A Word

You know the old saying, “If you don’t have something good to say, then don’t say anything at all?”

I think the same can apply to writing. I’ve noticed that most of my blogging lately has been updates. However, I miss blogging about other things like…snails, village visits, mangoes, or simple conversations I share with my boys. I also miss blogging about my spiritual life. After a bit of reflection on this change in my blogging style, I’ve decided that it’s been this way for two main reasons: I’ve been in either travel mode (the summer) or survival mode (since the fall).

I’m slightly embarrassed to share that I haven’t been writing too much of what’s on my mind, because it’s not very pretty.  I’m struggling with my attitude these days.  I’m also struggling with my faith or rather how my transformed faith through my experiences in Africa don’t fit into the American church setting of my upbringing.  I feel like a controversial misfit.  I feel like my options are to either cover up my changes and try to blend in or become something surprisingly and possibly drastically different.  I wonder how many other people are in my situation.  

I pledged honesty to myself and to my readers a few years ago when I started my blog.  My crazy ideal was to be vulnerable and transparent in hopes that my story could offer hope, encouragement and understanding to others.  (I thought this might be especially useful during the process of transitioning from being a full-time missionary through reentry.) I crave authentic relationship with others and God.  I want to hold up my end of the bargain.  However, I feel like I’ve let myself down. (Maybe, I’ve let you down too…if you read closely and know me well enough to detect the shift.)  The problem, I’ve found, especially since being back in America is that being really honest is really hard!  Especially, through the medium of a blog.  (Although, one could agree it’s also easier….)  For me it’s harder because I need feedback.  I am grateful and blessed by the many comments I receive on my blog.  However, I also need face time…to read someone’s expression…to be embraced….that kind of feedback.  That’s been lacking in my friendships since I’ve been back, but that’s another story.  Anyway, I’m going to wrap this up by saying I want to recommit to blogging with an open heart and honest voice whatever the risk.  Can I also ask you, dear reader, to support me in this by giving feedback?  Much love, T

Colorado Here We Come!

We are traveling to Colorado today to participate in a 2 week language program at MTI.  This is a “working interview” for Bryan.  He will be co-teaching some of the sessions and meeting with all of the other program leaders.  The kids will take part in the children’s program which is excellent.  Guess what I’ll be doing?  I’m going to learn how to learn another language!  I am very curious how this will go….

I truly hope that I can keep up with NaBloPoMo, but I am not sure what my life will look like for the next two weeks!  I probably should’ve thought about that before I signed up, but I get spontaneous sometimes and things like this happen.

Anyway, please pray for us and we get to know the team at MTI.  My prayer is the God will confirm (either way) if this is the job for us.  I am trying to keep an open mind and spiritual outlook on the whole idea of raising our own support.  From a fleshly point of view this is the worst time to do so…financial crisis, holidays, new administration, etc.  However, I know from experience that God can and will do whatever it takes to accomplish his will.  I pray that what we want to do is within his will and his timing.  Thanks for your prayers.

NaBloPoMo

November is National Blog Posting Month. The goal is post something every day.  I thought I’d play along this year.  I really hope I don’t forget.

Back in Business

We have Internet!!!

That means so many things, doesn’t it?  I can get directions, recipes and medical information.  I can shop, register my kids for sports and call my friends in Togo over skype.  I can check facebook, look up phone numbers and simply surf.  The hubby can check sports scores.  The kids can visit their favorite sites.

Best of all, I can blog anytime I want.

Loose Ends

We leave today to begin our Summer of Suitcases!  We are traveling all over to visit family and friends.  On the schedule this summer…Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, California, Washington, and Colorado.  I am not sure what my Internet access will be like, so I may be missing for a few weeks.  But, there are a few things I wanted to share before we hit the road.

• We have a new mini-van!  It’s a 2008 Toyota Sienna.  There’s a long and exciting story that goes along with this blessing.  Maybe I’ll blog about it later when I have more time.
• We have been welcomed back to the US with open arms by our family and church friends.  We have been blessed financially and relationally.  Thank you!!!  Again, I am collecting many cool stories of God’s provision and love.  
• If you leave a comment on my blog- check back to see if I’ve left a comment on your comment!  My friend, Katrina, showed me how to do this awhile ago, but I’m not sure if anyone is aware of this change.  My comments are in italics after your comment in the same comment box.  Cool, huh?
• I have a new digital camera, so I will be posting more pictures soon.  Yeah!

Blessings to you and keep in touch!

One Word

Just for fun I thought I’d take Patty and Sandi up on their offer to fill this out for myself.  My answers are reflective of what’s going on with the move…don’t you think?  Try it yourself..it’s fun and challenging to think of only ONE word!!!

1. Where is your cell phone? Nowhere
2. Your significant other? Integrity
3. Your hair? Sweaty
4. Your mother? Heaven
5. Your father? Preacher
6. Your favorite thing? People
7. Your dream last night? Stress-filled
8. Your favorite drink? Milkshake
9. Your goal or dream? Artist
10. The room you’re in? Living
11. Your kids? Energetic
12. Your fear? Crazy
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Sane
14. Where were you last night? Home
15. What you’re not? Mild
16. Muffins? Fresh
17. One of your wish list items? Peace
18. Where you grew up? California
19. The last thing you did ? Chocolate Cake
20. What are you wearing? Clothes
21. Your TV? Off
22. Your pets? Gone
23. Your computer? Slow
24. Your life? Up-in-the-air
25. Your mood? Tense
26. Missing someone? Always
27. Your car? Sold
28. Something you’re not wearing? Jewelry
29. Favorite Store? Drugstore
30. Your summer? Traveling
31. Like someone? Yes
32. Your favorite color? Blue
33. When is the last time you laughed? 5 minutes ago
34. Last time you cried? Can’t remember
35. The person who sent this to you? Patty/Sandi
36. Who will/would resend this? ????
37. A good book? Perfect
38. A good movie? Challenging
39. A good song? Dance
40. One word to share? Love

The Influencers

My buddy, Becky Reeves, tagged me to list my mentors and older-than-me friends (minus parents) that have influenced me positively over the years. I don’t always do these tag things, but in this case, I think it’s worthwhile to think about the ways special people have aided me on my walk through life. I’ve put an asterisk by the ones that I have never met, yet influenced me through their words- either through speeches or books. The others have been a part of my life in person at some point. Some of them only for a brief season. Some of them I still converse with often. Some of them might not even know the impact they have had on me. In no particular order…

1. Jesus
2. C.S. Lewis
3. Ruth Dickey
4. Tom Moore
5. Suzanne Sager
6. Darla Sanderson
7. Gretchen Mahoney
8. Carol Kell
9. Nita Cochran
10. Ross Cochran
11. Beth Cox
12. Monte Cox
13. Mark Berryman
14. Sandy Berryman
15. Karen Alexander
16. Suzi Jeffreys
17. Jeanene Reese
18. Becky East
19. Mrs. Knox
20. Mrs. Weise
21. Coach Renee
22. Martha Johnson
23. Kay Richardson
24. Edith Friesen
25. Gordon Stone
26. Bono*
27. Sally Clarkson*
28. John Piper *
29. Larry Crabb*
30. Amy Carmichael*
31. Martin Luther King, Jr.*

Thank you, I am blessed!

I’d like to hear from some of you! Cheryl, Kelly, Katrina…you’re it!

Just In Case…

you were wondering where I’ve been. Our internet has been frustratingly wacked out! It will work for two minutes and then stop for 15 minutes (or something random like that) all day long! I have some pictures of Esther and Ezra that I am eager to share with you.  Also, some shots of our Christmas tree decorating evening.  Stay tuned…pray that Togotelecom can get their act together soon.

And the Winner Is…

Ben Ries! Congratulations!  I will be sending a live elephant your way soon. Better yet, why don’t we take you on a safari in February and you can see them in their natural habitat? Keep checking the mail, your treat from Togo will arrive in about 3 weeks. Thanks to everyone for playing along. Happy Reading!

Contest

This is not an original idea with me, but I think it’ll be fun….

As a way to say “Thanks” to my readers for actually reading what I write AND leaving comments from time to time. I am having a little blog contest. It’s simple really, if you are the 10,000 visitor to New Creation leave a comment and you’ll receive a small gift from Togo!!! (Oooh…I wonder what it could be?  Sugar peanuts? A carved elephant? Lovely fabric?)

How can you tell if you’re the 10,000 visitor? Check the blog stats on the right column. Can’t wait to see who wins!!!!