Wow! Where has the time gone? Summer officially started here when the kids got off school 20 days ago and it’s been a blur. A good blur, but a blur nonetheless.
We started off our summer preparing for our church's annual Dominican Republic mission trip. This year just my husband and kids were going. The team of 23 men, women and children met in our church parking lot on June 22nd at 3:30am and set off to Santo Domingo for ten days.
It was a fabulous trip for everyone! Each day they made tremendous progress on the worksite (a school/church/medical clinic/water treatment facility)—the same project we’ve been working on for the past three years.
The “old-timers” on the team (including my family) were thrilled to reunite with their Dominican friends and the newbies were old-timers in no time at all. As has come to be the norm for these trips, language and cultural differences didn’t stop Dominicans and Americans from becoming one happy family.
Dan kept us all posted with a blog he wrote—as the internet connection allowed. If you haven’t read it yet and want a look at a wonderful short-term mission experience, check it out (www.woodsidemissionaries.blogspot.com).
God was so evidently at work in it all—the friendships, the work, the worship, the fellowship. As has come to be expected on these trips, God knit together the hearts of His children and used the many experiences to touch so many so deeply. Lives will be forever changed.
During the final night’s worship/goodbye service American and Dominicans joined as family for one last time—until next year. Members from the team were invited to share their testimony and I’ve been told by many who were there that my daughter shared a testimony that was eloquent, emotional and had everyone in the place crying.
To see both of my children blossom and bloom on this trip made my mama heart grow ten sizes. I thank God for His goodness and for answered prayers.
Since the ten days that my family was away was a bit too many days to be home alone, I headed to Florida to visit my sister for a week.What a treat to enjoy so much one-on-one time together. We rested, we played, we talked, we worked a little and boy oh boy did we eat! And then I came home and spent three glorious days (literally the weather was spectacular) home alone.
As I read each update from the DR I questioned my decision to stay behind. But as the days of the trip progressed I felt that God had us all right where He wanted us.
The missionaries returned to a heroes’ welcome--happy and full of stories (and dirty laundry)—softly landing into life with a picnic at our house. What a blessing it was to be with them all and share in the glow of their experience!
While life has been full lately, I sadly haven’t written anything at all! I have, however, been observing, processing and storing up bits for later. We’ll see what comes out the other side.
For now it’s on to our next adventure—hosting an exchange student from Spain who arrived this afternoon. She’s with a group of students from Spain who are here to immerse themselves in English and visit the local sights. Dan and I immediately declared her delightful, and the kids are already planning to visit her at her home in Valencia! Despite it being 1:00am Spain time, and she’s likely weary from traveling, she happily agreed to go with my daughter to a youth group Bible study this evening.
I am excited for this experience—for what we might learn from our guest and for what we might teach her. While much of her time is scheduled, I imagine we’ll show her sights in the area and experience things we’ve always wanted to do and never have. If you’re from the Philadelphia area, do you have any suggestions?
What adventures do you have planned for the summer?
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
July 6, 2011
July 3, 2008
Scooté Diem
I’m in love--and its name is Scooty.
Scooty, as in my sister’s new black scooter.
With fuel prices taking on heavenly proportions, urban dwellings hipsters are flocking to this gas sipping mode of locomotion. In my sister’s city you see them at almost every intersection and busy corner—fellow compatriots on a quest for energy efficiency. My sister joined their ranks a month ago.
As soon as she emailed me a picture of her new “baby,” I couldn’t wait to see it—and try it—for myself.
However, “talk” is one thing and “do” is another. I like to think it’s because we were so busy visiting and not because I’m becoming a fuddy-duddy, but I didn’t even think about riding the scooter for days. Then on Sunday, blessed with the perfect intersection of opportunity and desire, I boldly volunteered to go to the bagel store…on the scooter.
After a quick lesson from my sis, I headed cautiously down the street. For the entire 12 blocks to the store, I was a nervous wreck, fearing I’d fall off or crash into something. But on the return trip, my bike riding instincts kicked in and exhilaration replaced the fear.
What fun it was to cruise along the streets of St. Petersburg with the wind in my face. I wasn’t just observing the scenery, I was participating in it. Even though I’m a mid-age mom…and even though, like a dork, I kept forgetting to switch off the turn signal…and even though my top speed was only 32 mph, I felt like a cool dude. Joyful, energized and carefree.
Scooty, as in my sister’s new black scooter.
With fuel prices taking on heavenly proportions, urban dwellings hipsters are flocking to this gas sipping mode of locomotion. In my sister’s city you see them at almost every intersection and busy corner—fellow compatriots on a quest for energy efficiency. My sister joined their ranks a month ago.
As soon as she emailed me a picture of her new “baby,” I couldn’t wait to see it—and try it—for myself.
However, “talk” is one thing and “do” is another. I like to think it’s because we were so busy visiting and not because I’m becoming a fuddy-duddy, but I didn’t even think about riding the scooter for days. Then on Sunday, blessed with the perfect intersection of opportunity and desire, I boldly volunteered to go to the bagel store…on the scooter.
After a quick lesson from my sis, I headed cautiously down the street. For the entire 12 blocks to the store, I was a nervous wreck, fearing I’d fall off or crash into something. But on the return trip, my bike riding instincts kicked in and exhilaration replaced the fear.
What fun it was to cruise along the streets of St. Petersburg with the wind in my face. I wasn’t just observing the scenery, I was participating in it. Even though I’m a mid-age mom…and even though, like a dork, I kept forgetting to switch off the turn signal…and even though my top speed was only 32 mph, I felt like a cool dude. Joyful, energized and carefree.
It was a Scooté Diem—“seize the scooter”— kind of moment. And it was the whipped topping to the parfait of my perfect morning: quiet time spent in God’s Word and a brisk, solitary walk along the waterfront all while my sleepyhead family slumbered.
For most of us, it’s a real challenge to maintain an active relationship with God during the summer. Church attendance is way down. Small groups take a break. And between vacations, daytrips, kid-focused schedules (or lack schedules) it’s hard to carve out time quiet time with the Lord.
The great news is God loves to travel. No matter where we are, He’s right there with us. Worship can happen anywhere, anytime: during the thrill of a rollercoaster ride, the solitude of an early morning canoe ride, the majesty of Fourth of July fireworks, the awe of a glorious sunset, the exuberance of bodysurfing the ocean waves or the joy of a multi-generational family reunion.
If we only we seize the moment. And offer it back to Him in praise.
God’s an impeccable travel companion. Don’t put Him on the shelf this summer. Be bold and adventurous. And expect to experience the Almighty in the most unexpected places.
Scooté Diem!
For most of us, it’s a real challenge to maintain an active relationship with God during the summer. Church attendance is way down. Small groups take a break. And between vacations, daytrips, kid-focused schedules (or lack schedules) it’s hard to carve out time quiet time with the Lord.
The great news is God loves to travel. No matter where we are, He’s right there with us. Worship can happen anywhere, anytime: during the thrill of a rollercoaster ride, the solitude of an early morning canoe ride, the majesty of Fourth of July fireworks, the awe of a glorious sunset, the exuberance of bodysurfing the ocean waves or the joy of a multi-generational family reunion.
If we only we seize the moment. And offer it back to Him in praise.
God’s an impeccable travel companion. Don’t put Him on the shelf this summer. Be bold and adventurous. And expect to experience the Almighty in the most unexpected places.
Scooté Diem!
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