Our Newest Addition

If you are on facebook, this is old news for you.  But, for those of you who don't keep up, I'm catching up here!

March 20th, 10PM, Bill & I were coming home from a meeting in Lebanon.  We came into town, and turned the corner, and there was a dog running from the laundromat across the road toward the corner of the car lot.  It was dark, and for a moment we thought it was Max (yes, the other yellow lab that found our house and that we fell in love with--but found his owner--his name is actually Rusty, but he will forever be Max to us!), so I turned around at the road heading to Whites, and we headed back, to find the dog in Hwy 20.  Bill called to her, and she came from the road, to the car lot where we parked.  Just as we were looking for tags on her collar, and finding none, we were discussing what to do with "her".  Bill looked at me and said "We will do what we do with every other stray that ends up with us"...so we opened the car door, and she jumped right in, and sat like a pretty little girl!  It was then we heard someone yelling for a dog...and we thought "Ah-ha!"  So we drove with the dog to the house on the other side of the tracks,and Bill talked to the lady that lived there.  She said the "white" dog had been hanging around a few days, and she actually felt sorry and fed it the night before....but it was hanging out with her German Shepherd and she didn't want another dog.  SO...we brought her home.  We put an ad on Craigs list, Put ads on facebook, the lost pet pages, and on Friday, I called all the vets, shelters and animal control places in Linn and even Benton County. Kristin took her to the vet to see if she had a chip. (no chip)  By Monday, we were all thinking "No one??"  I called animal control and Safe Haven again. No one had called for her.  Kristin was excited, yet kept saying she didn't want to get attached because if someone claimed her, she didn't want to go through the same heartache as she did with Max. Bill, who is the "toughie" in our house, said "If no one claims her, we should keep her".  We headed to Walmart for flea and worm treatment.....and of course a collar and a tag.  We named her Molly. She is well mannered and someone has spent a lot of time with her.  She sits, stays, lays, stays off the furniture (when everyone is looking), doesn't jump up, and gets along great with our dogs.  It was almost like she has always belonged.  She was a good fit, and very loveable.

Fast forward one day short of three weeks.  An email....a response to my Craigs List ad.  Before I opened it, my heart sank and I said a prayer....and knew there was a reason for everything.   I opened it up...and it said "Her name is Gracie"..tears welled....until I read "She ran away from my husbands work....and we had been trying to look for a home for her, since we don't have time".......I thought REALLY??!!!!  CAN IT BE TRUE??!!!  The pit in my stomach eased, those welled up tears spilled and turned to joy!   I called her previous owner. She shared a lot of good info. Molly had a good home, but most of all...we were keeping Molly!!  We really tried to go back to her name Gracie, but after almost 3 weeks of Molly, none of us could do it.  Her nickname was "Woof" and that has become her nickname here.

We've had no accidents lately, she wakes me at night to go out, and almost on a schedule, although she doesn't go to the door like our other two do to go out, she comes and nudges until you say OK...and off she heads to the door.  She has taken lots of queues from our girls.  We've yet to hear her bark, and I got my first "kiss" today...she's full of snuggles, and one of our cats (Squirrel) loves her!!  His 22 pounds and her 50 are a funny match.  I will get pictures when I can.  Until then...here is Molly's new bed....and Kristin showing her how to use it!!

Aftermath

 My feet in the Sea of Galilee

 My heart is full...but my heart still hurts...I've been home 5 weeks now, and my head is still so full of my 16 days across the world. I still have not fully downloaded.  I reflect every day about a day or two of my trip.  Israel w incredible for what I learned, where I walked, what I saw, how I felt.  I'm not sure I can even full describe the way I felt there.  It was different traveling without my family, there was so much I wanted to share with them, so much we could have learned together and I missed them terribly.  But there was some good about traveling alone....it was just me, no one to be responsible for, no one to worry over and I had so much time to reflect with God about where I was, where he had been, where he walked, what he saw, and it was so real.  The bible came to life.  I will never read my bible the same.  I was there...where it was written, where it happened and it was so easy to picture the scene at each place we visited.  While I thought I would be afraid there, and while there was evidence of war in so many places, and IDF everywhere, there was a peace about that place, or maybe it was a gift from God for me while I was there, but I would not be afraid to go back, in facy, I pray that Bill & I can go there someday together to share that experience.  

 

Sea of Galilee at the Church of the Beatitudes

 

Baptism At the Jordan River

My feet in the Mediterranean Sea

 

Herrods Aquaducts and a beautiful Israel Sunset

 

Off to Uganda.....Another time, another place....

My experience in Uganda is why my heart is full, and why at the same time, my heart hurts.  I learned that it would be so easy for me to live there. 

 I loved the weather, I love the terrain, but most of all, I loved the people.  There is no TV, there are no computers, no music, except that which is played by people, or an occasional AM battery radio around, but it's a simple place~~ a place where there isn't time to be too busy, too distracted, or too involved to miss things.  It's where you spend time with the Lord, time with people, and time with yourself.  I have never felt the peace I felt while there.  I never felt the genuine love from people I hardly knew, like I did while I was there--and the friendships made while there will be forever in my heart, and I know that someday God will take me back there. I wish I'd had the opportunity to go before I had a family, so that I could spend a year there, soaking it all in.  Odd from a gal who never even wanted to fly, and was content traveling the US by truck and travel trailer!!  God pushed me to the max, and I am forever grateful for it.  

I realized as I went through 19,715 pictures from our trip (not all mine, but from 6 of us!), I knew there was no way I could share enough pictures or write enough to cover 16 days!  There is almost no way I can even share with my own family all I did and experienced.  It was a trip at Mach5 in Israel, and the total opposite in Uganda....and my heart is full, my heart hurts, but my heart is blessed. I will  never be the same.

Just a few pictures of my trip..some of the highlights.  I hope you all were able to see the posts I put on www.lccevents.blogspot.com as there are many pictures there!
 

 

 The video is choppy, but I hope that you can get an idea.  Doesn't look like the sound uploaded.

Isreal/Uganda Trip

I've been home three weeks, and have neglected my own blog terribly!! 

We had no internet in Uganda at all, and very limited in Israel.  It was the trip of a lifetime!!

I have finished up the blog for the church website.  It is my writing, and many pictures from all of us.  Please use the links below to catch up.  I will eventually get them here, but you can catch up our trip as a team!!

Thanks again for all your support!!

Uganda Team 2014

Front row Shawnna Richards, Sherry Sanderbrink, Debbie Reagh, Sonya Badgley, Amanda McDowell, Dani Barnes

Back row: Erick Hendricks, John Jayne, Stan Badgley, John Oleile

Meet our Team by clicking HERE.
Check out the blog from Monday FEB 24th HERE

 03-29-14--OUR blog has been updated!! A few more posts need to be put on, but a majority of our trip is there, and we hope you'll read our posts and enjoy the photos.
Remember, click here to follow the link for all the posts, or you can click individual days below, and when you get to what you think is the bottom of the page, click "older posts" and you will continue!!!
Click to see the post in Uganda for Saturday, March 8th
Click to see the post in Uganda for Friday, March 7th
Click to see the post in Uganda for Thursday March 6th
 Click to see the post in Uganda for Wednesday March 5th
Click to see the post in Uganda for Tuesday, March 4th
Click to see the post in Uganda for Monday, March 3rd
Click to see the post for transition from Israel to Uganda
Click to see the post in Israel for Thursday, February 27th
Click to see the post in Israel for Wednesday, February 26th
Click to see the post in Israel for Tuesday, February 25th
(note, Feb 24th link is above).

Thank you to all who supported us, prayed and cheered us on for our trip. It was the trip of a lifetime for most of us. Many of us are ready to return with the next trip there, while some will treasure the time we had this trip. Please enjoy our photos, and if you are interested in more, please contact one of us and we can hook you up!

Our Team in Uganda with the Show Mercy staff, Brittany, Kristy and Drea 

February 24, 2014 in Israel

I cant say much more than WOW!  I have never been so full emotion, and so eager to see more!!!

We started our day at 5:30---and we were out the door by 7:00.  We needed cappuccinos!!  We enjoyed those, and then headed to Caesarea by the Sea to King Herod’s summer home.  It was amazing to be sitting in the amphitheater and hear the word from Tom, from exactly where it was written.  To view where Paul was held, and where he witnessed to the Romans (Acts 25:13 through chapter 26).

 

We walked through the area where the chariot races were held, and then through the community bath houses.

 

 

The stone mosaics were awesome and amazingly in great shape. 

We went from there to the gates of the city, and entered in to where the retailers would sell there wares, and if you closed your eyes you could see the ancient hustle and bustle of the everyday life

.

 

We sat at  an outdoor café, and had frozen drinks along the Mediterranean Sea. 

 

Once we left Caesarea we headed to Tel Megiddo where there are 25 layers of different cities.  The valley was overwhelming and to know that this is where the end will be was even more emotional.  The ruins there were interesting, and we had tour guide Barbie “aka Erick”  to read to us, since we all had to share one map. 

We had a message on top of  Tel Megiddo, starting in Revelation 16 :11.  I can’t even begin to explain how different it is sitting and viewing where they are writing about.  It is very moving.

From there we went into the waterworks system that they built to provide fresh water.  We went down 183 steps and through the tunnel…it was pretty amazing. 

We moved on to Mt Carmel.  This was where Elijah shared true worship  450 prophets of Baal saw the works of our God.  Looking down on Israel….it was amazing to see where this happened.  Kings1 18:20

 

We headed home and had enough time to head down to the beach, and crawl all over Herods Aquaduct.  

We had a beautiful sunset, and a nice walk.  We headed back to dinner of spaghetti and salad.  Several headed to bed, to the pool and others sat up and visited.  It has been a great time of getting to know  our brothers and sisters. 

Stay tuned for more to come…

Blessings until next time!

Uganda Bound

What a day….what a night!  I began to panic yesterday as I realized my carry on was 1 1/2” too wide.  We had some running around to do, some last minute packing of the Uganda supplies we are taking with us and  we really wanted to spend some family time together.  Well, we spent family time….but it was in our bedroom while Bill & I totally unpacked my bag, and loaded everything back up military style.  We laughed, I cried, (you know how emotional I can be..) and by 12:30, I was in bed.  I’m almost certain I had just shut my eyes when the alarm went off at 4:30.  

The last day of work was good, and I was pretty emotional from the time I left work until I got home.  This is the first time I’ve been away from home without Bill & kids….let alone out of the county.  We had dinner, packed up the last of my bags, and headed up to the church property to meet the rest of our team. It was an amazing time of prayer  with some of our church family. 

We loaded up and headed to Portland where we thought we were going to get a good night of rest..however, the only shuttle they had left to the airport was 3:20…with a 2:30 wake up call.  So we did what any group would do….the old married couple went to bed…the guys went to bed…and we girls…well, we ordered a couple pizzas…charged our phones, and had some great laughs. 

It’s been a day full of emotions…sad, happy, excitement and now tired.  We plan to just staying up now…we will catch up with you on the East coast, or in Israel.  Keep us in your prayers for our next 27 hours of travel!!  

Travel Anxiety~~Travel Links~~COUNTDOWN!

It hit me...as Kristin wanted to watch a movie tonight...to spend time together before left....I am LEAVING in TWO days.  Tomorrow was my review everything and pick up a few things from Walmart day.....but of course, everything today didn't get finished..although I loved the time we spent.  I am now in that 'anxious' mode....my carry on, is carry on size, but it's a half inch bigger than the tag said...is it going to work?  Can I get it all pulled together...I haven't seen what I packed in three days...is it all there??  Oh boy....the anxiety!  I have awakened every morning this week with a clenched jaw...stress...but yet excited.  All the mixed emotions bundled up in one.  It's times like these that I'm reminded I am trying to control it all...and I feel weak. I need to remember who is in control..and it's not me!

SO, I pray, I work on what I can and realize my taxes are NOT going to get done before I go.  My desk is NOT going to get cleaned off before I go, and my stuff will get in the suitcase, my body will be on time to the church property, and I will sigh a big sigh of relief as we board the plane knowing that what is with me, is all I need, and what I forgot, I will live without!  I found peace in this tonight:

Here are some helpful links while we are gone....

The main page I will posting to for myself is this site....

The main page I will be working on for the church will be HERE---but that will most likely link you direct to the main church blog page HERE.  There are several of us that will be shooting pictures for this page!  Some of us that love landscape and nature, and one who is incredible with portraits.  

Of course, facebook will be a quick update as we are out and about.

Meet the TEAM I'm traveling with HERE

Travel Schedule is HERE

So, I head off to bed with 115 or so things running through my head....and realize, I forgot to turn in my time card at the Dentist...oh boy...I guess I will square that away on my next time card!!

Two of our team arrived in Israel today...sleeping I'm sure, and dragging most likely.  Praying for them to get all our provisions, and praying for the rest of our team to pull it all together, and head out of here in less than 48 hours!!

Blessings!

Valentines Day

Valentines Day~~  A day that Bill told me when we were dating was a "Hallmark Holiday"!  I loved him then and I love him now...even though we've not really celebrated the holiday.  There have been a few times where he surprised me, and that makes it so much more special because I never expected it.  A new wedding set, for Valentines just before our 15th wedding anniversary....roses one year just because we had a sick kid and he thought I needed a Valentines treat.  BUT this year...my Valentines gift isn't from Bill directly.  Don't get me wrong, he's had a huge part in it, because he has been right here beside me, helping me purchase, pack and support me for this huge trip I'm about to embark on.  I was blessed again today...by a wonderful friend, and her sweet Granddaughter.  It was her time, and her love that clipped my hair for my Uganda trip, and sent me out the door, not accepting a dime.  She said it was her gift to my mission. My heart was swelling as I realized there are so many that have helped in so many different ways.  Yes, the money was a huge part, and more people than I could ever name have helped...so many have supported my individual fund raisers, and our group ones. But what blessed me besides the funds are the other things happening to and around me---My team at work is pulling together to cover the time I will be gone, and picking up the slack.  I've had luggage loaned and donated to me, parts of my wardrobe given and made for me, earrings made especially for me, leggings for under my skirts...to keep mosquito's from bothering me....advice from those that have traveled, donations of items for my fundraisers, and the list goes on and on.  How can I ever repay you for the kindness and love you have shown?   

Your generosity overwhelms me, and collectively as I mentally realized as I left my friends shop, how much help I've had for this trip, I cried all the way to the gas station...where I collected myself to drive home.  You know who you are, you know the part you have played in my journey and I am so thankful.  I had one person tell me that her gift was so "trivial", but I am reminded of the woman who gave two small coins, and even though she thought it was "trivial", it was a true gift, because it came from her heart, she gave when she had almost nothing to give.  So, whether you've helped me collect orders for my fundraisers, sent me funds, loaned or gave me items for my trip, cut my hair, blessed me with gifts you've made for my trip, or just prayed for me to make my goal, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this beautiful Valentine's gift.  I am truly blessed!! 

ONE more week and I am headed on my journey.  This weekend will be packed with getting ready, and finishing up my last minute purchases.  I seek your prayers for me to stay healthy...felt like I had a cold coming on yesterday, but feel much better today.  I will keep you posted on events this week, and of course, on my journey.

Blessings until next time and Happy Valentines Day!

From 19 to 55 degrees in 5 days

It's been an incredible few days.  We went from 19 degrees on Friday to 55 degrees on Wednesday.  I realize that's only a gain of 36 degrees...but it's the drastic change in precipitation that we've had!!!  Thursday was light fluffy now, with beautiful fluffy flakes.  The prettiest I've ever seen in Oregon.  Then Friday, the heavy wet snow, as the temperature got a bit warmer and it was mixed with rain...until the temperature dropped...and it was an icy winter wonderland.  While it was beautiful, the damage it did to trees, electric and telephone wires was incredible.  We were without power for three and a half days....you begin to realize just how much you love to flush your toilet.  Thank heavens for downspouts and buckets!!

 Inside we had a mouse...kitties chased it under the fridge....and the watch was on.  Bill got out his camera and checked it out.  It wasn't long until they had that little guy!

Check out the rest of the pictures from our wintery weekend HERE

Fast forward to today, Wednesday.  It was 53 degrees as I left for work just a bit after 5am.  It is 55 out now, and the frogs and crickets are singing their Spring tunes....a sound I love.  The air smells fresh, and as I stood out on the driveway looking at stars peeking through the clouds, I thought in less than 10 days, I'm going to be halfway around the world....and I'm in for another weather change!!  It seems no matter the temperature, extreme hot, or extreme cold, we always want the other!!  I will be happy, no matter what the weather....I just feel so blessed to be heading off in a little over a week.  The excitement is overcoming the nerves, and after our team meeting on Monday I could hardly contain myself.  It's all so real!!

Today, there are some of our team dealing with sickness, and one of our group fell and dislocated her shoulder.  It has been relocated, but with a lot of pain and possible damage.  She will see a specialist on Monday.  Please be praying for her, as well as the rest of our team, that we stay healthy and those not feeling well and dealing with illness, that they will be well.  

Snow Day 2-6-14

Snow!!!  In 14 days (I'm pretending it's tomorrow already), we head off on our adventure.  We will wonder how we could have ever been cold!!  As I write, it is 70 degrees at 8am in Uganda--the high is 86 for tomorrow(Today--its already Uganda's tomorrow!)  

However, it's still today in Sweet Home! We woke to 19 degrees.  We hit a high of 23, and have 10 inches of snow.  I can hear the snow/sleet hitting the skylights in the kitchen and I wonder if the freezing rain/slush I hear is going to make things worse.  So far no plow through here, although ODOT in Sweet Home takes care of the pass from this end..and I'm sure Linn County is busy with main roads.  I am not holding high hopes of getting out of here tomorrow.  Today started off a bit snowy, but by the time I was out of Sweet Home, the roads were clear, and until I hit I-5 in Brownsville, there wasn't even any snow or rain.  By the time I got to work it was starting to stick.  By 11 AM they were requiring chains on I-5 just 7 miles before our exit.  I decided it was time to head home. The roads were bad, but by Michigan standards, they were pretty good!!  I was glad to get off the freeway and hit the 25 miles of road to home...it was snow covered, but the suburban and 4wd did great...it was actually a pretty drive home.  I got him just under an hour and half....took care of our snow bound chickens, and enjoyed some time before Bill got home.  Once Bill was home, we headed to the neighbors to help Kristin feed...OK, she fed, we played in the snow and with the animals.  It was beautiful!!  You can view all the pictures here...and a warning...lots of snow and horse pictures...view at your own discretion!!  Running horses in the snow are hard not to photograph!!

Praying for the additional 3-5 inches to not come tonight...I don't particularly want to drive in it again tomorrow!  Thanks for all those prayers for me while traveling today...I appreciate them!

Blessings until something strikes the urge in me to blog.....