I've safely arrived in the great state of Alabama to briefly celebrate the holidays before heading to South Africa. Crazy to think that just a few years ago I had been desperately trying to get to Africa for years and in just 3 years time I have been to Uganda four times, Nigeria and now South Africa....oh an a brief layover in Eygpt but I try to forget that one! I now loving refer to Africa as my favorite continent.
I will be serving with a team from the US and hosting a "summer camp" of sorts for the missionary kids in the southern region of Africa. I'm looking forward to it....I love all things camp and when you combine that with Africa and some fun people, I can't think of a better way to spend my Christmas holiday.
This will be the second time I have celebrated my birthday overseas....oddly enough the last time was a trip to Italy where the love of Africa was birthed in my heart after spending time with a Sudanese family in a refuge camp. It was through the family that the Lord began planting a seed for international adoption and now look how things are coming full circle!! And so...birthday number 35 will be brought in with my good friend Tommy McGregor whom I share a birthday with while we serve students together in South Africa. (shameless plug---I wont have internet but I do have unlimited incoming text messages so feel free to wish me a happy birthday on the 28th if you have my number)
On the drive home today I was listening to Phil Wickham and the words to this song just gripped me....this is my prayer for this trip and just for my life and ministry in general...but especially preparing spiritually for this trip:
ALL I AM
Take these hands, I know they're empty but with you they can be used for beauty in your perfect plan. All I am is yours.
Take these feet, I know they stumble but you use the weak, you use the humble so please use me. All I am is yours.
I give you all my life, I'm letting it go. A living sacrifice, no longer my own. All I am is yours. All I am is yours.
Take this heart, set it on fire, shine it in the dark. I wanna tell the world of who you are. All I am is yours.
I give you all my life, I'm letting it go. A living sacrifice, no longer my own. All I am is yours. All I am is yours. I give you everything, to you I belong. Every beat of my heart, the breath in my lungs. All I am is yours. All I am is yours.
I lift my hands up, God I surrender all I am for your glory, your honor, your fame. I lift my hands up, God I surrender to you.
I give you all my life, I'm letting it go. A living sacrifice, no longer my own. All I am is yours. All I am is yours. I give you everything, to you I belong. Every beat of my heart, the breath in my lungs. All I am is yours. All I am is yours.
I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas celebrating the birth of our Savior. Have a safe and happy new year! Feel free to prayer for our team while we're gone :)
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Daizy Update
Well as of last week everything is done....for now. The homestudy report is written....all 18 states have sent back their child abuse clearance. Fees are paid in full...for now. Now we just wait. Soon we will begin the next round of paperwork but for now I am breathing a sigh of relief from work and all things adoption and fundraising. Speaking of fundraising....I am only $3000 away from my goal. Praise the Lord. I still have Daizy shirts if you are needing/wanting one.
I did get word from Pastor Geoffrey that Daizy is spending the holidays with his family and that she wanted a new dress and to have her hair braided for Christmas. How could we not grant that sweet girl her wish???? I received a picture yesterday of Daizy in her new dress with her hair done...Merry Christmas Daizy!!
I did get word from Pastor Geoffrey that Daizy is spending the holidays with his family and that she wanted a new dress and to have her hair braided for Christmas. How could we not grant that sweet girl her wish???? I received a picture yesterday of Daizy in her new dress with her hair done...Merry Christmas Daizy!!
Monday, December 10, 2012
Christmas Gala
We do Christmas big around Louisiana College. It all began for me long before Thanksgiving with gala planning and decorating campus. Somehow I inherited decorating the entire student center when I came here seven years ago....not sure how that happened. By the time Christmas rolls around I have usually decorated upwards of 15+ trees. I was smart this year and put my own tree up first so it looks the best and was actually fun to do.
Gala is our formal Christmas dinner and program for our students. Last year I played my ace of spades right off the bat...which added pressure to making gala memorable this year. We finally just decided to go a different route rather than trying to top "Buddy the Elf" from last year. However, Buddy did make an appearance at the end of the program because Andrew is a good sport.
Here is he is getting ready for his surprise appearance....not even the Union Board Staff knew he was part of the program.
And to mark the occassion we took a photo just like the pose we took last year of the three amigos.I love these guys....they are the brothers I never had.
And then there are these two distinguished gentlemen...Dr. Brad Duffy and Dr. Wade Warren, who did a interpretive dance to the 12 days of Christmas and completely stole the show.
And it's not very often that Big Momma gets this dressed up so I always have to take pics with some of my favorite people...
Christian and I
Andrew and I
Lee and I (he came back for another gala)
And this pic is too funny not to share...
And here is a glimpse of the set...pictures don't do it justice.
Here is the the ceiling in Granberry where we had dinner.
And this a small part of the set in MPAC.
And this fun little pic of my ornament that I made for the tree before gala started. The students got to decorate their own oranments to decorate the tree in the lobby and then keep them as a party favor.
Gala is always fun but an exhausting event to plan for, decorate for and pull off. I am always glad when it's over but feel accomplished when students have had a good time. After the program we watched ELF on the big screen in our auditorium and had milk, hot chocalate and cookies.
And here is the great staff that makes it all happen!
Merry Christmas from our UB family to yours!!!
Gala is our formal Christmas dinner and program for our students. Last year I played my ace of spades right off the bat...which added pressure to making gala memorable this year. We finally just decided to go a different route rather than trying to top "Buddy the Elf" from last year. However, Buddy did make an appearance at the end of the program because Andrew is a good sport.
Here is he is getting ready for his surprise appearance....not even the Union Board Staff knew he was part of the program.
Christian and I
And here is a glimpse of the set...pictures don't do it justice.
Here is the the ceiling in Granberry where we had dinner.
And this fun little pic of my ornament that I made for the tree before gala started. The students got to decorate their own oranments to decorate the tree in the lobby and then keep them as a party favor.
Gala is always fun but an exhausting event to plan for, decorate for and pull off. I am always glad when it's over but feel accomplished when students have had a good time. After the program we watched ELF on the big screen in our auditorium and had milk, hot chocalate and cookies.
And here is the great staff that makes it all happen!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Daizy Update
In the busy-ness of life the last couple of months the adoption process continues on. I completed my last home study two weeks ago! Home study done....home inspection complete...CHECK, CHECK, CHECK! So now what? Well, we wait. The social worker told me she would have to complete the home study report and we still have a few things left pending (FBI clearance and medical report). The goal was to have the homestudy complete by the first of the year....sad times.
But wait for it....less than one week from completing the third visit I got a call saying the report rough draft was ready for me to review. That was on Wednesday of last week. On Thursday I got a call that the FBI clearance had come through. I have a doctors appointment next week to get all the medical information completed and we are now almost two months ahead of schedule.
Among the many things I am thankful for this Thanksgiving, to be ahead of schedule and that much closer to bringing Daizy home certainly tops the list! Praise the Lord!
The question everyone keeps asking is when is Daizy coming home? The truth...I don't know. We are hopeful that she will be here this summer but I would certainly covet your prayers that things continue to go smoothly and ahead of schedule.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...
So I've started decorating early.....my living room is filled with the sights and smells of Christmas and I've surrounded myself with the sounds of Christmas Songs...it's glorious.
Worry not...I am waiting until after Thanksgiving to put up the outside decorations. I love decorating for Christmas...it just makes my apartment cozy.
Tis the Season.
Worry not...I am waiting until after Thanksgiving to put up the outside decorations. I love decorating for Christmas...it just makes my apartment cozy.
Tis the Season.
The Life and Times of a Student Activities Director
No need for anyone to point out my absence from blogging....I'm well aware. It's been a busy semester of planning events for students. I love my job!! Who gets paid to plan events and hang out with students???? I do! It's kept me so busy but it's been wonderful. I just finished moving all my photos from my phone to my computer so I thought I'd just give you a glimpse into my life for the last couple of months. It probably won't be in order but oh well...
doing my best to stay up with the latest trends....colored jeans? check!
80's Skate Nite! And unfortunately I was the only person at the skating rink that actually lived a day in the 80's
Homecoming Week was a busy week...
testing out the hoedown backdrop with Mrs. Etta
The Queen came back to visit for homecoming and graced us with her presence at The Avengers movie night
*somehow I managed to miss getting pictures of the Quad-athalon
Tailgating before the homecoming game....
a little surprise visit from Lee Jones
watching a "nail biter" finish with the Prez in the end zone
And then there is a little celebration of an overtime win with this cracker...
love my boys!
All American Cook Off...
And the Union Board Staff that helps make all the magic happen...
And then there was Mom's Weekend
So that pretty much sums it up...the Months of October and November brought to you by the letter "E" for exhausted!
Now it's time to get ready for Christmas Gala!!
Homecoming Week was a busy week...
*somehow I managed to miss getting pictures of the Quad-athalon
Tailgating before the homecoming game....
And then there is a little celebration of an overtime win with this cracker...
All American Cook Off...
And then there was Mom's Weekend
So that pretty much sums it up...the Months of October and November brought to you by the letter "E" for exhausted!
Now it's time to get ready for Christmas Gala!!
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Election Day
Well I am feeling very patriotic today as I sit here listening to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA" while donning my red pants and denim shirt. Oh and how can I fail to mention that I have a glow in the dark patriotic tattoo on my face and chest. MERICA! Land of the free and home of the brave.
It's ironic that there was a day where I could carel ess about voting much to the dismay and disapproval of my then roommate and best friend, Jen Youn Rice. Thanks to her scorn I am now an American who not only voted today, but I am hosting an election result party for our students tonight where the room will be decked out with red, white and blue and full of American classic dishes.
I'll not entertain any politcal talk because it is so devisive....which is a shame. I will leave it at this...regardless of who wins this Presidential election today, I am proud to be an American. I have traveled the globe and I blessed beyond measure to be born into a free nation where today I will "want" for nothing. But more importantly, I am glad that my citizenship is in heaven....I am a foreigner to this place because my heart is fitted for a different home. At the end of the day my God is sovereign and is working for my good.
Happy Election Day everyone and a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend Andrew Bates!! Love you bud.
It's ironic that there was a day where I could carel ess about voting much to the dismay and disapproval of my then roommate and best friend, Jen Youn Rice. Thanks to her scorn I am now an American who not only voted today, but I am hosting an election result party for our students tonight where the room will be decked out with red, white and blue and full of American classic dishes.
I'll not entertain any politcal talk because it is so devisive....which is a shame. I will leave it at this...regardless of who wins this Presidential election today, I am proud to be an American. I have traveled the globe and I blessed beyond measure to be born into a free nation where today I will "want" for nothing. But more importantly, I am glad that my citizenship is in heaven....I am a foreigner to this place because my heart is fitted for a different home. At the end of the day my God is sovereign and is working for my good.
Happy Election Day everyone and a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend Andrew Bates!! Love you bud.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Perspective
The last few days I have just been cranky....not really sure why. Little things that people have said and done have just irritated the mess out of me. I guess I should have expected that after looking back in my journal and seeing some things I have specifically asked the Lord to do in my life. After reading a devotional the other day from Jesus Calling about how easily we can put people in our lives above Jesus, I just asked that the Lord would help me not to do this with the friends I lean on the most.
Here's the reality, it's easy to run to people we can see and touch when things go wrong...or even when all the world is going right. We want a reaction, we want affirmation that we don't have to tune in intently to get. There are some key people in my life that fill this role when Jesus is desperately wanting to be the one I want to tell at the first sign of good news or trouble. I fail at this daily but I am trying. And here's what doesn't make sense....He never fails to meet my expectations. In fact, Ephesians 3:20-22 talks about how Jesus will always exceed my expectations. When friends don't respond to your text meesages immediately or at all or they are busy with their own lives to be concerned with yours, you are left feeling empty and hurt. Unmet expectations suck.
And while I have found myself being cranky lately because of unmet expectations...in the most gentle of ways Jesus has helped put things in perspective. When I get frustrated it's because "MY" expectations aren't met...."MY" wants and needs are attended to....when it's not about "ME"....this lesson coming from a particular song I've listened to several times lately.
Before you gasp....yes, I have been listening to Christmas music already. There is a song on Shane and Shane's Christmas album called "Born to Die" and it is such a great reminder not only of the sacrifice Christ has made for me but the way I am suppose to live my life...dying to self and living for Christ alone. Those dots may not be perfectly connected through this blog post, but for me this morning it made perfect sense.
Here are the lyrics to the song:
When the babe was born, in a manger on the hay, God saw the veil torn, He saw Good Friday.
He was born to die.
Gold laid before the Christ, incense, His presence is sweet. Mur to signify victory o’er death’s sting.
He was born to die.
It came in a dream, to Joseph late one night, that Harrod sought the King but could not take His life.
He was born to die.
He said, “You don’t take my life. You won’t take me life. You don’t take my life, I lay it down.”
We came here today to celebrate His birth. Let us not forget why Jesus came to earth…
He was born to die.
He was born to die.
Here's the reality, it's easy to run to people we can see and touch when things go wrong...or even when all the world is going right. We want a reaction, we want affirmation that we don't have to tune in intently to get. There are some key people in my life that fill this role when Jesus is desperately wanting to be the one I want to tell at the first sign of good news or trouble. I fail at this daily but I am trying. And here's what doesn't make sense....He never fails to meet my expectations. In fact, Ephesians 3:20-22 talks about how Jesus will always exceed my expectations. When friends don't respond to your text meesages immediately or at all or they are busy with their own lives to be concerned with yours, you are left feeling empty and hurt. Unmet expectations suck.
And while I have found myself being cranky lately because of unmet expectations...in the most gentle of ways Jesus has helped put things in perspective. When I get frustrated it's because "MY" expectations aren't met...."MY" wants and needs are attended to....when it's not about "ME"....this lesson coming from a particular song I've listened to several times lately.
Before you gasp....yes, I have been listening to Christmas music already. There is a song on Shane and Shane's Christmas album called "Born to Die" and it is such a great reminder not only of the sacrifice Christ has made for me but the way I am suppose to live my life...dying to self and living for Christ alone. Those dots may not be perfectly connected through this blog post, but for me this morning it made perfect sense.
Here are the lyrics to the song:
When the babe was born, in a manger on the hay, God saw the veil torn, He saw Good Friday.
He was born to die.
Gold laid before the Christ, incense, His presence is sweet. Mur to signify victory o’er death’s sting.
He was born to die.
It came in a dream, to Joseph late one night, that Harrod sought the King but could not take His life.
He was born to die.
He said, “You don’t take my life. You won’t take me life. You don’t take my life, I lay it down.”
We came here today to celebrate His birth. Let us not forget why Jesus came to earth…
He was born to die.
He was born to die.
Monday, October 15, 2012
@TheEllenShow
Never a dull moment in my world.
On Thursday morning I saw a tweet from @TheEllenShow saying that if you wanted to win tickets to see Taylor Swift on the Ellen Show then email TayloronEllen@gmail.com
I immediately took a screen shot and sent it to my friend Andrew Bates who LOVES Taylor Swift. Andrew sent an email to win tickets, but I got to thinking "now Ellen loves a good story" so I decided to email as well and tell them about how much Andrew loves TSwift. I was shameless. I told her how he taught orphans in Uganda how to sing her songs and had their dream date planned out. I even included pictures and asked Ellen to make this college seniors dreams come true.
After I sent my email I decided to send a tweet out from my student activities account telling the freshmen in Andrew's welcome week group to email the address on his behalf. Within 24 hours about 40 people had either emailed or tweeted to tell Ellen to pick him for the show.
While sitting in the office on Friday afternoon addressing postcards for Mom's Weekend, Andrew checked his phone and just said "oh my goodness"....and I asked what was wrong. Andrew said "we just won tickets to see Taylor Swift." I didn't believe him until I read the email myself. Unfortunately we had tickets to see TSwift on the Ellen Show but no way of getting there.
Since Friday we, and by we I mean numerous friends and students, have been blowing up Ellen's twitter trying to get her and Taylor to fly us to the show Thursday. Keep your fingers crossed! I am choosing to believe that Ellen is going to call me today.
It all started with a hope of getting Andrew to meet Taylor Swift but now it's become an obsession for me to meet Ellen and tell her Daizy's story. If anyone could help get my sweet girl home it's Ellen (or Oprah).
On Thursday morning I saw a tweet from @TheEllenShow saying that if you wanted to win tickets to see Taylor Swift on the Ellen Show then email TayloronEllen@gmail.com
I immediately took a screen shot and sent it to my friend Andrew Bates who LOVES Taylor Swift. Andrew sent an email to win tickets, but I got to thinking "now Ellen loves a good story" so I decided to email as well and tell them about how much Andrew loves TSwift. I was shameless. I told her how he taught orphans in Uganda how to sing her songs and had their dream date planned out. I even included pictures and asked Ellen to make this college seniors dreams come true.
After I sent my email I decided to send a tweet out from my student activities account telling the freshmen in Andrew's welcome week group to email the address on his behalf. Within 24 hours about 40 people had either emailed or tweeted to tell Ellen to pick him for the show.
While sitting in the office on Friday afternoon addressing postcards for Mom's Weekend, Andrew checked his phone and just said "oh my goodness"....and I asked what was wrong. Andrew said "we just won tickets to see Taylor Swift." I didn't believe him until I read the email myself. Unfortunately we had tickets to see TSwift on the Ellen Show but no way of getting there.
Since Friday we, and by we I mean numerous friends and students, have been blowing up Ellen's twitter trying to get her and Taylor to fly us to the show Thursday. Keep your fingers crossed! I am choosing to believe that Ellen is going to call me today.
It all started with a hope of getting Andrew to meet Taylor Swift but now it's become an obsession for me to meet Ellen and tell her Daizy's story. If anyone could help get my sweet girl home it's Ellen (or Oprah).
best plan B ever.
Sometimes my plans just don't work out the way I thought...ever been there? This weekend was one of those times and so I had to come up with Plan B and let me say it was the best plan B ever.
The last weekend in September I was suppose to go to the beach and due to some unforseen problems we didn't get to go. I had been saving up to go shopping in Foley to get some new "smaller" clothes. Not only did I not get to enjoy the beach, some seafood and time with my family...my shopping trip was cancelled.
Over fall break my friend Amy got me all excited about going outlet shopping in Shreveport and then that fell through.
This past weekend I was suppose to go to Oxford, MS to see my friend Blake and go to the Auburn vs. Ole Miss game. Once I realized it was over an 8 hour drive and I would have to get a hotel room for two nights these free tickets weren't going to be so free. My seats weren't even with Blake so in reality I wouldn't get to spend much time with him at all. My sister and I finally had to make the call that the trip just wasn't worth it. After seeing the score of the game that was a good call on our part. War Eagle anyway!
So I began looking for new plans to get my shopping trip in...finally. So this weekend I went to stay with my friends Matt and Megan. I had so much fun this weekend. Friday night we went to see Matt's high school team play football in Independence Stadium.
Though the cowboys didn't win we had fun at the game and got a great picture out of it. After the game we went to TGI Fridays for dinner....I LOVE THAT PLACE!
Saturday we got up and headed for The Boardwalk in Shreveport so I could finally do some shopping. I cannot even tell you what a great feeling it is to be able to shop off the rack in stores like The Gap, Banana Republic, etc....I thoroughly enjoyed myself. My goal for the day was to get some new clothes and find things I normally wouldn't wear. Among many other things I wanted to brave buying a pair of colored jeans....mission accomplished.
Red skinny jeans....who would have thought. Pretty much everything I bought was a new look to my wardrobe and I am pretty excited about it. Daizy even got some new clothes from the GAP thanks to their clearance rack of summer clothes. My little diva is going to be styling and profiling this coming summer.
On Saturday evening we went to the LaTech vs. Texas A&M game.....man what a game! Both teams were ranked in the top 25....22 and 23 to be exact. We were cheering for the Tech Bulldogs who didn't win but played a heck of a game. I gotta say though....my favorite part of the game was seeing Texas A&M's band at half time. Wow! What a show. I love A&Ms traditions.
Here are some pics from the game...
I'm not really sure what this face is about. I am realizing that I cannot be serious for a picture. And then there is the next picture where I was doing the hand sign for the dawgs and Matt refusing to throwing up a dawgs sign. You can take the boy out of LC but you can't take LC out of the boy.
So after a great weekend catching up with friends, getting some new clothes and eating some good food I was headed back home where some happies awaited me. I asked two of my students to apartment/dog sit so I got home and not only found a happy dog but these two pics they had made for me. One was on Daizy's bed and the other was on my bed. Can a weekend get any better? I think not.
The last weekend in September I was suppose to go to the beach and due to some unforseen problems we didn't get to go. I had been saving up to go shopping in Foley to get some new "smaller" clothes. Not only did I not get to enjoy the beach, some seafood and time with my family...my shopping trip was cancelled.
Over fall break my friend Amy got me all excited about going outlet shopping in Shreveport and then that fell through.
This past weekend I was suppose to go to Oxford, MS to see my friend Blake and go to the Auburn vs. Ole Miss game. Once I realized it was over an 8 hour drive and I would have to get a hotel room for two nights these free tickets weren't going to be so free. My seats weren't even with Blake so in reality I wouldn't get to spend much time with him at all. My sister and I finally had to make the call that the trip just wasn't worth it. After seeing the score of the game that was a good call on our part. War Eagle anyway!
So I began looking for new plans to get my shopping trip in...finally. So this weekend I went to stay with my friends Matt and Megan. I had so much fun this weekend. Friday night we went to see Matt's high school team play football in Independence Stadium.
Saturday we got up and headed for The Boardwalk in Shreveport so I could finally do some shopping. I cannot even tell you what a great feeling it is to be able to shop off the rack in stores like The Gap, Banana Republic, etc....I thoroughly enjoyed myself. My goal for the day was to get some new clothes and find things I normally wouldn't wear. Among many other things I wanted to brave buying a pair of colored jeans....mission accomplished.
On Saturday evening we went to the LaTech vs. Texas A&M game.....man what a game! Both teams were ranked in the top 25....22 and 23 to be exact. We were cheering for the Tech Bulldogs who didn't win but played a heck of a game. I gotta say though....my favorite part of the game was seeing Texas A&M's band at half time. Wow! What a show. I love A&Ms traditions.
Here are some pics from the game...
So after a great weekend catching up with friends, getting some new clothes and eating some good food I was headed back home where some happies awaited me. I asked two of my students to apartment/dog sit so I got home and not only found a happy dog but these two pics they had made for me. One was on Daizy's bed and the other was on my bed. Can a weekend get any better? I think not.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
new clothes
Well I still have a LONG way to go in this weight loss journey but I have finally lost enough weight that getting some new clothes was a necessity...not just a luxury. When you can't keep your pants up even with a belt on then you know it's time to get some new clothes. Yesterday I finally put on pants that "fit" and it was wonderful....even better to be in smaller sizes. I even went out on a limb and bought some things that normally aren't my style but sometimes you have to live a little. Here is my steal of a deal that I got at Old Navy...
Looking forward to even smaller sizes when Christmas rolls around. Yay for sticking to goals and seeing results.
Looking forward to even smaller sizes when Christmas rolls around. Yay for sticking to goals and seeing results.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Tuesday Rant.
Well I have officially hit the afternoon lull where I am no longer productive at work. Usually Christian, my assistant, is here in the afternoons and he is a task guy so he pushes me through the lull...he's not here today and you see what I am doing??? blogging. This is only after laying on the couch in our lobby talking to our student worker and another co-worker and thus where the rant comes from. We got to talking about the household things that we despise doing and oddly enough we were in total agreement.....
putting away laundry!
Why? Why is this such a difficult thing to do and yet somehow the clothes make it from the dryer to the couch...then to a chair...then to a basket and up to the bedroom where they sit for a few more days. When I finally need something out of the basket I get irritated that the item is wrinkled and sometimes I just take the basket and wash it or at the very least stick it back in the dryer. Anyone else with me???
I was watching a talk show about time savers the other day and this was one of the things they talked about...putting clothes away immediately from the dryer. I have lofty ambitions but it just never happens. Vicious cycle!
I also despise unloading the dishwasher. Love loading it becuase I love when the sink is empty and then you realize they didn't really go away....they just got relocated. Ugh.
Woah is me....I should be thankful that I have clothes to wear and dishes to eat on and food that requires a plate and what do I choose to ponder on?? complaining.
Bottom line the irritating thing is that it never ends and thus is life. End rant.
So guess what I am doing tonight???? Folding clothes and putting them away while I watch my favorite shows on tele.
putting away laundry!
Why? Why is this such a difficult thing to do and yet somehow the clothes make it from the dryer to the couch...then to a chair...then to a basket and up to the bedroom where they sit for a few more days. When I finally need something out of the basket I get irritated that the item is wrinkled and sometimes I just take the basket and wash it or at the very least stick it back in the dryer. Anyone else with me???
I was watching a talk show about time savers the other day and this was one of the things they talked about...putting clothes away immediately from the dryer. I have lofty ambitions but it just never happens. Vicious cycle!
I also despise unloading the dishwasher. Love loading it becuase I love when the sink is empty and then you realize they didn't really go away....they just got relocated. Ugh.
Woah is me....I should be thankful that I have clothes to wear and dishes to eat on and food that requires a plate and what do I choose to ponder on?? complaining.
Bottom line the irritating thing is that it never ends and thus is life. End rant.
So guess what I am doing tonight???? Folding clothes and putting them away while I watch my favorite shows on tele.
Monday, October 8, 2012
santa claus is coming to town....or is he?
SANTA CLAUS...
When Daizy gets home and the holidays roll around how do I want to handle the Santa Claus issue. If you are reading this blog and still believe in Jolly Ole Saint Nicholas well here is your spoiler alert...he's not real. I never dreamed I would be the mom even contemplating this issue. I grew up believing in Santa and loved it. I never thought there would come a day where I would consider not allowing my children to believe in Santa....and then came Daizy.
Daizy is old enough to remember Christmas time before life at Big Momma's house. If you think about what we tell children about Santa this could cause all sorts of confusion for her. Here is an excert from wikipedia...
According to a tradition which can be traced to the 1820s, Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, with a large number of magical elves, and nine (originally eight) flying reindeer. Since the 20th century, in an idea popularized by the 1934 song "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town", Santa Claus has been believed to make a list of children throughout the world, categorizing them according to their behavior ("naughty" or "nice") and to deliver presents, including toys, and candy to all of the well-behaved children in the world, and sometimes coal to the naughty children, on the single night of Christmas Eve. He accomplishes this feat with the aid of the elves who make the toys in the workshop and the reindeer who pull his sleigh.[6][7]
Good children get gifts from the fat guy in the red suit and naughty children get nothing...or a lump of coal at best. So how do you explain that to a child who probably never got anything for Christmas? For the first five years of her life were she and all her friends in Uganda naughty children? Do you see the dilemma here?
However, I don't want to be "that" mom with "that" child who ruins the fun for everyone else. The last thing I want it for Daizy to be the whistle blower at school that Santa isn't real.
Where is the balance? It's a fun tradition but it is not the reason for Christmas and that is what I want Daizy to love and celerate...the birth of Jesus!
Needless to say I haven't solved this problem but I am interested in your traditions and how you have chosen to handle the Santa issue with your children. Ready, go....give me your insights wise women who read this blog. Even if you are not a woman or not a mother feel free to comment. I give this disclaimer...I will not judge you for your handling of Christmas traditions if you do not judge me for whatever I decide to do with Daizy.
So tell me....is Santa Claus coming to town?
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
asking the hard questions
Well as you know yesterday was my second home study interview. Just the fact that I am blogging about it so quickly should tell you that it went well. In fact....it couldn't have gone better. I had been dreading the 2nd one because of all of the emotions and processing that came with the first interview. On the other side of it I can say it was worth it!
I was just talking with a friend last night and we laughed about selling shirts or at least making some for ourselves that said "adoption is not for sissies"...amen? This process is tough. Nothing about your life is left unexposed...especially the raw emotions that are stirred up. But, here is what I am discovering....being asked the hard questions isn't a bad thing. Hard questions aren't bad questions. What came of two hours of being grilled with hard questions was sleepless nights of processing, praying and digging my heals deep in the pursuit of bringing my daughter home. Though I was rattled I came out of it more resolved than ever!
Going into the 2nd interview I think I was far more prepared for the hard questions and they didn't seem so hard. I was prayed up and the Lord was kind and faithful to reveal His nearness to me that morning as I got up to seek Him before the sun came up. There is a confidence that comes when you can truly grasp that the God who created the universe is on your side and holds all things together.
So here was the hardest question I was asked....and let me tell you when the social worker prefaces the question with "I hate asking this question...this is a hard one" you know you need to brace yourself. So here it was..."what if this process doesn't end the way you want...for whatever reason let's say Daizy doesn't come home."
(gulp)
With tears in my eyes I was able to honestly answer this questions because for a week now it's all I have thought about, prayed about, cried over...
If we compare this process to a pregnancy then you could say I am well into my 2nd trimester. I am emotionally invested not only in this process but I am invested in Daizy. I have prepared my heart and my home for her...she is a reality in my life. I have prepared her room. Her closet has clothes in it. Her pictures hang on my walls. At this point there would be grieving if this process did not end with her coming home. To be honest I don't know how long that would take or what it would look like. Just as if I lost someone I was close to....I would have to take it one day at a time. Each day would be a decision to get out of bed and try to get back to life as I knew it. It may take weeks, it may take months, it may take years. But life would have to go on. And if this process didn't end the way I would like it to it doesn't mean that I misunderstood the Lord. Moses never got to see the promise land but it didn't release him from leading the people and going through the journey to get there. So here is what I have discovered....I am not defined by my family, or what I do, or my failures NOR my successes...and my identity is not defined by being Daizy's mom. Not having her here would be hard but my identity is found only in Christ my Savior and the Bible tells me that he is unchanging, unshakable and is quite capable of healing my broken heart.
It's been a hard couple of weeks...but good ones. I am in a relentless pursuit to bring my daughter home and I can't say thank you enough for your love, support and encouragement.
Here is a new picture I got of Daizy yesterday...enjoy.
I was just talking with a friend last night and we laughed about selling shirts or at least making some for ourselves that said "adoption is not for sissies"...amen? This process is tough. Nothing about your life is left unexposed...especially the raw emotions that are stirred up. But, here is what I am discovering....being asked the hard questions isn't a bad thing. Hard questions aren't bad questions. What came of two hours of being grilled with hard questions was sleepless nights of processing, praying and digging my heals deep in the pursuit of bringing my daughter home. Though I was rattled I came out of it more resolved than ever!
Going into the 2nd interview I think I was far more prepared for the hard questions and they didn't seem so hard. I was prayed up and the Lord was kind and faithful to reveal His nearness to me that morning as I got up to seek Him before the sun came up. There is a confidence that comes when you can truly grasp that the God who created the universe is on your side and holds all things together.
So here was the hardest question I was asked....and let me tell you when the social worker prefaces the question with "I hate asking this question...this is a hard one" you know you need to brace yourself. So here it was..."what if this process doesn't end the way you want...for whatever reason let's say Daizy doesn't come home."
(gulp)
With tears in my eyes I was able to honestly answer this questions because for a week now it's all I have thought about, prayed about, cried over...
If we compare this process to a pregnancy then you could say I am well into my 2nd trimester. I am emotionally invested not only in this process but I am invested in Daizy. I have prepared my heart and my home for her...she is a reality in my life. I have prepared her room. Her closet has clothes in it. Her pictures hang on my walls. At this point there would be grieving if this process did not end with her coming home. To be honest I don't know how long that would take or what it would look like. Just as if I lost someone I was close to....I would have to take it one day at a time. Each day would be a decision to get out of bed and try to get back to life as I knew it. It may take weeks, it may take months, it may take years. But life would have to go on. And if this process didn't end the way I would like it to it doesn't mean that I misunderstood the Lord. Moses never got to see the promise land but it didn't release him from leading the people and going through the journey to get there. So here is what I have discovered....I am not defined by my family, or what I do, or my failures NOR my successes...and my identity is not defined by being Daizy's mom. Not having her here would be hard but my identity is found only in Christ my Savior and the Bible tells me that he is unchanging, unshakable and is quite capable of healing my broken heart.
It's been a hard couple of weeks...but good ones. I am in a relentless pursuit to bring my daughter home and I can't say thank you enough for your love, support and encouragement.
Here is a new picture I got of Daizy yesterday...enjoy.
Monday, October 1, 2012
only me...
Unfortunately there isn't really a back up plan if you're sick for CC100 because no one can step in and teach the material and if you cancel class then that group of students just doesn't get the material. Needless to say I got up and got ready to teach class only because the plan was to come home immediately after class and go back to bed.
Before class started that morning I went to use the restroom and that's when it was confirmed I should have just stayed home...
As I was walking into the stall my jacket pocket got caught on the latch to the stall so when I turned to lock the stall door my pocket pulled the door quickly towards me. Unfortunately the hook for your purse was at eye level and so I poked myself in the eye pretty violently. In fact...it startled me more than it hurt me but it just kind of took my breath away. HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN...seriously??? Only me!
Worry not....no black eye, eyeball is still in tact but I can assure you I will not be using that stall again!
Friday, September 28, 2012
ROUND 2: Daizy Shirts
After selling 300 shirts they are still in demand so I am placing a second order this Monday. I am getting an assortment of sizes and colors but if you need youth sizes or "big kid" sizes I need a pre-order for that :) Let me know if you want one....we'd love to have you rocking your Daizy shirt wherever you are!
COMING SOON...
My sister threw out the idea of creating a cookbook as a fundraiser so start pulling out your favorite go to recipes that you want to share with the world and we will see if we can't get a cookbook compiled to have ready for Christmas presents.
submit recipes to kbthomas@lacollege.edu
COMING SOON...
My sister threw out the idea of creating a cookbook as a fundraiser so start pulling out your favorite go to recipes that you want to share with the world and we will see if we can't get a cookbook compiled to have ready for Christmas presents.
submit recipes to kbthomas@lacollege.edu
Thursday, September 27, 2012
home invasion....I mean home study
Most of you know that I had my first home study interview this past Friday….first let me say thank you for the prayers. I was overwhelmed by your love and support that day. My phone was blowing up all day with your words of encouragement and/or pics of you in your Daizy shirt. I don’t even have words to describe the feelings I had when I got back on campus that day and LC was covered with Daizy shirts. One of our students put on twitter that if an outsider drove by they would think that LC got new uniforms. To date there are 300 people out there wearing shirts to support my growing family and I am humbled and thankful!
I really don’t even know where to begin to describe the events of Friday. I vowed to share with you the good, the bad, the ugly of the adoption process and I am still on the fence as to which category to put the home study interview in. No matter how you spin it….you are interviewing with a perfect stranger who is going to get all up in your business, write a report about you that is submitted to two national governments and from that you will either be approved or denied to adopt a child. No pressure right?
Just by nature of my blog it’s no secret that my life is an open book. I am a processor and I like to think out loud and talk things out. You would think this would work in my favor in a process like this…even so, I will say this was the most invasive process I have ever gone through. My social worker is an incredible woman who loves the Lord so that wasn’t the issue. Imagine having to take all the “baggage” in your lifetime and put it on a table and tell a stranger about it….ugh. When I left the two hour interview I was emotionally drained. And like any good woman can, I over analyzed every answer that I gave…every question and follow up question that was asked…body language…you name it. By the time I had arrived back in Pineville I was convinced there is no way I could get approved to raise a child. It really is amazing the way that Satan will seek to devour you even when (especially when) you know without a doubt you are being obedient to the Lord.
When it comes to what I expected from this interview….I knew there would be questions about how I planned to be a single parent, how I planned to discipline, what led me to this point of adoption and lots of questions about my family. Again, it’s no secret to most of you that the Thomas Family has been dealt its share of ups and downs. I always tell people that we put “fun” in dysfunctional. So I knew going in there would be questions about the strained relationship I have with my mom and the homosexual lifestyle that my father lives. One thing that is undeniable, I seem to have more than my share of “baggage” but I have also accepted that it has made me who I am today. I have no regrets, as if I caused these things to happen, but in so many seasons of my life the Lord has used my experiences to minister to others. I quit asking a long time ago “why me?” and turned my questions into a “how can you use this?” and “what do you want me to learn from this Lord?” So, I was expecting to have to unpack a lot of that but it still wasn’t easy. To have someone look at you and ask if you’ve ever gone to counseling is never easy to hear because ultimately what I heard was “you need counseling.”
Side note on counseling---I do not think counseling is a bad thing. I do not think it implies you are crazy to see a counselor….that is a social stigma that I think is ridiculous. I’m not really sure why I have never gone to professional counseling, to be honest. I am sure I’ve blamed the cost, the time…who knows. I do know that I have been incredibly blessed to have godly people in my life at every season who have given me wise counsel. I’m blessed that God wired me not to bottle up my emotions so that there isn’t 34 years of “messed up ness” fighting it’s way to the top. I will say that after the initial interview I have prayed about going to counseling. If that is something that will help me be a better mom to Daizy…by all means I am willing to do that. There are countless resources I will need as a mom and I’m willing to admit a counselor may just be one of them. *end side note*
So after I felt (irrational feelings) that I now had two strikes against me, here came the curve ball and strike number three. I was asked about my job history and all the jobs I have worked since high school. As I began listing jobs and years of employment I got to 2005-2006 where I served at LSU…still breezing on through to the 7 years I have now served at LC. SEVEN YEARS….holy cow! And then came the dreaded question… “have you ever been fired from a job?” (enter dramatic piano playing here). Why did I not think this would come up? Why didn’t I prepare for this? Most of you know the answer to this….because of poor decisions on my part to be more loyal to students than to my boss/ministry partner, I was asked to leave my job at LSU. Here may be the highlight of my day though….I was able to talk about that season of my life without being emotional. If I could paint a picture of that moment it would be of me in a boxing ring and hearing the bell ring and the ref holding my hand up in the air as the victor of the fight. For the first time I realized I had finally forgiven myself. It has been an incredible year of emotional and spiritual healing for me and I realized I had finally let my failure go….my failure in that job no longer defined me. No doubt, that was one of the most defining moments of my life. I was forced to deal with failure for the first time in my adult life and learn how to pick myself up and move on. THANK YOU LORD! Thank you for that moment of knowing that you had redeemed my past and have given me a great future in student ministry where I am stronger, better and far wiser than I was in 2005.
That is a lot to overcome….BUT PRAISE THE LORD THAT HE CAN! After a two hour drive home feeling completely defeated, the Lord has gently reminded me this week that He is in control and its only by his grace and his imputed righteousness into my life that I could ever be a good parent.
“A” if you’re reading this….and I know you do because you’re good at your job like that….know that I am so thankful for your graciousness and kindness through this process. There was nothing you did or didn’t do that caused any of these emotions….Satan is crafty like that and would love nothing more than to see me give in and give up on fighting for my Daizy. If there is one thing I know for sure is that we have the same goal in sight…doing what is best for Daizy!!
So here’s to preparing for home study interview number two and all that entails. Mark your calendars and start praying because #2 will be next Tuesday, October 2nd at 10:30am
In closing I am left chuckling at a line from The Hunger Games….”may the odds be ever in your favor!”
I really don’t even know where to begin to describe the events of Friday. I vowed to share with you the good, the bad, the ugly of the adoption process and I am still on the fence as to which category to put the home study interview in. No matter how you spin it….you are interviewing with a perfect stranger who is going to get all up in your business, write a report about you that is submitted to two national governments and from that you will either be approved or denied to adopt a child. No pressure right?
Just by nature of my blog it’s no secret that my life is an open book. I am a processor and I like to think out loud and talk things out. You would think this would work in my favor in a process like this…even so, I will say this was the most invasive process I have ever gone through. My social worker is an incredible woman who loves the Lord so that wasn’t the issue. Imagine having to take all the “baggage” in your lifetime and put it on a table and tell a stranger about it….ugh. When I left the two hour interview I was emotionally drained. And like any good woman can, I over analyzed every answer that I gave…every question and follow up question that was asked…body language…you name it. By the time I had arrived back in Pineville I was convinced there is no way I could get approved to raise a child. It really is amazing the way that Satan will seek to devour you even when (especially when) you know without a doubt you are being obedient to the Lord.
When it comes to what I expected from this interview….I knew there would be questions about how I planned to be a single parent, how I planned to discipline, what led me to this point of adoption and lots of questions about my family. Again, it’s no secret to most of you that the Thomas Family has been dealt its share of ups and downs. I always tell people that we put “fun” in dysfunctional. So I knew going in there would be questions about the strained relationship I have with my mom and the homosexual lifestyle that my father lives. One thing that is undeniable, I seem to have more than my share of “baggage” but I have also accepted that it has made me who I am today. I have no regrets, as if I caused these things to happen, but in so many seasons of my life the Lord has used my experiences to minister to others. I quit asking a long time ago “why me?” and turned my questions into a “how can you use this?” and “what do you want me to learn from this Lord?” So, I was expecting to have to unpack a lot of that but it still wasn’t easy. To have someone look at you and ask if you’ve ever gone to counseling is never easy to hear because ultimately what I heard was “you need counseling.”
Side note on counseling---I do not think counseling is a bad thing. I do not think it implies you are crazy to see a counselor….that is a social stigma that I think is ridiculous. I’m not really sure why I have never gone to professional counseling, to be honest. I am sure I’ve blamed the cost, the time…who knows. I do know that I have been incredibly blessed to have godly people in my life at every season who have given me wise counsel. I’m blessed that God wired me not to bottle up my emotions so that there isn’t 34 years of “messed up ness” fighting it’s way to the top. I will say that after the initial interview I have prayed about going to counseling. If that is something that will help me be a better mom to Daizy…by all means I am willing to do that. There are countless resources I will need as a mom and I’m willing to admit a counselor may just be one of them. *end side note*
So after I felt (irrational feelings) that I now had two strikes against me, here came the curve ball and strike number three. I was asked about my job history and all the jobs I have worked since high school. As I began listing jobs and years of employment I got to 2005-2006 where I served at LSU…still breezing on through to the 7 years I have now served at LC. SEVEN YEARS….holy cow! And then came the dreaded question… “have you ever been fired from a job?” (enter dramatic piano playing here). Why did I not think this would come up? Why didn’t I prepare for this? Most of you know the answer to this….because of poor decisions on my part to be more loyal to students than to my boss/ministry partner, I was asked to leave my job at LSU. Here may be the highlight of my day though….I was able to talk about that season of my life without being emotional. If I could paint a picture of that moment it would be of me in a boxing ring and hearing the bell ring and the ref holding my hand up in the air as the victor of the fight. For the first time I realized I had finally forgiven myself. It has been an incredible year of emotional and spiritual healing for me and I realized I had finally let my failure go….my failure in that job no longer defined me. No doubt, that was one of the most defining moments of my life. I was forced to deal with failure for the first time in my adult life and learn how to pick myself up and move on. THANK YOU LORD! Thank you for that moment of knowing that you had redeemed my past and have given me a great future in student ministry where I am stronger, better and far wiser than I was in 2005.
That is a lot to overcome….BUT PRAISE THE LORD THAT HE CAN! After a two hour drive home feeling completely defeated, the Lord has gently reminded me this week that He is in control and its only by his grace and his imputed righteousness into my life that I could ever be a good parent.
“A” if you’re reading this….and I know you do because you’re good at your job like that….know that I am so thankful for your graciousness and kindness through this process. There was nothing you did or didn’t do that caused any of these emotions….Satan is crafty like that and would love nothing more than to see me give in and give up on fighting for my Daizy. If there is one thing I know for sure is that we have the same goal in sight…doing what is best for Daizy!!
So here’s to preparing for home study interview number two and all that entails. Mark your calendars and start praying because #2 will be next Tuesday, October 2nd at 10:30am
In closing I am left chuckling at a line from The Hunger Games….”may the odds be ever in your favor!”
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
a blog recommendation
First let me say that I am still processing my first home study interview and trying to figure out how to put that experience into a blog...but it's coming.
Second...I have lots of pictures to sort through and post of all the people out there rocking Daizy shirts and showing their love and support. That blog will take a while to put together but I will get it posted soon!
But this morning the blog that doesn't take a long time to put together is my recommendation of another blog. I recently met Jessica Bufkin...author of a blog for singles called Single Roots. Jessica and I have lots of mutual friends and decided it was time for us to be friends. We met for coffee this past Saturday and just chatted about life. Her blog is quite phenomenal...funny, wise, full of insight and the list goes on. The post this morning was incredibly timely for me with some things that are going on around LC's campus. Thanks Jess for your wise words and encouragement to pursue righteousness with our words even on social media outlets.
Check out the Single Roots blog at www.singleroots.com
And here would be my new kindred spirit...
Happy reading!
Second...I have lots of pictures to sort through and post of all the people out there rocking Daizy shirts and showing their love and support. That blog will take a while to put together but I will get it posted soon!
But this morning the blog that doesn't take a long time to put together is my recommendation of another blog. I recently met Jessica Bufkin...author of a blog for singles called Single Roots. Jessica and I have lots of mutual friends and decided it was time for us to be friends. We met for coffee this past Saturday and just chatted about life. Her blog is quite phenomenal...funny, wise, full of insight and the list goes on. The post this morning was incredibly timely for me with some things that are going on around LC's campus. Thanks Jess for your wise words and encouragement to pursue righteousness with our words even on social media outlets.
Check out the Single Roots blog at www.singleroots.com
And here would be my new kindred spirit...
Happy reading!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
God is doing BIG things!
Sorry I haven't updated in a couple of weeks. When I have an absence from blogging one of two things is going on #1 absolutely NOTHING or #2 a whole lot! This time around it's #2.
My friend SaraBeth Fentress....the founder of 127 Worldwide was in town visiting for a few days. SB and I met back in 2000 at Southwestern Seminary and have been kindred spirits and dear friends ever since. We've been blessed to travel the globe together and share a love for all things Africa. SB is the one who got me on my first trip to Uganda and as you see the rest is history. SB came in town because one of my teammates this summer had helped raise money for a well with the help of his church. When we got back two months ago Andrew was sharing with his church about the trip and someone asked what the greatest need was at Acres of Hope. Without hesitating Andrew responded "clean water"...these people need a well. Almost as quickly as he answered his pastor spoke up and said that the church was committing to fund a well project! Praise the Lord! Two months later SaraBeth came to share with the church about Acres of Hope and 127WW and was presented with a check for over $10,000 to build a well. Again, PRAISE THE LORD!
Who knew three years ago when SB asked me to lead a team that we would be here....Acres of Hope standing with children living there and a school in session...a non-profit organization that the Lord is blessing and both of us in a process of adopting daughters. God is so good and I am blessed to call SB my friend. Here's a pic from this weekend...we get asked all the time if we are sisters.
In other news....just in time for Aunt SB to come visit...I got Daizy's room finished! I just have a few small things to do on the walls but for the most part it is complete and ready for her to come home.
And last but not least....shirts are here and going out like crazy. I decided I wanted to do a collage for Daizy's room of all the people who bought shirts to help get her home. I've been asking people to send me pics of them in their shirts and have gotten a wonderful response. I've sold almost 300 in a week and shirts are in about 10 states in the US! Daizy is one loved little girl already. I had several people tell me I needed to take a picture of Matti in a Daizy shirt so I did. Here's hoping Matti loves Daizy more than she loved wearing this shirt.
If you bought a shirt send me a pic! And if you have a shirt this Friday is a perfect day to wear it and remember to pray for us...I have my first home study interview this Friday at 10am. Yay!
My friend SaraBeth Fentress....the founder of 127 Worldwide was in town visiting for a few days. SB and I met back in 2000 at Southwestern Seminary and have been kindred spirits and dear friends ever since. We've been blessed to travel the globe together and share a love for all things Africa. SB is the one who got me on my first trip to Uganda and as you see the rest is history. SB came in town because one of my teammates this summer had helped raise money for a well with the help of his church. When we got back two months ago Andrew was sharing with his church about the trip and someone asked what the greatest need was at Acres of Hope. Without hesitating Andrew responded "clean water"...these people need a well. Almost as quickly as he answered his pastor spoke up and said that the church was committing to fund a well project! Praise the Lord! Two months later SaraBeth came to share with the church about Acres of Hope and 127WW and was presented with a check for over $10,000 to build a well. Again, PRAISE THE LORD!
Who knew three years ago when SB asked me to lead a team that we would be here....Acres of Hope standing with children living there and a school in session...a non-profit organization that the Lord is blessing and both of us in a process of adopting daughters. God is so good and I am blessed to call SB my friend. Here's a pic from this weekend...we get asked all the time if we are sisters.
In other news....just in time for Aunt SB to come visit...I got Daizy's room finished! I just have a few small things to do on the walls but for the most part it is complete and ready for her to come home.
And last but not least....shirts are here and going out like crazy. I decided I wanted to do a collage for Daizy's room of all the people who bought shirts to help get her home. I've been asking people to send me pics of them in their shirts and have gotten a wonderful response. I've sold almost 300 in a week and shirts are in about 10 states in the US! Daizy is one loved little girl already. I had several people tell me I needed to take a picture of Matti in a Daizy shirt so I did. Here's hoping Matti loves Daizy more than she loved wearing this shirt.
If you bought a shirt send me a pic! And if you have a shirt this Friday is a perfect day to wear it and remember to pray for us...I have my first home study interview this Friday at 10am. Yay!
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