One down... seven to go

Well, Jennifer (and most of my immediate family) left for India last night. They departed O'hare at 8:30. So it's just me and Kaylee at home. (And grandma at her house, but my aunt is coming to take care of her... supposedly.) The first night went about as badly as could be expected, ha. Kaylee wouldn't lie down cause she wanted "mommy" and finally fell asleep at 10:30. She didn't sleep well and kept making noises like she was waking up, so I didn't sleep well. And decided it was time to get up at 6:30 this morning. Of course she wasn't quite awake, so she wasn't tracking real well. In a matter of a few minutes we went from wanting to play with blocks, to wanting to play outside with bubbles (at 6:45 a.m. in the middle of a torrential downpour), to wanting crackers for breakfast, then pizza, then just milk. And to top it all off her pull-up was pretty full so we went to change it and she peed all over the floor before I could get her on the potty. Fun times. Please pray we both survive. In all seriousness, just pray she sleeps well. She usually likes to cuddle with mommy in the mornings and the concept of "mommies on a trip" isn't taking. Neither is "grandma and papa are on the trip too". My only real worry is I'll be so tired that I'll be zombie-fied while leading worship/preaching tomorrow. On the bright side, we play lots and her favorite game right now is to take off running when I'm changing her in the bathroom. She really is cute as she's running around butt naked, giggling and repeating "I'm a stinker" while I chase her. You can't help but laugh. God bless.

White water rafting on the River of God

I apologize that the posts have been a little inconsistent lately. I'm about to explain a little of that. I am still working on posting the second half of the "lost the plot" post, but struggling with how far I am to take it right now... but hopefully soon. The biggest reason for the delays is my schedule for the summer. A few years ago Jennifer and I really felt God was directing us toward a life of missions trips facilitating, and this summer has been a major milestone in that. We are coordinating 3 separate trips (with a possible fourth in the fall) this summer. We are also attending a conference this summer. We are taking our annual trip to the Camp Maurer campground in Excelsior Springs, MO. (just outside Kansas City) from May 22 to the 25. Camp Maurer is the Assemblies of God campground for the Northern Missouri Disctrict. And while we are not an A\G church, Jenn's parents are the caretakers. We help clean and prepare the camp for the coming summer. It has been an amazing experience every year and the act of serving has affected us all profoundly. Then we are flying to Peach Tree, GA (outside Atlanta) for the CFN Family Conference. I am SOOOOOOO excited, but to explain would take way too long right now. In July, a group from the church is going to Ongole, India from the 11th to the 20th. I am not going so I can take care of the church services and Kaylee. (The rest of the pastoral staff is going, along with Jennifer.... so I'm the man while they are gone, lol. Pray for me.) And then Jennifer and I are going to Albania with a group of people from Canada, Ireland and Germany August 23-Sept. 4. So as you can see LOTS of flights, preparation and money-raising is being worked on. I promise to try and most more regularly once we get the hang of all this.

I do have one thing to share. The other day I was picking up Kaylee at my parents house. As we were leaving she insisted on walking on the stones lining the driveway. She was doing pretty well, but the stones were a little uneven and giving her some problems. She could have done it herself, but I just walked over to help. As soon as she took my hand she was walking much straighter and quicker. At that moment I heard that still small voice say "That's how it is with you and me. You can do much of this on your own, but it's so much easier when you trust me." and I just smiled. Because it's so true. So as we prep for all these trips I'm just trying to keep my hand in His and enjoy the stroll. God bless.