by jeannie | Dec 9, 2008 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
Amazing weekend overall, but a highlight was Friday night when my group came over to spend the night as we wind down our Fall Semester. It was a great time in God’s word, made complete with full on dancing, ninja jumping, temporary tatoos galore, as well as Tshirt and Canvas painting! We ended the night with the entire den covered with 8th grade girls in sleeping bags drifting off to sleep to a movie. Some girls don’t drift off to sleep, but rather go full throttle until they collapse! An amazing night. Here’s the link to flickr photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28347066@N04/sets/72157610845280099/ Our Christmas party is Wednesday! Karaoke...
by jeannie | Nov 25, 2008 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
Here’s some pictures of a mission day where we took our middle school groups, went into a St. John’s area and enjoyed the kids there, and families. As my good friend Josephine informed me, many of these people are illegals, and as they need repairs or help in any way, many times they are taken advantage of for the simple reason that they can’t report it. We met up across the street at the Brents, prayed together and headed out with loaded cars. As we arrived, and began setting up, sidewalk chalk art, hopscotch, games of football, etc. were already beginning. We cooked burgers, picked up and fixed up the playscape, hung some swings, added some sand to the sandbox, painted faces, played kickball, and just enjoyed the day so much. More than anything, the smiles and affection the kids of that neighborhood received, and watching them enjoy a day of pure fun was a privilege to be part of. We were all blessed that day and I loved watching my middle school group, my husband, my children, my new friends, all give so much of themselves for no other reason than they wanted to be there to love on those people. And I just don’t have the words for how lovable they are. Here’s the link to the full set of pictures on Flickr. ...
by jeannie | Nov 8, 2008 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
I went out for dinner and club last night at TBarM. Very fun, and eventful, including a wrong turn or two in the dark met with constant laughter about seriously getting lost in the middle of nowhere. I was met with lots of hugs, and dropped off my care package, speakers for the girls’ ipods that I later learned was against the rules. oops. Live music started and lots of jumping and dancing followed by us all. The girls were having fun, and it was very hard to leave. Can’t wait to hear all the details when they get back tomorrow. Here’s one of the group, some candids of our group, and one of me and...
by jeannie | Nov 3, 2008 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
I was reading today in Summer’s blog (Ella’s former teacher who is now in Peace Corps.) and was reminded how thankful I am for the simple things. Water, electricity, and I’ve also decided that 80-90 degrees in October isn’t so bad, even as I remember rumbling about it somewhat at the soccer game last weekend. Summer is teaching English to kids a world away, in Mauritania, where the heat is in triple digits, there is no running water, no real bathroom and a huge difference in customs and culture. However, she is smiling in every picture and excited about what she’s contributing. Love it. Here’s a picture of Ella’s teacher having just henna’d her hands. Notice the Longhorn on the right. I bet she hasn’t heard about last night’s game yet, and I’m not going to tell her! Go Red...
by jeannie | Jun 24, 2008 | buildingaboat, Uncategorized |
It was just yesterday that Jim got some sad news. News of his Mexico Mission trip friend came Sunday about 3 p.m. Here is Jim’s note he sent out in email to a few folks. I have some sad news to share and wanted to request that you all pray this week for the friends and family of one of my mission trip friends. Yesterday, he and his entire family including his wife, and three children were killed in a car crash leaving Custer Road Methodist church in Plano. He was very active in the Mission Trips to Mexico and his wife very active in the church in Plano. Below is a link to the article in the Dallas paper and a nice look at the great people they were. No doubt God has greater plans for them. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/collin/plano/stories/DN-fivedead_23met.ART.State.Edition2.4d6f138.html God bless and thank you. If you’re like me, you’re constantly thinking on how we could be doing more and learning more and making some difference while we’re here. With Jim’s latest news, it makes me remember how fragile it all really is, and at the same time how consistent our joy can actually remain if we stay focused on why we’re here, Who we’re serving and remembering that there’s a purpose we can live out each day. It really is all about the journey, and not where we’re trying to ‘wind up.’ Jim and I have more clarity each day how blessed we are and our level of gratitude continues to magnify. Some weekday mornings, but every Saturday morning, almost without exception, Jim plays this song first before any other… “Thank You” by 33 Miles. The...
