on what to expect the next day. The Pine Ridge Reservation is actually in South Dakota, so we crossed the Nebraska/South Dakota line each time we went to the Reservation. Tuesday morning we began to prepare for our study and several ladies were gathered around the table ready to get started. A woman came in with two small little girls to use the telephone in the Community Center. She didn't even know there was a Bible Study going on. I felt the Lord speaking to me and I knew she was the one meant for me that day. As our pastor's wife finished up and the other women got up to prepare lunch, I quickly invited her to stay and prompted conversation with her. I can't even begin to explain how "out of my comfort zone" I felt, but determined, knowing I could get through it with God's help. My heart pounded, and my voice shook. I couldn't even remember the Roman Road. Something I've known my entire life, but I kept on....just doing my best. As our conversation began to come to a close, I sent her home with several tracks and a Bible and she was so very grateful. She never actually prayed that sinner's prayer that moment, but I prayed with her and will continue praying for her. That seed has been planted and that's all I could do. I ask that you pray for her as well...her name is Doris. Even if only one person gets saved, then 2,500 miles was totally worth it.

We spent time walking through the village handing out tracks. I was ever so proud of Little Ann. I can't even tell you the pride I felt as I watched her little hands place those tracks inside the doors of the people not home and into the hands of the ones that were.

As we were covering territory on the Reservation, Doris spotted me and invited me into her home to meet her family. As I stepped inside, her aunt commented to me that she had tried to read the Bible I had sent with Doris, but the print was too small. I promised to send her a Bible with large print. Tell me that is not awesome.

During our time on the Reservation, we had an Indian Taco Supper for the Natives. I think I am safe in saying we had over 150 people that came out. I know a lot was probably the time of the month and I know it was probably the only thing most of them got to eat that day, but I was afforded more opportunities to witness because of this.

Earlier in the day I had met a lady named Valerie. Little Ann really took up with her because she made jewelry and it was beautiful. It was so interesting to watch her make it from porcupine quills. (Yes, we brought some home). Because of the connection she had made with my daughter, I really felt the Lord leading me to speak with her about her salvation. We had such a good talk and I am fairly certain she has Jesus living in her heart today. She cried because she has been battling an addiction to alcohol for so long..as most of the people there do. My heart really went out to her. She says she is clean now and she can feel God's presence. Wow.

I can tell you I don't know how many visits it will take to win these people. The task at hand is a tumultuous one. They are set in their ways and it is not easy to get them to "understand" the truth. Our pastor's wife said they seemed to be more receptive this time than when they were on the field there.

Think about these people and pray for them. I know it is up to us to carry out the great commission...up to God to prepare their hearts.

A Life Changer

Hello all. I am back home now as of about 1 am this morning. I must say, I have absolutely no regrets about my decision to go, and can only hope and pray that God will work in the hearts of the people in whom we planted the seeds.

I have been thinking and thinking about how I would begin my posts when I got in. Really and truly I had full intentions of giving you the play by play each night as I got back to my room, but it was such a draining week, I didn't have the energy to think. It just didn't happen...but now, here I am...giving you my full attention. I hope you enjoy the next few posts. They are going to be good!!

As I mentioned on Sunday, we had a pretty long day of driving. We set out on our adventure immediately after services on Sunday morning and drove all day.

This is our group. We had 3 married couples (one which is our pastor and wife), myself and a friend, 2 kiddos, and a guy that is new to God's ministry, (but arrived after our group shot).

The drive was comfortable and everything looked pretty much like Arkansas for some time, but I was glad to go a direction in Arkansas past towns that I had never been before like Fort Smith, Fayettville, Springdale, and Rogers area. I plan on heading back to that area in just a couple of weekends for a wedding in the Bentonville area. Wow, twice in two weeks!!

We passed from Arkansas into Missouri, all the way past Kansas City, into a town called St. Joseph, Missouri where we laid our heads down for the night. The hotel was pretty neat. I had never seen one quite like it. It was much like a lodge and the girls thought it was so cool.

Monday morning, we headed back out and before I realized it, we had crossed over into Iowa. Never been there and the countryside began to look a little different than Arkansas and Missouri. Not too much further and we passed by this...

I wish the picture would have been better, but you just had to kind of be ready and snap as quickly as you could!! Throughout the entire state of Nebraska, this is what we saw...

Everywhere we looked for miles and miles and miles there was corn. So much corn...and coal trains. Many, many coal trains. As we got closer to South Dakota much of the landscape turned to hills. Lots of hills. ....And Lelia, we did drive through Lincoln, and I so thought about you!!! What a nice town. It had so many endless possibilities for shopping!! lol.

We managed to arrive in Gordon, Nebraska where our hotel was early enough to go to the nearest grocery store to buy things for our Indian taco supper the following night. We also got to go visit the Reservation in hopes of encouraging some of the ladies to join us for Bible Study Tuesday morning. The scenery on the way to Pine Ridge was beautiful. As we were traveling, the sun began to set and the wind was blowing violently. A clue that a storm was setting in. As we drove, hail began to fall. Our first contact with the Native American children, was with the sweet wee ones that began putting ice in our hands as soon as we made our first stop.

Notice the grass blowing in the wind. As we drove onto the Reservation, one of the first things we saw was the site of the Massacre at Wounded Knee. On December 29, 1890 over 300 men, women and children were killed by the US 7th Calvary while being transferred to the Sioux Reservation at Pine Ridge. Just a few days before, Sitting Bull had been killed at Standing Rock. I am assuming he was killed because of all the intensity surrounding the gold in the Black Hills and the fact the US was trying to get it back from the tribe. Ok, so there's your history lesson for the day.

Before I continue, I wanted to share a few more statistics with you. I got my information off of Wikepedia, and some of this information is heart wrenching. After meeting these Oglala Lakota Sioux people and being on their Reservation, I had a hunch what Wikepedia would say. I wish I would have done more research before my trip so I would've known what to expect. I didn't though, and it was a shock.

I'm still trying to put it all together in my mind, but I think I have finally figured out (please somebody from this area smarter than me..correct me if I am wrong). I think I am safe in saying that Pine Ridge is a large area with the Reservation being made up of several small communities. Pine Ridge is the 8th largest Reservation in the US, but the poorest. The unemployment rate runs at 80% of the population. Adolescent suicide is about 4 times the national average here. Majority of the families have no electricity, water, telephone or sewer. The Oglala Lakota are said to have the lowest life expectancy with men at the age of 47 and women just barely into their 50's. Wow.

Wounded Knee is the community where we were. (More history here...The bones and heart of great Oglala Lakota leader, Crazy Horse are buried along the creek here.) I saw the depressed spirits of these overwhelmed single mothers of multiple children wondering how they were going to feed them. I saw the tears shed by those who have battled the alcohol gene for years. I saw the hungry people flock in the Community Center for probably the only meal they will get for the day, or even week, and I saw hearts that desperately needed Jesus, but I know it's going to take more than one time sharing the gospel with them. More than 50% of the population there at Wounded Knee is under the age of 18. It seems to me that this is absolutely the generation we need to be trying to reach for the Lord.

I have so much I want to share with you. I hope you wont get tired of hearing my story and seeing the beautiful pictures I took.

I shall return.....

Checking In

I am sitting in my hotel room right now at 11:56 pm. It has been a long day of driving and we have just settled in for the night. I wanted to check in and say hello and goodnight.

A group of people left out on a mission trip today. Three husband/wife couples including our pastor and his wife, a guy who just surrendered into the ministry, a friend of mine with her granddaughter and myself with Little Ann. We left out shortly after morning services today and spent the entire day driving. I was so excited to drive through places I had never been before....including Fayettville, Arkansas.....and I actually live in Arkansas. I know, I'm sheltered. I have never ventured out that direction and definitely never made it as far as Kansas City. What a huge city. It went on forever!!!

Tonight we are staying in Missouri, but will spend the day driving all the way through Nebraska tomorrow until we reach the Reservation just inside South Dakota. I will try to keep you posted the best I can. Pray God will work this week.

Nighty night,

Hopefully...

this post won't bore you tee totally to death, but will hold you over at least a couple of days until I can breathe free enough to come back to the land of blog.

This is going to be a hectic, but great week. Our church is in Revival this week..which began tonight. Great music, fellowship, and awesome preaching. I am looking so forward to the next 3 nights, however, of all times, I was called in to work for the Choir teacher 3 days this week as well. This will make for not much spare time, and I'm afraid I will be spending it cooking, cleaning and trying to fit in a load of laundry here and there. Bear with me, my friends.

I guess I have nothing else to blog about tonight, but the weekend. Friday and Saturday, several ladies from our church put our stuff together for a rummage sale. We are trying to gather enough money to at least pay for our gas and rooms for our upcoming trip to the Reservation. That is coming up very soon!! 2 weeks to be exact. I am excited, but a part of me is not looking forward to the preparation...I hate packing..especially for an entire week. I also am a little apprehensive about taking Little Ann out of school for a week, and leaving Big Dan home "unsupervised" for a week. (ahem....)

I was never so surprised to see how much "junk" people will actually buy. I guess that old saying is so true..."one man's trash is another's treasure". I could not believe my eyes at what people were paying money for. Must be those with a vision much like many of you. I just didn't get that gift, but I tried so hard to find something to spray paint. The girls had a blast selling cookies and cokes out of the back of the van. These are Chickadee's girls and my Pastor's daughter. Little Ann was the photographer.

Saturday, after we loaded up left overs, we came home to find Pete picking up debris out of the yard..courtesy of Hurricane Gustav. My child, the one with the imagination, decided she would do a little kettle cookin'. Is the pot the same thing as the kettle? She never ceases to amaze me with the things she comes up with. Since watching 3 seasons of "Little House on the Praire" she has decided those were better days and we should all go back to the simplicity of life. I kid you not. Yes, she actually said that...until I reminded her there was no Disney Channel back then. She meditated on that one awhile.

Yup, partners, real soup in there...... She enjoyed cooking it....... Dog enjoyed eating it.

Today, of course we had church services, but it felt a little awkward not having our family together. Big Dan was scheduled to work....on a Sunday. I hate him missing church services for work so bad, but I guess he will just have to sometimes. You know, he is practically manager now (lol) since about 1o people have quit in the past week. Such is the life in the fast food industry.

While everyone was out doing their own thing, I tried to straighten things up a little and I put out a few fall decorations. Little Ann always reprimands me every year because I am the worst at decorating and she loves it! I've been inspired by you guys, so I tried to do a little something. This is just a generic fall leaf garland and a pumpkin on the mantel. It does look somewhat better in real life than in the picture.

And I also attempted to copy Shannon's candlestick/pumpkin idea. I thought that was so cute, but my pumpkins are a little small and I am not smart enough to know how to get the "Boo" letters on there. I do think I will get some raffia to tie around them, but other than that, this will have to do.

Happy Fall Ya'll....and I hope you have a great week. Oh! and one more thing...feel free to steal my little photo box thingy I added at the top of my blog! Go John & Sara!!!