My Favorite Homemade Ice Cream Recipe

Spring is coming and it makes me think of eating outside.  Eating outside makes me think of cookouts.  And cookouts makes me think of homemade ice cream.  (Sounds like a Give a Moose A Cookie book)  Tonight we will have our first homemade ice cream of the season.  I have a favorite recipe, its a little pricey because of the ingredients, but worth the expense!

2 cups milk
1 3/4 c sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 c half and half
1 tbsp vanilla
4 c whipping cream

Scald milk until bubbles form around edge of pan.  Remove from heat.  Add sugar and salt.  Stir until dissolved.  Stir in half and half, vanilla, and whipping cream.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes - until cold.  Freeze according to your ice cream maker directions. (makes 4 quarts)

Varieties:

Strawberry - add pureed strawberries (1 c./quart of ice cream) to chilled mixture before freezing.
Banana - add mashed bananas (3 c/4 quart, 31/2 c/5 quart, and 4 c/6 quart) to chilled mixture before freezing.
Peach - add pureed peaches (1 c./quart) to chilled mixture before freezing.

VISA and Partnership Update

Partnership Update - Our goal was to be at 60% of our support by today.  We are approximately $30/month away from that goal.  To be in Spain in September we need to increase our partnership by 10% every four weeks.  In the last two months we have increased nearly 30%.  We are giving God all the glory and thanking Him for the people who have chosen to join our team.  We know He has great things ahead and cannot wait to see how He uses this team of "senders and tellers" (see Romans 10:14-15).


If you would like more information about partnership, click on the "contact me" tab above and send me a note. 

VISA Update - We are doing my favorite thing - waiting.  NOT!  Below is a summary of the steps we have to go through and what the status is right now.  Pray for patience as well as expediency.  Do those two things go together?

• Supervisor in Spain request letters of invitation - once they are received we have 30 days to present our completed application to the Spanish consulate in Washington, DC - We are waiting on this letter 
• Be fingerprinted and complete a FBI criminal background check - These are submitted and we are waiting on their return - they will not issue a progress statement until 4 weeks after they are submitted - that is today - so hopefully when I call they will say they are on their way to us. 
• Gather the following paperwork: 
• New copies of birth certificates and marriage certificates for everyone - they must be hand signed and issued within the last 90 days - of course I was born in Florida, Scott in Cairo, and the kids were at least both here in Greensboro - Waiting on Scott's, but everyone else's is here and already has the letter of Apostille.  His is not required, but we have learned from those who have gone before us that more documentation is better than not enough. 
• New passports for the kids because they had less than 12 months left on their passports (thank goodness Scott and I were good) - Yeah!  Finally something to report that is finished.  
• Letters from the doctors that say we have no communicable diseases, addictions, and mental health issues - of course we all have different doctors with different processes for this.  I could write an entire blog post that would have you rolling in the floor laughing over this requirement, but let's just leave it at YES! we have these letters. 
• Letter from SEND saying we have international health insurance In my VISA folders waiting. 
• Send all the official documents off to the Secretary of State in the state they were issued to receive an Apostille Letter (stating they are official and legal documents) - FBI Checks and Scott's birth certificate are still waiting to be done, but everything else is done. 
• Take all the documents to a certified Spanish translator Waiting
• Finish all this within the 30 days of the letter of invitation being received and make an appointment with the Spanish Consulate in Washington DC and all four of us go apply in person Waiting
• Wait.....Pray... Wait... Pray - Perhaps I should have this sprinkled throughout the entire process - but we are doing a lot of this one 
• When the consulate's office calls and says the VISAs are ready we have 30 days to pick them up and 30 days to register an address in Spain - And obviously - not here yet

The WE of Partnership

Today we were blessed with two new partners.  I was sharing this progress with a partner tonight at church.  He was excited to see the progress, but the true picture of partnership was seen when she walked up.  She had heard only the end of the conversation and excited asked "where are WE at?"  When I shared we were about $35 away form our 60% goal she then said "WE are making progress.  WE are going to reach OUR goal."

That is what partnership is really about.  WE are raising our support so that WE can be used by God to share the Good News of Christ with the people of Spain.  Yes, Scott and I and the kids get to move to Spain and be the hands, feet, and voice of this partnership - but every person who joins the partnership - through prayer, finances, and going are all part of the journey.

Tonight was a picture of the verses on our prayer card...

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"  Romans 10:14 - 15


This partnership development is a lot of work - but it is fun!

Update

Just wanted to let you know that I am alive and kicking and over my panic attack of Friday.  Deep breaths and deep prayers are the key to surviving this journey.  God has been faithful and continues to be faithful.  Lots of new decisions to made in the next day or two, but I will choose to hold on - "for I know whom I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day."

A Deadline and Some Honesty

When I started this blog my hope was that through some honest sharing someone else may believe that they can be used by God on the mission field - whether at home or on the other side of the ocean.  I had always believed that missionaries were "super Christians" and I knew I wasn't, yet I also knew that God was calling. 

Today is one of those days where I share that there is no "super Christian" on this side of the blog.  I have my moments (and sometimes days) of panic and feel the fear creeping in.  There are days where I struggle to find my way to my knees because the task seems overwhelming and I find myself frozen.  There are days where the tears flow much more freely than the laughter.  There are days I fail to look to Him.  There are days I am just plain scared!

This week has been sprinkled with those moments and this morning those feelings just moved right in to my desk (where I was working) and sat there.  As I have shared before this process has many steps and lots of timing to be coordinated.  I knew about the VISA and partnership timing and I knew about our desire for Hannah to start the school year in Spain, but today that desire was changed to a deadline.  High School students must begin by September 15 of the fall semester.  Even as I type those words the tears fall - not sad tears, but ones of fear.  The "what ifs" fill my mind.  The panic feeling begins to creep up (or maybe flood in would be a better description).

Now we are facing a deadline - not a hope or a wish, but a deadline.  So what does that mean...

• We must be at 100% in August - we are at a little more than 56%.
• We must get VISAs in time to arrive by September 15.
• We must sell this house.

But even as I type this and whisper a prayer a song creeps into my mind:

I know Whom I have believed,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I've committed

Unto Him against that day

I do know who I believe in, I am persuaded, and I will cling to that.  But you know, sometimes that grip is just a little harder.

Passports Arrived

The kid's passports arrived today.  Gulp!  That means the VISA process really begins.  All of the paperwork on our side has been requested and we are in a waiting stage.  Now the Spanish paperwork can begin as well.  Beginning to feel a little more real!

Interesting

I don't often just post a link to an article, but this article is challenging.  Makes you think.  Would love to hear your response after you read it.

Different Perspective on a Missionary Call

Stripes Update

Last week I wrote about the kid's bathroom  (if you missed the before pictures click here)and its need for change.  I promised an after picture so here they are.  I think it turned out pretty good.  Of course I brought home a total of 10 different shower curtains before I found one I liked and several sets of bathroom rugs.  But I am here to say, ALL home improvement projects are finished!

Divorce

No, I am not getting a divorce.  One of our assignments before we can leave for Spain is to read 400 pages relating to the culture of Spain.  Needing to check something off my list and Scott knowing that he has a seminary class to go, we decided to tackle the reading.  I was dreading it, but instead am overwhelmed by what has happened in my lifetime that I totally missed. 

Divorce was not legal in Spain until 1981.  Franco and Catholicism insured that.  It was one of the by-products of their sort of democracy.  Interestingly enough, however, that by 2007 Spain had the highest divorce rate of all of  the other European Union countries. 

As I was reading this history book (I know for many of you that is a surprise in itself) I really saw how God had once again been preparing me for Spain.  Scott and I are happily married today, but there were days when I thought we too would be a statistic.  I'm sure most of us can say that.  The difference for us is a commitment to our Lord and to our vows.  We believed in forgiveness.  We knew a love that was greater than any of our faults.  We had something to hold on other than the faults of the other. 

I pray today that God will continue to send His Holy Spirit to protect our marriage.  I pray that our eyes will remain on Him.  I pray that our dependence on Him will shine through as we prepare to meet couples in Spain who may have walked the exact same steps we have walked yet believe the freedom to walk away is greater than the faith to stay.  Just one more reason the light of Christ is needed to be shown in Spain.

There Will Be No More!

I am finished.  There are no walls left to paint, no doors left to paint, no trim left needing attention... the house is painted!  Hannah and I just finished her room.  That means since January I have touched up or repainted everything in the house except for my bedroom.  I am finished!  No more painting for me!  Hope anyone who comes to see the house will appreciate all the painting, for I am done.  (By the way, it is all painted a beautiful color called "Cream in my Coffee.")

And just in case anyone wants to know, I hated painting before I started this marathon and I hate it even more now.  As for our next home in Spain - I do not care the color or the condition of the walls - there will be no painting!

Dancing the VISA Dance

50% was our first goal and we made it and started the VISA process.  It seemed all so simple - gather a few pieces of paper, turn them in to the embassy, and get the VISA back - then when we reach 100% get on an airplane.  Sounded easy.... but our coach at SEND called it a dance and I didn't really know what she meant -until last week.

There are two parts to dancing - 1)  knowing the steps and 2) timing.  I can figure out the steps and keep them in order, but I have no control over the timing.  Of course, this process is another lesson in faith!

Here is the process ahead of us -

• Supervisor in Spain request letters of invitation - once they are received we have 30 days to present our completed application to the Spanish consulate in Washington, DC
• Be fingerprinted and complete a FBI criminal background check
• Gather the following paperwork:
• New copies of birth certificates and marriage certificates for everyone - they must be hand signed and issued within the last 90 days - of course I was born in Florida, Scott in Cairo, and the kids were at least both here in Greensboro
• New passports for the kids because they had less than 12 months left on their passports (thank goodness Scott and I were good)
• Letters from the doctors that say we have no communicable diseases, addictions, and mental health issues - of course we all have different doctors with different processes for this
• Letter from SEND saying we have international health insurance
• Send all the official documents off to the Secretary of State in the state they were issued to receive an Apostille Letter (stating they are official and legal documents)
• Take all the documents to a certified Spanish translator
• Finish all this within the 30 days of the letter of invitation being received and make an appointment with the Spanish Consulate in Washington DC and all four of us go apply in person
• Wait.....Pray... Wait... Pray
• When the consulate's office calls and says the VISAs are ready we have 30 days to pick them up and 30 days to register an address in Spain

So we know the steps of this dance, but have to trust God for the timing.  We cannot leave for Spain until we are at 100% of our monthly support and have sold the house and etc.  This is where the dance gets fun and could involve you.  If you are praying about joining our financial team, now is the time.  We have no control over the timing with the embassy - they could be fast or they could be slow.  All our paperwork has been requested and we hope to start sending things off to the Secretary of States this coming week.  Our fingerprints are sent off.  Now we just wait and "dance."

I've never been a good dancer - I have no rhythm - so this will definitely be a dance controlled by God!

Home Improvement Project

The kid's bathroom just needed refreshing.  It needed a deep cleaning.  It needed to feel different.  So in a casual conversation with my dad on Friday I asked how big of a mess would it be if I took their shower doors down.  He assured me it would be easy and not too bad.  After he left I grabbed a screwdriver and figured, what could it hurt?  I'd loosen one side and see what it looked like.  One side looked like it would be ok - so down came the doors.  In the process of taking them down they kind of fell apart so I started to pray it would really be ok.   Sure enough - it looks so much  better!  Of course I waited to tell Scott until I was finished.  Boy was I glad it turned out ok!  Next project - sand the stripes and paint the walls!  Check back in a week for the finished project!  When someone finally buys this house they are going to have a completely freshly painted house - sure hope it works!

Easter Pageant

If you live anywhere near Greensboro you are invited to Cornerstone's (5736 Inman Road, Greensboro) Easter Pageant.  A dramatic presentation of the life of Christ - from birth to resurrection.  Includes drama and music.  Free childcare is provided for children ages newborn through Kindergarten and includes snacks, games, crafts, and more.  No tickets are required.

Friday, April 15 - 7:00 (doors open at 6:30)

Saturday, April 16 - 7:00 (doors open at 6:30)

Sunday, April 17 - 4:00 (doors open at 3:30)

It's Been a While

Someone asked the other day why I wasn't blogging - well, because life is incredibly busy!  All with good things and answers to prayes, but busy.

Quick recap -

• We hit 53% of our monthly support yesterday.... God is moving in people's hearts and we are getting closer to the land where God has placed our heart.  In the last 6 weeks we have added partners to our Spain Family in all sizes - from $20/month to $500/month.  Some look like monthly gifts while others look like annual gifts.  No two are alike, except in the fact that they are all gifts to God and His work and we pray that they will be used for eternal changes. 
• We started the VISA process last week.  It is exciting to be doing something concrete on this side of the 50% that is part of the controller of our departure date.  I'll write a whole different post on this process, just suffice for me to quote our supervisor "it builds character and faith."
• We re-listed the house on Friday and are praying for lots of showings and offers.  The realtor is still finishing up details of the website and publicity, but you can take a peek at it at by clicking on the word house.  If you know of anyone looking for a house in our area, send them our way. 
• Scott is in the Easter Pageant at church and I am in charge of childcare so our days are filled with practices and details.  Mark your calendar and join us the 15th and 16th at 7:00 and the 17th at 4:00.
• Scott is experiencing changes at work that keep reminding us that our days in this area of the world are numbered.
• Hannah has finished the required part of her Girl Scout Gold Award and is diligently workings towards finishing up her paperwork.  She is continuing the project out of a passion for the students which makes me very proud.  She hopes to be able to have her Gold Award presented to her at McIver Education Center - a school for autistic students where she has been working.  That means she needs to be approved before the end of the school year.  One of the aspects of her project is to have people "following" her project - so check out her blog and click follow or leave a comment.
• Alex's days are filled with school projects and soccer practice.  Guess what that means my days are filled with?

Are you tired yet?  The days are full and yet my heart is at peace and excited to see what God has planned for each day.  I am not bored to say the least!  Check back in a couple days and I'll fill in the details.

Spanish Lesson

A few weeks ago through a string of God planned appointments Scott and I were introduced to Donald and Olga.  Donald is from Georgia (the state) and Olga is from Spain.  We emailed a few times and then invited them to dinner at our house last week.  It was a great night!  We exchanged stories and sat around the table for a couple hours just developing a friendship.

Over dessert we discovered that she was from Vicalvaro, a town near Madrid that we visited when we were there in Spain.  We shared pictures and even connected her with our co-worker that lives there for her return visit next month.  The world became so much smaller in those moments.

We then arranged for Olga to meet me at church yesterday for a tour of our preschool for their little boy and then we'd go to lunch.  Over lunch I had my first Spanish lesson.  Oh my!

After an hour I could tell you that I had eaten a hamburger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion and that I had two sons and one daughter (and their ages).  We discovered I cannot roll my "r"s and that my memory is very poor.  We laughed a lot.  In exchange for her teaching me Spanish I am helping Olga with her English.  She struggled with the word squirrel and we laughed over her plan to just call it a big rat instead.

We are going to meet every Wednesday over my lunch hour.  Does she really know what she is in for?

I realized that learning Spanish may be my biggest challenge I have ever faced.  I am learning a lot about faith as we try to sell our house and raise our support, but I think my biggest step in faith will be believing that God will enable me to master a new language.

Pray for Olga to have patience with my poor language skills.  Pray for me as I live out my faith in this relationship.  Pray for lots of laughter - otherwise there will be lots of tears!

Hard Decisions

Although the last two weeks have been filled with celebrating our partnership progress (today we are at 49%)  they have also been filled with some hard decisions.   One of the biggest decisions we have had to make is regarding the house.  It has been on the market in excess of 18 months and we still own it.  We prayed, we cried, we agonized over this decision.  What wisdom would God give us?  His answer was not easy and both required another step of faith.

First we felt God saying to take it off the market for a couple weeks.  My first response, "but wait, God!  What if the exact person who is supposed to buy the house is only looking during those two weeks?  What if we miss them?"  His first answer - "am I not God?  Am I not all knowing?  Am I not the god who holds the universe in my hands?  and if I am, then why do you fret over such a small thing?"  Unfortunately I had to wrestle through the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and a whole lot more responses before I said "ok - you are God and I trust."

Second we believed God was directing us to start totally over.  Start with a new realtor, a new sign, a new listing, a new outlook, .....  This was harder than the first thing He said.  We love our realtor.  She is a dear friend.  She has done more than any realtor we have ever worked with.  She has helped clean and paint.  She has loaned us personal things to stage the house.  She has worked hard for us and put up with our dragging our feet and complaining about the process.  Yet, in all that we still believed God was giving us direction.  I cried out to God to make it ok and he said "she serves the same God you do - am I not big enough to handle this too or have you found my limits?"  Don't you just hate it when God gives you a big "slap in the face?" 

That conversation with our realtor was one of the hardest conversations I have had to have lately.  I cried and fretted and yet God was present.  She was disappointed and a little hurt, yet her character has shown through.  She has been able to continue to be a friend while our business relationship takes changes.  She has been a beautiful picture of a Christian woman and friend.  I know she was disappointed and even hurt, yet her words and behavior and spirit have well represented the Christ she loves and serves. 

I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone trying to sell or buy a house in the Greensboro area.  She is a hard worker and gives you her all.  She is willing to pull out all the stops to sell your house.  She would be the 1st realtor I would call if we had to do it all over again.  Do you need a realtor?  At least give her a call before you make a decision.

The question now is - where are we now?  The house has been off the market for about 1 1/2 weeks and will go back up on the market tomorrow.  We have interviewed and questioned and researched realtors intensively.  We have prayed over this decision.  When the house finally sells, I'll tell you how God "blew our socks off" during this interview process.  We have chosen a realtor who is in Kernersville and who has an understanding of this bedroom community and loves it.  And once again, we begin the "house is on the market lifestyle." 

Will you pray for a couple things for us?

1. That that the house will sell - quickly!
2. For our original realtor - that God will bless her business - one that she is basing on His principles
3. For our new realtor - that she will know exactly what needs to be done to market our house to the right people

49% ...

We are at 49% - less than $100/month needed in partnerships to be at the 50% mark.  We are so excited!

We were given the go ahead today to begin gathering paperwork for our VISA.  The official process will not begin until we are actually at 50%, but we can begin to get things in order.  Could tomorrow be the official day?

As we celebrate being so close we also know that this is only half of the race.  We must continue at this pace to reach our goal of moving at the beginning of September.  Have you been considering partnership?  It would be great if you would let us know now.  Your partnership can begin in a month or two or even three - but your commitment counts towards our percentage immediately.  Just ask us how!

The Blessing of a Mixer

I "bought" my first appliance today for our new apartment in Spain!  I say "bought" because actually I just put a hold on a mixer that is for sale through a virtual garage sale.  A family that lives in Spain is leaving Spain and selling lots of their furniture and appliances and etc.  Our supervisor's wife knew I really wanted a nice mixer when we arrive and promised to look out for a used one.  Today she emailed me about a red kitchen aid mixer that was for sale as well as some other furniture.  I claimed it and have been giddy with laughter all day.

I know a mixer should not have that kind of impact on a grown woman, but look at this as a lot more than a mixer.  Look at it from this view point:

..... Our supervisor believes we are coming!  Who would offer to buy a mixer and furniture for a family on the other side of the ocean if they didn't believe a day was coming pretty soon where the items would be claimed? 

.....  I have always wanted a Kitchen Aid mixer and there has always been a reason not to get one.  I have thought of all the things I will need to give up and do without and yet God has allowed me to have the mixer I have wanted for years.  I know it sounds crazy to many of you, but to me I see the mixer as a blessing from God.

.....  A mixer and maybe a bed and a kitchen table,  the first steps toward a home.  We aren't going to Spain to a sterile, cold apartment - we are going home and we are already beginning to make it.

Laugh with me and rejoice me - I bought a mixer today!

Headache

So much for catching up on the blog today - it will have to wait another day.  Today is day 3 of a headache.  Although it is better, it is still there.  Not sure if it is all the paint fumes in the house, pollen outside, the crick in my neck, or what... but for today - I'll go to work and do what must be done and then spend the rest of the day doing nothing.  Check back tomorrow - lots to tell!

Rambling

I sat down to write a post this morning and my brain is on overflow!  We had an incredible dinner last night with new friends, she is a Spaniard from the area we will be serving and he lived there for three years.  We have had to make some hard decisions in the last week and I want to share the lessons I have learned from there.  We are celebrating that God is almost daily bringing new partners.  I was asked yesterday were we disappointed we only hit 48% by our goal and I want to share why I cannot be disappointed in God's answer.  I have much to reflect on from the life of a friend who so quickly came to an end last week.  And then there are the daily things that I want to share about- the house, the paintbrush that seems permanently attached to my hand, and etc. 

If I were to write all of this at one time you would quit reading before you finished and it is all still a little jumbled - so for today I write that I am praising God because He is a creative God who answers our prayers in ways that are beyond our imagination.  I'm heading to pick up the paintbrush again and perhaps tonight I will write a little more detail.

Suffering

I attended the funeral of a dear friend yesterday.  Although we only met a year ago, he made a lasting impression on my life.   And as I listened to the things that were said about him and his relationship with Christ from friends who have known him for 25+ years my respect for him grew even greater!  May people say some of the same things of me when my final day here on earth arrives!

One of the pastors said:

"God does not allow suffering, but He never wastes it."

I have pondered that quote all night.  No commentary on my part coming, but I would love to hear your reaction.  

Busy day ahead, but check back tomorrow so I can tell you of my dinner plans for tonight!

Inch By Inch

Just a quick update - we are at a little more than 45% of our support.  When we began March we were barely at 33% so we are excited.  We continue to pray for 50% by tomorrow, but we are celebrating God's provision today.

Several have asked why this push all of a sudden, so here are a few answers....

1. When we were in Spain in January the darkness was overwhelming.  It was no longer words or statistics, it was faces.  There are so many places with no light or hope.  God has called us there and we now understand the need in tangible, real ways.  We believe His return is near and thus our desire to share Him is greater than ever.
2. Hannah and Alex are a big part of our journey.  God called all four of us and we are excited to see how God is preparing and using them even today (ask them about THEIR Burmese ministries).  School begins in September and Hannah will be a senior.  We want her to be there to begin the school year.  Alex will be going to public school and that in itself will be a big adjustment, missing a large part of the year would make it more difficult.
3. We are tired of straddling the fence.  We have one foot here and one foot there.  It is a difficult place to be. 

Why 50% now - it takes about 6 months to get our VISAs.  We begin the process at 50% of our monthly support being promised.  So to be there in September we need to start the process ASAP.

Of course, to arrive in September we must be at 100% of our support by September, so the push won't let up.  Will you pray with us about how you can be a part?  We are not asking you to give to us, but to instead to God.  Will you join with us in obedience to the Great Commission?

It's a Family Thing

When I surrendered to missions God was working on my heart about a variety of things.  One of them was that He was calling me to say that I'd be willing to go or do whatever He asked because without that, I was standing in the way of what He had planned for my family - specifically my husband and Hannah (although over the months I have also realized that I was in the way of what He had planned for Zach and Alex too).  When I finally threw up my hands and said "ok God - whatever you want" things began to change in Hannah's heart as well as Scott's and mine.  She knew God was calling her to international missions and her parents were standing in the way.

Our prayer when we went to Spain in January was that the children's call would be just as confirmed as ours.  And sure enough, they came home more ready to be there than we were.  They constantly want to know how close we are to starting the VISA process and are we really going to get there by September.  Even in terms of attitude about keeping the house in showing order there has been a change.

God is always full of surprises!  Hannah (along with one of her best friends Becky) serves in the preschool department every week and most weeks in the same age group.  She has been telling them about Spain and the need and what we will be doing and yesterday they said "Hannah says...." and goes on to tell how she has shared our need and they would like to partner with us.  Isn't God cool?  Just one more confirmation that God calls us at all ages to do things that seem a little crazy at times.  He doesn't see a child or a teenager or an old woman, He sees hearts who need Him.

ECA - Lighting The Way

Hannah will be attending this missionary school when we arrive in Spain. As parents we are grateful for the presence of this school. Without it she would great difficulty in adjusting to Spain.  There is also great comfort in knowing that Alex has an excellent back up option if the Spanish schools do not turn out to be an acceptable option.
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Are you a teacher and feeling called to missions? ECA is in need of teachers for next year. Perhaps God is calling you?

It's My Birthday

It's a day filled with activities, facebook birthday wishes, time with new and old friends, reflections on the past and hopes for the future as well as I a sure - some chocolate, diet coke, and laughter.  Its a day of mourning for a friend who died yesterday and a day for celebrating the progress God is blessing us with as we look towards Spain.  A day filled with decisions to make and plans to consider.

What happened to birthdays being filled with balloons and streamers and being queen for the day?  Things sure were simpler when I was a child!


An update on progress....

.... people who saw our house on Tuesday are not ready to make a decision
.... people who saw our house yesterday were not happy with the community pool being nearby

.... we are at a little more than 42 1/2 % of our on-going support.  Continuing to pray for 50% by April 1 - if you are praying about partnering with us, we would love to talk with you - that would be a wonderful birthday present

.... we are at nearly 65% of our one time support

Well, time for a soccer game and another pile of laundry to find its way to the washing machine.  I wonder how my next birthday will look - praying to be celebrating in Spain!

House Showing

House is showing again this morning - to a new family.  I don't even know what to ask you to pray for anymore - just pray that it sells!  And that if it doesn't sell, God will give us clear wisdom as to what we need to do for it to sell.

Also, pray for my friend Ann.  She and I are house selling prayer partners (as well as other things).  After a long period of time it appears their house may finally be sold.  Pray for them this weekend as all the details continue to be hashed out across the Internet and phone (they live in one state and house in another).

#8 - Not Enough Talent

#8 - YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH TALENT TO BE A MISSIONARY....

or anything else God is calling to you to do or be.  You are not smart enough, educated enough, talented enough, strong enough, wise enough, ....  If you were there would be no need for God. 

As I have been following the trials a fellow worker in Spain is going through in regards to their VISA I have repeatedly had these moments of holding my breath and asking "what if that were my family."  I have said to friends and family I don't think I have enough faith to stand as strong as they are or I don't think I could let Scott come back to America and leave me there for 6 months or more with the kids.  I have worried that I don't know enough to navigate the systems.  I have been talking to a young woman who is raising her support for Spain as well and encouraging her that she can do it.  But after the conversation I heard that little voice inside my head saying "yeah, you told her she can do it, but can you?"

I have had to turn back to God many times and ask "are you sure you got the right person?" 

This morning I was reading the blog of a family we got to know this past summer (they have been in Ukraine about a month).  He summed up all I was thinking -

"Recently at a team meeting we were praying for various requests of Send’s missionaries in Ukraine. The list of requests included ministries such as teaching pastoral training courses in Russian, and it certainly portrayed an impressive depth of experience and giftedness…. people much more intelligent and educated than us! As I read this list and considered my own relative helplessness with the language, I felt very small. How will God ever be able to use us here? Then I remembered that we are not here because of a talent or education or something we can offer, we are here because of who Jesus Christ is. May this truth continue to transform us and those we meet as we continue our life here."

Now, to find a way to nail that thought to my brain.  God didn't call me to obedience because of a talent, education, skill, passion, or anything else within me.  He called me to obedience because of who He is.

Cake

We celebrated my birthday a little early at staff meeting today - dark chocolate cake with peanut butter and fudge filling and iced in fudge. Beautiful, delicious, and rich!

House Showing

House is showing at noon today.  Keep on praying.... and pray for wisdom as to what our next steps should be if these are not the new owners.

#7 - Obedience equals hard decisions

No explanation for this one - just know that sometimes in our obedience we have to make some hard decisions.  They hurt and they are hard.  But it is part of the whole thing.  Sometimes today just stinks!

#6 - Running Away

#6 - SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED TO RUN AWAY FROM IT ALL

One of the lessons I have definitely learned in this journey is that there are times that you just need to run away from it all.  All might include family, work, responsibilities - whatever fills your days.  But be careful, it isn't running away just to forget about it all, but instead it is really to sit back and soak in what God is telling you and doing and to reconnect with Him. 

Our life schedule is crazy right now - working full time, two kids who are actively involve din life, and doing what it takes to prepare for a move to Spain (partnership development, classes, sharing, newsletter, house selling, .....)  So, we've called a time-out.  Hannah and Alex will be at Disciple Now this weekend and Zach has moved into his own apartment, so Scott and I are running away.  Our focus this weekend is on God and each other.  Time to laugh together, pray together, plan together, rest together, and maybe even shed a few tears together.  I cannot wait.

Look at where we are going....

So, needless to say - check by Monday for updates.  Blog writing is taking a break for the weekend. 

#5 - New Insights are Coming

#5 - OBEDIENCE ALLOWS FOR NEW INSIGHTS INTO GOD

Ever notice when you are walking in disobedience from anything, everything you hear and think seems a little warped or wrong?  You spend a lot of mental energy trying to make things line up.  Over the past several months I have also noticed that phenomenon works the other way around too.

When I am walking in obedience I am not struggling to fit God into my world.  He is right there in front of me leading the way and I see so many new glimpses into the character of God.

For example, recently I was praying and praising God for the fact that His grace is more than sufficient.  He stopped me.  I had to say it over and over again, I couldn't go on.  Then it hit me - what I was really saying.  I was saying "more than."  Two simple words that carry a lot of weight.  I wasn't saying that it was just enough, barely enough, or even that God had to work hard to make His grace stretch to cover me.  It is more than enough.  I don't have to worry if I mess up because He isn't going to run out of grace to cover that last mistake.  I don't have to worry if someone else seems to be "using up more than their share" of God's grace, because there is more than enough.  Think about it.  There is freedom in those two words.  There is assurance and confidence and a peace that comes.

Moments like these make it all worth the journey of obedience!

Entry #4 - Family Obedience

#4 - OBEDIENCE AS A FAMILY IS FUN

We stepped into this journey of obedience as a family.  Sure each of us had to decide individually that we were willing to follow God's leading, but then it took on a corporate approach. 

Last night we were focused as a family on partnership development.  No, Hannah and Alex were not asking their friends for partnership, but they were doing dishes and etc. to allow Scott and I to focus on setting up appointments and getting our newsletter ready to go out.  Lots of yelling up and down the stairs and laughter as we all worked.

Then one of the phone calls ended in a God size blessing (not that all blessings aren't God size - but this one was so big we didn't see it coming nor could not even begin to take credit for it or call it coincidence or anything).  Scott came downstairs to share it with us in a playful way.  Alex and Hannah joined right in.  Then Scott just flat out told us all the details.  We laughed and giggled and then we did something incredible.  We stood together in our living room, holding hands, and Scott prayed a beautiful prayer of thanksgiving and praise.  What a precious moment!

Yes, this journey has some hard parts to it.  There are some sharp curves and big pot holes, but I wouldn't get off this ride for anything!  How about you?  Is your family journeying together in obedience?  Your family may be a biological family such as ours, or perhaps it is your faith family.  Don't miss out on the blessings and fun of a journey together!

Entry #3 - Surprise Blessings

#3 - BLESSINGS COME IN ALL SIZE PACKAGES AND WHEN YOU LEAST EXPECT THEM

There is so much comfort in knowing that God is in charge - not only when things are going "yucky," but also when there are blessings waiting around the corner.   If we could design our own blessings I know I would miss a whole lot of ones that God has planned.   This journey of obedience has taught me that my eyes always need to be open and my anticipation level must always be high.  God does loves us and He does desire to bless us - just too many times I miss it!

On December 24 I posted about two little boys and their parents who God used as a surprise blessing to us.  You can go back and read that post at Two Little Boys.  There was a lot more to the story than I shared there, but I have clung many times to the blessing that God surprised us with there.  Of course when we went to Spain these two little boys were on our heart and we brought them back some Spanish souvenirs. 

Last week we got to get together as two families over a meal and shared our hearts for the world to really know Christ.  It was so exciting to see although our families will serve in different parts of the world, we will all be serving for the same purpose.   We learned more about them and they learned more about us.  As the boys grew tired of sitting still they opened their gifts and began to play.  Every now and then one of them would stop and chat with one of us. 

We learned how God has already begun a good work in their hearts and I know that one day they will accomplish great things.  But I also know that for as long as God allows us to serve in Spain we will have two little boys who place their hands on our pictures or hold a Spanish flag or play Knights in Shining Armor and stop and say a prayer for us and for the boys and girls in Spain who need to know the joy that they have.  Perhaps one day I'll even get to show them around Spain.

Thank you boys for being the surprise blessing.  Thank you mom and dad for being obedient to the Word of God in raising two boys to know and love and serve the Lord.  We are blessed!

Entry #2 - Obedience Changes How People Look at You

and so we continue with the operator's manual for this journey of obedience....  see What They Didn't Tell You for the background information


#2 - PEOPLE WILL LOOK AT YOU DIFFERENTLY


All of a sudden we are no longer ordinary people - we are looked at differently.  We heard a call on our lives to missions and moved forward in obedience.  We don't see our call to move to Spain as anything greater than someones call to share Christ in a secular work place, start a refugee ministry, serve in a nursing home, take in a foster child, teach a Sunday School class, etc.  We truly believe that God has a unique call on each person's lives and we just happen to be blessed with a call to Spain.

Yet, with our obedience to move towards Spain people have set us apart.  Repeatedly we are asked how could we have such great faith.  Nearly daily we are told that we are doing something that they couldn't do.  We often hear how people wish they could step out in similar obedience.  People are amazed when we say we struggle with the same questions or are encouraged by their walks of obedience.

Another difference that seems to have come with this "set apartness" is that people no longer share about their struggles with us any longer.  I thought I was imagining this - that relationships really had not changed this much already, but last week this was confirmed.  I asked someone about an on going situation in their life and they said "oh, I was embarrassed to tell you I was struggling with this still, you are giving it all up and going to Spain and this seems so trivial in relation to that."  Do you know that I struggle every day with daily issues in my life just as much now as before we began the journey to Spain?

I was talking with a missionary friend that lives in another part of the world (name and location kept out of the blog for protection of her ministry) last week.  She shared the same experience.  She shared that she actually felt like people put her up on some pedestal and that she was unreachable and thus relationships changed way before she expected and long before she left the country.

Know that I am no super Christian.  I struggle every day to focus on what God has called me to do.  I want to fight Him and do it myself.  A lot of days I have to die to self more than once.  I'm not the perfect wife, mom, or employee (just ask them, I am sure they will agree).   I'm still just ordinary Cindy doing something a little out of the ordinary.

Operator's Manual - Entry #1

I have started this post several times and just stopped.  I have had  a hard time deciding what would be the first entry.  Should it be about the joys of the journey or the struggles?  If I could only put one entry in the manual what would be the most important?

#1 - THE JOURNEY WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE IF YOU TRY TO DO IT ALONE

I am not talking about doing the journey of obedience with another human being - I am talking about the fact that it will be totally impossible to be obedience to God's calling in your life without Him.  He will not call you to something you can do alone.  He calls you to obedience so that He gets glory, so it has to be a God size calling.  Otherwise you get the credit.

If you are excited about walking the journey of obedience, you need to have a Bible in your hand and regular time with God on the calendar.  These two things must be non-negotiable.  They must be priority #1.  Nothing else in life can ever take their place.

Every time I have let these slide into 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 50th place the journey has been overwhelming.  The time alone with God will not prevent the curves or bumpy roads, but your time alone with God will make it possible to go through them.

What They Don't Tell You

Originally I started this blog to share our journey to the mission field.  I wanted people to realize that we were ordinary people being asked to do something that seemed a little out of the ordinary and depending on the power of God for Him to accomplish the extraordinary.  We pray that as you follow our journey you may find the strength to step out in faith on your own journey - maybe to the mission field, but maybe just to something a little out of the ordinary.  We had friends who blazed the trail ahead of us and seeing them keep on walking has made it a little easier at times to keep taking the next step.  They didn't always succeed (in man's eyes) and didn't always do it my way, but we watched the faithfulness of God in their life and have held on to that proof of the promise keeper in our lives.

Along this journey I have begged for an "operator's manual."  Something that gave us advance warning of what was around the curve.  I have wondered if I was losing my mind at times and I have wondered why it took me so long to respond in obedience.  I have wanted to shout "I Quit!" and I have wanted to shout for joy.  I have begged God to hurry up and I have begged God to slow down.  (Perhaps I really am losing my mind)

Over the next few days (or weeks - who knows) I am going to share some of the things that I would write in the "operator's manual" if I was the author.  Some are hard spots along the journey, some are smooth sailing.  I invite you to add to the manual - maybe it will give me a heads up to what might be coming around one of the next curves.  So come back tomorrow and let's write a manual together!

What's It Gonna Take?

I was reading another missionary's blog today.  His family is raising support to go to Columbia as English as Second Language teachers.  His post was entitled - What is it going to take?  Made me ponder the same question.  And just in case you are wondering the same thing, I thought I'd answer.

What's It Going to Take to get the Hunter's to Spain?

• Prayer - that seems simple, but is it really?  Prayer on our part - sometimes it seems like I am saying the same prayer over and over to God and just want to quit.  It is hard at times to be faithful doing what we know we are to do, regardless of the results.  Prayer on your part - God convicted me awhile back that I often say that I'll pray for someone and never get around to doing it.  God also convicted me that I use the "I'll pray for you" as a way to get out of the action God might be calling me to do.  It's easier than sacrificing or rearranging or actually doing. 
• Finances - the part no one really wants to talk about.  We need financial partners to commit now.  We need 70 more partners at $100/month or 140 partners at $50/month or 35 more partners at $200/month or any combination from above to be fully supported.  We need to be at 50% of our monthly support by the end of March to arrive in Spain by the beginning of the school year.  We are at a little more than 30%.  Lots of people tell us they are praying about partnering - but we need commitments.  We need partnership forms.  AND Scott and I need to get bold in asking.  We know in our heart that we are not asking you for our benefit, but instead we are asking you to be a part of obeying the great commission with a very lost people group, but it still feels like "begging" at times.  Those times are when we need to get ourselves and our pride out of the way and let the Holy Spirit do His job.
• Sell of the House - we need our house to sell.  What else is there to say about that topic?

Will you pray about joining us?  Will you allow us to come share with you about the blessing of obedience and partnership?  Do you know someone we don't know who would benefit from hearing of our journey?  Will you ask us for a partnership form? 

What is it going to take to get the Hunters to Spain?  You.

Time for Change

Decided it was time to give the blog a face lift.  Changed the background this morning - will let it sit for a little while and decide if I really like it or should I keep on looking.  What do you think?

Short Notice

Yesterday it was an hour notice, today it is two!  Yes - that is the notice we got before a house showing.  We are praising God for people wanting to see and praying that God will move one of these families to buy it!  Keep on praying - this whole house thing has gotten more than old!

Spain from the Hunter's Eyes

7000 out of 8200?

Spain... A Country Known For

(video takes a few seconds to load, so be patient)

You are Invited!

Sunday night we will be sharing about our recent trip to Spain and the journey ahead of us.  If you are in the Greensboro area, we would love to have you join us!  Our church is located right by the airport.

Cornerstone Baptist Church

5736 Inman Road

Greensboro, NC 

6:00 PM

Smiling!

I just have to say that I just love it when God does a great work on some one's heart and I get to be the benefactor. 

Once again I have been reminded today that God is trustworthy.  I can take my burdens to him and leave them there.  I don't even have to help him do His work.  He is totally capable.  Oh, if I could just remember this before I get all in a tizzy!

Creativity

Scott and I are taking this online class to learn to better share our journey and to understand support raising/partnership development from a Biblical perspective. The teacher describe the purpose of this process as:

My ministry is to connect believers with the blessing, the joy and the eternal reward of becoming the expression of Christ to the nations.

Been thinking about that all week.  And then Wednesday in walks a friend to my office.  I had cancelled our meeting but she didn't get the message, probably because God wanted to use her to encourage me and I didn't know it.

She was carrying this Hershey bank pictured to the right.  It was more than half full of change and getting very heavy.  She was afraid to hold on to it (I think God just nudged her to bring it knowing I needed an ounce of encouragement) in case it got too heavy to carry.  My first thought was how in the world would I ever eat that much chocolate syrup, but it wasn't full of syrup.

Pause in the story - just in case you do not know, I am a chocoholic.  I believe every day chocolate should be included in the diet.  It is definitely one of the major food groups.  I really see no need for dessert if it doesn't involve chocolate.

This dear friend is one of my most faithful prayer partners.  (I have been blessed with several ladies who stop life on a regular basis to not only pray for me and my family, but to meet with me and pray with me.)  She has wanted to be more of an expression to the people of Spain than prayer (although she does understand the great power and need for prayer).  So through prayer she found a way to be creative.

She collected her change.  There was more than $115 in the jar. Hannah cried when I told her the story.  I just sat and praised God for providing - not because I begged for money but because He touched lives and called them to obedience to the Great Commission.  The excitement in this friend's eyes told the whole story - she had found the joy and the eternal reward of becoming the expression of Christ to the nations.

How about you?  Have you discovered the blessing and the joy and the eternal reward of becoming the expression of Christ to the nations?   I find it more and more every day!

In Memory Of Mary Ellerbe Williams

This is such a perfect picture of times with the Ellerbe kids.  From left to right those pictured above are:

My mom - the 2nd oldest of the kids

Gene Ellerbe - the "baby" and only boy

Mary Williams - the oldest and first to meet Jesus face to face

Carol Coker - the youngest girl

When you get the four of them together there is always laughter.  There are stories to be told - some from a long time ago, some from yesterday - but they all end in laughter.  They "egg" each other on and love to include all those around in the sibling fun.  What a crazy group of adults, yet I have such distinct memories with each of them.

My Aunt Mary was diagnosed with Alzheimer's many years ago.  It was sad to watch her laughter slip away.  She lost almost all of her memory and then ability for her body to function.  I have not seen her in the last year, but I have talked about her and heard about her.  The one thing I have continued to hear in the reports is that she still remembers the old hymns.  She may have lost her memory of who her family and friends are or how to eat and walk, yet she still remembers how to praise the Lord.  Didn't surprise me at all that praise of the Lord she loved was what remained at the core of who she was. Has made me wonder when I reach the end of my life what is at the core of my mind that will remain to the end?

Mary had two daughters - Jacqui, who is slightly older than me, and Amy, who is slightly younger than me.  Needless to say when the Ellerbe kids got together the Ellerbe grandchildren were involved in the fun.  Jacqui, Amy and I (as well as the other grandchildren) all knew how to laugh right along with them.  We knew how to "egg" them on for stories too.  When we lived in Florida I would spend days with Mary and her kids.  I even remember I became a "woman" at her house.  

Peanut Butter fudge was her specialty.  She knew it was my favorite and if I was coming she fixed it.  Up until just a few years ago she made sure it was available whenever I showed up.  She tried to teach me to fix it, but finally gave up and just said "let me fix it for you."  I am hopeless at making fudge!

Mary met her Lord face to face on Tuesday.  After all the years of teaching Sunday School she is now experiencing all she taught.  I can only imagine her laughter in heaven today.  She will be missed here on earth, but I know without a doubt she is right "at home" in heaven and I will see her again!  What a peace that comes with that knowledge.  Just wonder, will she be able to make me fudge in heaven?

Choosing to Cheat

I just recently read a book by Andy Stanley called Choosing to Cheat.  The premise of the book is that every decision you make equals choosing to cheat someone.  If I choose to go to a meeting after work, I choose to cheat my family from their time.  If I choose to skip the meeting and go home, I choose to cheat work.  If I choose to make going to the gym after work each day a priority, I choose to cheat the kids waiting on me at home.  If I choose to go home and not go to the gym regularly, I choose to cheat my physical health.  Get the picture?

Some cheating is healthy, some is not.  He then challenges the read to start deciding who you have been cheating too much and who you shouldn't be.  His litmus test.... figure out what "hats" in your life can only be worn by you and what "hats" can be worn by others.  For example, I am the only wife and the only mother in this house.  Yes, sometimes I have to cheat my husband and children, but the question is - do I cheat them more than I cheat other roles that are possible to be filled by others. 

Still confused, read the book - it made me do a lot of thinking about my life style and schedule.

But you know, God never speaks to you about something without having a purpose.  It has taken me about two months to get through the book - it is short and an easy read - just kept having to put it down and pray through and process through what he was writing about.  I confessed a need to examine my "cheating" and asked for strength to put into practice what God was convicting me of.  Be careful of that prayer!

Well, a dear aunt of mine died last night.  She is rejoicing today in heaven with Jesus, who she so dearly loved.  She is free of the horrible disease of alzheimer's and all that it stole from her has been restored.  I have many, many memories of times spent with her and there is nothing that will keep me from celebrating her homecoming with family on Sunday... or is there?

Saturday is pinewood derby and Sunday night is the Marriage conference.  I am in charge of childcare for 80+ children.  My first thought was "maybe I shouldn't go."  But then that still, small voice said to me "what 'hat' is the only one you can wear and what other 'hats' can others wear?  Ouch!  I'm not indispensable.  I am replaceable. 

It might not be the popular decision.  It might not be the easiest decision.  But I will choose to "cheat" the childcare and pinewood derby - others are capable of helping in those places - and I will be at Aunt Mary's homecoming celebration.  You know, there is some freedom in "cheating."

Lemons

Sometimes life is just lemons and there is no way I can make lemonade from it.  Well, today I fell into a whole truck load of lemons and the only one possible of turning this into lemonade is God.  Praying for lemonade to start flowing out of this situation.

Here We Go Again

I have decided that all potential house buyers should turn off HGTV for at least 30 days before they begin house shopping.  That way they will be looking at reality instead of perfection.  Between the number of houses on the market and the popularity of HGTV our house selling journey may put me in the "looney bin." 

We have decided to tackle repainting/painting portions of the house.  The house has been on the market for 15+ months so even what we did before we put it on the market looks like we have been living in the house (which by the way, we have been).  So this weekend I painted Alex's room and the dining room.  (Thanks to Kristi Jent I got father on Friday than I expected - friends are such a blessing!).  I am a messy painter so I tape everything, and removing the tape was on today's to do list.

We have also decided to refinish the floors.  Almost our entire downstairs is wood floors and they need to be stripped and refinished.  We have to be out of the house for two nights while they work here for three days.  Can't afford the dustless companies, so am going to be cleaning dust up for days (or maybe weeks).

So imagine my house today - painted all weekend and preparing for floors to be done tomorrow - planning for lunch with Zach and Hannah (Alex and Scott are at soccer field) and as we walk into the restaurant I go to turn the sound on my phone on and there is a voicemail and a text message - you got it - the house is being shown this afternoon.

Flew through lunch and headed home to a frenzy of cleaning.  I sure wish God would just send me a billboard with the lesson I am supposed to be learning through this realty journey or tell me which showing will be the one that sells it - cause I'd like to "pull over to the curb" in this house selling segment.  I'm waving the white flag - I surrender.  I'm done. 

Pray for endurance and patience.  Pray for the house to sell.  Pray for laughter in the midst of it all. 

Truly God or a Wimpy Look-alike?

One more blind curve in the journey - one more unexpected twist - one speed up that came without a forewarning, yet -

God wasn't surprised.  God has the entire road map.  He not only  knows it but planned it, yet -

I paused for a moment in fear.  Fear that the curve might blindside God.  Fear that the journey might end in a crash instead of giving Him glory.  Fear that failure is just one step away, yet -

I realized yesterday in the middle of this twisty section of the journey that I had a choice to make - either choose to believe that the God I trusted before this twist was still the same God in the middle of it, or He wasn't much of a God and perhaps I should rethink this whole "selling all our worldly goods and moving to the other side of the world to follow His calling."  I know, that sounds a little harsh, but its true.  He is either a God that is not changed by circumstances or He isn't much of a god at all. 

But what is my pattern?  Forget the power of the God I say I serve and trust and reduce him to some wimpy god who can be defeated by simple circumstances that come into my life.  As I processed that thought I was humbled.  I was broken and I had to repent.  Then, I had to make the choice - because not choosing was not an option.

My choice - through tears and crying out to God - was He is the same God in the midst of the turns and twists of the journeys of life as He was before and will be after.  The same God who allowed the Israelites to not only cross the Jordan river in the middle of flood season, but allowed them to walk on land that became dry instantly, is the same today.  I will choose to trust in Him.  I will rest in His plan and allow Him to be the God I know that He is and I will not reduce him to some wimpy thing that my simple mind can conceive.

Ahh - what peace that comes from such a decision.

Superhero

Tonight I am blessed to get to share our journey with a group of women from Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, North Carolina.  My prayer is not that they hear my story, but instead they hear a story of a God who is more faithful than we could ever imagine and that God uses the ordinary woman (and men) to reach the world.  You don't have to be a superhero, because God is the only super "hero" needed.