Can't believe it's almost over!!!

Here's a couple of pictures. One of our whole Katrina Team 17 at God's Katrina Kitchen and one of my 3rd and 4th grade group from VBS.




I can't believe it's Thursday nite? This week flew by! I can't seem to get signed onto Marlon's e-mail so I'll have to do that update in the morning, but I thought I'd get a post done anyway. It's hard to even know where to start...

VBS---it has been so wonderful. The church here is sooo thankful that we've come down to help. Marlon, Collin and the boys have totally taken the game station and run with it! They developed games to play, made Friday a "water day" and Miss Cindy (the VBS director) is so thankful because they really didn't have any one to do games if they hadn't taken it. Jordyn has been so helpful in the craft room. She is patient and so detailed that she just takes any direction Miss Charlotte gives her and really keeps the kids on task to finish their projects in the allowed 25 minutes. I love our group. Tiffany, another WI lady on the trip came along to help when my group grew from 16 on Mon. to 24 by Tuesday! We've had a blast. My heart will definately miss these kids when we leave. A few have asked if we can come back next year for VBS--if it's at all possible, I'll definately be here! Tomorrow after VBS we have been invited to go to lunch with the rest of the team. It should be fun.

Yesterday and today for afternoon work project I was able to go to nursing homes with Miss Angel. Yesterday Izzy and Elijah came along to a small hospice home and we played games...today we went to a larger nursing home (Isaiah went this time) and sang songs for and with the elderly. What an experience. Miss Angel and I have made a real connection. She enjoyed my singing so much that tonight at spa night for the community ladies she made me sing for everyone...lol.

That leads me to the last thing I'll talk about tonight. Spa night. It's an Elmbrook tradition to have a Spa Nite whenever a group comes and so tonight was our turn. 15-20 women from the community and church family came for pedicures, facials, manicures, massages...it was so humbling to have them share their stories with us as we pampered them. A privilege. Nothing less then a privilege.

Well, the towels from spa night are finally in the dryer and I just tossed a load of our personal clothes in so I guess I will close up shop. Tomorrow will be a long day , VBS in the morning, lunch with the rest of the VBS crew, service projects in the afternoon, a deacon is bringing us all dinner and somewhere in there we have to clean the church before heading out EARLY Sat. morning.

Much love to you all!!! Beth---Collin is LOVING it! He already wants to come back in August with another group!

Updates from Mississippi

Since I really don't have time to blog--but thought it'd be fun to keep this thing somewhat updated about our family mission trip---I thought I'd post the emails that I've been sending our friends and family. I am in total awe of how God is blessing us. The trip has been so wonderful. Travel---went AMAZINGLY well. Heat---incredibly easy to handle. Family Dynamics---nobody wants to kill each other yet! Tomorrow will be a hard day as we are going to tour some very damaged areas and have dinner at Katrina's Kitchen. Pray that we continue to put Him first and push ourselves aside. Thanks!


June 23
Just wanted to send a quick note to let you all know that we made it to Horns Lake, MS and are relaxing in our hotel room. Our group of 17 met at Elmbrook and hit the road at 6am in the morning. One car followed our van full of Pitchford's (and one Sims) and the other embarked on their own with different directions. With Marlon at the wheel and only 4 short stops---we made it here at a little after 4! After check in we all went to a Chinese Food Buffet and then hit the pool.

Thanks to you all who prayed, gave support both financially and emotionally and have just encouraged us in this trip. If you would like to pray---we would so appreciate it!

Pray for the last 5 hours of our trip tomorrow. That we are well rested tonight and have a fresh start.
Pray that our group continues to gel---we've had fun together already so that's been a blessing.
Praise that we made it here safely and the kids did AMAZINGLY well with the long drive.
Thanks and we'll send another update when we can! (and hopefully a photo or two)

6/24/07
Well, it's 9:48 pm and we are in our jammies, under the covers and getting ready to go to sleep. After a quick hotel breakfast this morning, a short devotion and prayer by the pool-we hit the road by 9:30am. We made good time and hit a little bit of rain---making it here by 4pm after a yummy buffet lunch in Gulfport.

Here's what we've done since getting here:

we had a small tour of the church and facilities here
broke into groups with some of the church members and delivered flyers to the houses in neighboring subdivisions. Izzy and I were with some of our group and two ladies from this church. The neighborhood we were in was very run down, but full of friendly people. We were even chased for a few blocks by a little dog. We had some great conversations.
had pizza delivered and devoured in 15 minutes flat...lol!
debriefed for the evening about our experiences today and had a small devotion led by Marlon
the boys got shaved heads, and most of us took showers tonight so we don't have to do them in the morning.
Our day tomorrow begins at 7am for breakfast in the fellowship hall. We pray that you all have a wonderful day! Camp Vertical and Zoom folks, Edie and I are praying for you and that tomorrow goes smoothly. Isn't it awesome that we can be so far away from each other and still doing the same great work for His Kingdom!! God is good!

June 25
Well, it's 10:22 and the kids and I (as well as two other young girls from our team) are up playing Uno. Although it was a long day, we had a burst of energy that came from a 9pm trip to Wal-mart I think!

Here are some of what we did today:
VBS--wonderful! Just about 80 kids (age 3-13 yrs) came. Even a few familiar faces from our neighborhood walk yesterday-that was cool.
Marlon & the boys got to lead the game "fieldhouse" station
Jordyn helped in crafts
I got to lead the small group of 3rd and 4th graders (16 in all)
We used a fun LifeWay curriculum with a "Game Day" theme which the kids really enjoyed. They had the following stations: crafts, bible study, games, music and snack. The volunteers here were so happy that we came to help.
After lunch we separated into groups for work. Marlon and Collin went to help at a house with a group from Kentucky. Since they didn't want women or kids there due to the heavy lifting and mud the rest of us went to a free medical clinic. Some of us were inside "popping pills" (yes that was a HUGE joke all day) and the rest of us did some cleaning, moving...let's just say I'm much stronger that I thought I was!! Edie and I had to have sweated off at least 10 lbs today--so that's a good thing.
Highlights and awesome God moments:

During our clean up, a young woman approached me and asked if I spoke Spanish. I explained that I did, and asked what she needed. I then translated to the man running the clinic and got her mother who suffers from diabetes and has leg problems a walker. The amazing part is that I wasn't going to be with that team and at the last minute I got put with them.
Clive. Now this silly, 60+ old man came with his wife from North Carolina right after Katrina hit for medical help. Two years later and they are still here running a free clinic. He has a home and family in NC still, but feels that God continues to need them here in MS and so they stay. Shipments of free medicines continue to come in. In fact, today a shipment of medicines (prescription mind you) came in totaling $430,000!! This was the first shipment ever straight from a pharmeceutical company and not just doctors working together to donate the meds. What a testament to the gospel! He really got a kick out of the kids and they had a good time helping him.
Thanks for continuing to pray for our safety and ability to stand the heat. So far so good! Tomorrow after VBS we are going on our tour of the area and get to eat dinner at Katrina's God's Kitchen.

Alive & Kickin'

I am still here. :) Camp started Mon. and couldn't be better!

Here's a little window into my past few days...

Last weekend was soccer in Rockford. Izzy had a game on Sat. as well---so Marlon did Rockford and I did baseball. Knowing I'd have a crazy week, I opted not to drive down to catch the 2nd game and instead lounged at the pool. Marlon and the boys joined us later and we swam for a bit before heading home so Marlon could pack. Jordyn spent the weekend with her dad. Sun. brought EARLY rising to be in Rockford by 6:15!!! Arrgh! We drove down in two cars and then Marlon left after the first game to go back home, snag his luggage and wait for Pops to pick him up. He and Pops stopped in Rockford to watch the game (which we won and Isaiah SCORED---his first for the spring session, wow was he excited) on their way to St. Louis. Marlon is going to be gone until Fri. evening at a Men's Conference.

After the games the boys and I headed to my parent's for a Father's Day cook-out. Some of my mom's family was there and we swam again. I tell you---what a blessing that pool is. It's so relaxing and fun to just pop in for a bit or stay and visit the whole day. :)

I headed home because I had a slew of work to do. Up to Sam's right at 7am when they opened on Monday and then straight to work. Camp was GREAT. Was there some chaos-of course it was the first day. Did we realize there were a few things to tweak so that things would run smoother--of course. BUT the kids had a blast, the parents were happy and God was exhaulted at every turn so what else could you ask for? Ended up having to stay until 6pm--I have a feeling my Mondays are going to be 11 hour days. The hard part is that I have to keep up with all of my other non-camp duties as well. It's going to be a whirlwind summer.

Sat. we leave for Biloxi. 6am. I am so excited for our whole family (and Collin) to have some undivided time together. While it's not really a vacation--we will be busy and working and with 11 other people--it will be nice to get away from the frenzy of our everyday life and experience something so special together. Saturday can't come soon enough. A nice long car ride to unwind and then one night hotel stay to swim and relax before getting to Biloxi on Sun. afternoon. That will be good.

Well, we need to be out of here by 7:15. Normally, I won't have to get to work until 8ish, but Brodie is having his baby...well his wife is having the baby...today so we need all hands on deck as much as possible. I just had to stop in and say hi and fill everyone in.

Love!!!

HELP!

I'm needing some prayer guys...I'm starting to drown. The past few weeks of chaos when anyone has asked how I'm hanging in there with all of the busyness--and I've said that I'm treading water and keeping my head above water. Now---I'm starting to drown!! There is really nothing that can be done at this point to alleviate my schedule or our obligations---so please pray for:

--The spirit to lead me in all of my interactions with co-workers, camper's parents and my bosses
--Pray that I have strength, patience and peace beyond all understanding!
--Finally, please pray that time is stretched and I am able to get done what just simply can't get done in the amount of time I have. I know this is an odd request, but believe me I've prayed over this before and I have firm faith that God can truly give me time that just isn't there.

Love you all and wish you well. Amy, I was so bummed that I couldn't be there. I just had too much to do. I am STILL up working---just needed to give my brain a break!

Hasta luego!

Just a little catch up...

I can't believe it's been a week again! Where in the world does time go? And why do we continously ask ourselves that when we know the answer!! lol

First---let me do my Thursday Thirteen----Things That Begin with H

1. holidays
2. home---I enjoy just being home relaxing---even if it doesn't happen often.
3. hip-hop music
4. hot tub
5. hot sauce
6. hotels (staying in a hotel is so much fun--especially when the kids are not with us!!)
7. hugging
8. Halloween....favorite scary movie of ALL time!
9. Heaven---how marvelous will it be when I get there!
10. history---I love knowing the past and trying to learn from it
11. Hawaii...alright I've never been there, but it's the one place that I daydream about vacationing with Marlon someday when we are old and gray!
12. helping
13. high heels...even though they aren't the best for my back/neck...I LOVE wearing them.

This week flew by---last week of school!! While I enjoy summer and all of the fun things that we get to do (especially this summer) I do worry because we always seem to be a little off kilter in the summer. I think we function best with a schedule and sometimes the summer gets thrown off. I am hoping with the kids at Camp Vertical and Jordyn part of the training program there---that it will help us stay on schedule.

This weekend was so beautiful out! We had a baseball game for Izzy and Isaiah had a soccer tournament. They took 3rd--played a little stale a few of the games, but overall they did well. Isaiah had tryouts and made the U-12 team. He was very excited. I keep instilling in him the need to always give 100% because us being friends with the coach means nothing. If he wasn't good enough he wouldn't make be on the team. If they give themselves too much kudos as a team and think they are the best out there---they get cocky. There is nothing worse than a big headed kid who thinks the world revolves around him and that he is the best thing that ever happened to a team. I never want Isaiah to be that kid. He can be confident and know that he needs to leave his heart on the field at the end of the game---but I never want him to think that he can't be replaced.

Spent a lot of the weekend at the pool. I could just sit in there all afternoon (well, actually most days I did...lol) It's so relaxing but really keeps from doing stuff here at home that I need to. Came home today though and got the dishes, vaccumming and dusting done. Now I'm just sitting for a minute and then I'm gonna go up and fold some clothes while I watch Law and Order (yay--for marathons and TBS) Marlon's school (where he teaches) had graduation today and then the teachers went out for dinner so he should be home in about an hour or so. He's gonna have to put some after sun on my back because I got a little red on my back today.

Tomorrow training for Camp Vertical starts. Jordyn is excited but I think really realizing what 40 hours a week means...lol. Her friend got her driver's license so she was gone gallavanting about all weekend with her...lol. I remember doing that with friends---what fun. Although it does cause a whole new sense of worry...lol.

Well, gotta go and give Grandma her shot. Have a good nite all!

Freedom Writers

Have you seen the movie Freedom Writers?

What a movie. Man, if you haven't seen it-you need to. I love true stories. I love peoples stories. For all of the lost, broken, misunderstood, forgotten young people in the city--you need to watch this movie. For all of the naive, afraid, misguided judgements we make about young people with a hard shell. For all of kids who will die, end up in jail, live homeless, hurting, painful lives that many of us could never relate to. For all of those reasons--watch this movie.

A hodge podge of happenings...

Last night we had so much fun hanging out with our friends the Andersons and the Spanos. Amy made some very yummy chicken and there was just a ton of sides. Grandma was so sweet and cute! She ate with us and showed off her living quarters to us (wonderful job Troy and Amy!!)...you could tell she was so happy to be somewhere she could call home! Owen was such a doll---he has such beautiful eyes. We played with the Wii, so much fun. We might have to break down and have that be a family gift at Christmas time because we all had a blast.


*****************My Jorgie and her friend Kristie in Wis. Dells************

Jordyn chose to hang out at her friend's Molly's house all night instead. She got her first assignment in for next year's AP US History class. It was due June 1st. Now she has another due in July. This AP stuff is gonna kill us! Of course in the long run it's worth it because it could save her from having to do some credits in college. For her classes in the fall---US History, $85 for the books and for Econ $95! Of course due next week and we just got the letter on Thursday. Never mind that the test in the spring will be close to $100 each! Blech! She is so intelligent and talented though--how can we not allow her this? She actually had such high grades (A+) in a few of her classes that she doesn't even have to take the final. Since she already took her AP World History test that's done--yearbook didn't have a final....so next week she only has to take 2 finals. Then she will be a junior! That is crazy to me. I can't believe that she will be graduating in 2 years.

Today was a long day. Helped my friends move in the morning, Izzy's game was cancelled due to flooded fields, ran errands, went to my cousin's birthday party, swam at my parents, ran to the grocery store, made tacos for Marlon, visited with my Grandma...now I am in my jammies and ready to lay down. I have some stuff to do for a meeting tomorrow, but I may just lay down and then get up early to do it. We'll see.

Hope you all have a good weekend. Much love to you!!

Thursday Thirteen

My 13 favorite things that begin with "G"

1. God.
2. Good N Plenty candy
3. Grover
4. Guesstures
5. goals
6. giving
7. gifts
8. grass (not the kind you smoke....um, ok...I really dated myself...lol)
9. goldfish
10. golden graham cereal
11. granola
12. game shows
13. Ghost (the movie, not real live spirits...lol)

Prison

The women I minister to twice a month are in prison. Because of choices they've made they are being punished and have been sentenced to prison. What strikes me as odd, is how many of us live our lives as if we are in prison as well. We enjoy freedoms that these women can only dream about...and yet we often drift from day to day as if we have no choices.
We are held prisoners by our past. We hold onto things and let them consume us. Because of old bad relationships---we don't let positive new ones in. Because of old habits we can't believe we've been freed from---we fall prey to repeating them.
We are held prisoners by our fears. If we think that we are the odd man out and as such we interact with others that way---it's not a suprise that we will often feel that we are on the outside looking in. If we think that we are doomed to fail---it's not a surprise that we then do.
We are held prisoners by our anger. We allow ourselves to be filled with hate and in doing so kill the love that might have grown. We allow ourselves to be filled with disgust and in doing so kill the joy that might have grown.

Another thing that strikes me when I think about the inmates is how so many people do not even ever think about them. Because they have broken the law....because they are criminals...they aren't worth their time. Or even worse to me...they are so off of their radar that they've never even entered their mind. 24,000+ inmates in the state of WI...mothers, fathers, daughters, sons. Does their crime make them devoid of a soul? Does their crime make them less human than the rest of us? If the answer to those questions is no...then why do we not care what happens to them while they are in prison? Most inmates are getting out. They will be returning to families, friends, lives...now, if you don't know me-please don't think that I live with rose colored glasses on. Are there precautions that we need to take to ensure safety---of course. Are there support systems that need to be in place to make sure that they don't end up back in---of course. But who do we think is going to do that? Who is going to love the "unlovable"? Maybe you.

Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoner and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Hebrews 13:3

Glorious Weekend...

What a great weekend it's been. Sat. morning I had my haircut and then Isaiah's party. Too bad it rained, but I tell you with 13 boys they sure didn't care. The pool was heated to 85 degrees so they were able to get in about an hour of swimming, then came in for some fun in the basement and snacks. After gifts and cake, Marlon and Rod (my brother in law) had them outside racing and then an intense game of basketball...lol. I think almost every competitive kid Isaiah knows was there! (except for the few soccer buds with other committments) Thanks again mom and dad for the use of your house and pool. What a blessing because we'd never have had room for that at our house! Once all of the kids were picked up Isaiah left with his friend Patrick to go camping with his family. Since Jordyn normally spends Memorial weekend with her dad--we were just a small family of 4....so THAT'S what it's like! We went for dinner with my parents and then I collapsed on the couch at 8pm. After getting up for just a brief moment to give my grandma her shot I was back asleep by 9pm and slept until MORNING. That never happens for me and I felt so rested.
Church yesterday was really good. I appreciated the memorial prayer and video they showed. My dad is a Vietnam Vet and these times are often hard...emotional for him. Opportunities to remember and pay respect to his fallen Marines are important. Our Pastor talked about good vs. evil and making those important decisions...that there isn't good people and evil people. In summer our church doesn't have Sunday School for school age kids. Families are encouraged to worship together. (in June and July there is an option during just one service for families that really need it) So-that means kids in the service during summer. So yesterday Pastor Mel called all of the kids who wanted to up to the platform. He asked for movie buffs and said he wanted to talk about a movie that was 30 years old. Then he brought out a light sabor and asked them if they knew what it was. Of course they did and they could name of dozens of the characters from the different movies. He asked specifically about the hero and the villian. Then he asked one boy to be Luke Skywalker (and made the connection of the gospel Luke which he was preaching from...lol) and he handed him a sabor. Then he went to the pulpit and put on a cape and pulled out a Darth Vader mask...lol. It was classic, the kids were all laughing. He put it on and did the whole heavy breathing thing...lol...then he pulled out his own sabor and a very, deep, large recorded voice spoke...hysterical. Then he took it all off and gave the kid a squeeze and sent them all back. He made the very important analogy for the kids to remember that Darth Vader wasn't always bad. He wasn't just a villian. He had been a good, righteous person at one time...he had been a hero. It was choices. Very cool.
Then yesterday we swam all afternoon and got some sun. I am gonna get sooo dark this summer, I can tell. Marlon and I went to prison last night and wow---it was a powerful night. I always enjoy going and connecting with the ladies...but some nights...you can just feel the presence of Jesus...feel the spirit moving. Had some amazing talks and prayed for Erica who is leaving on Tues. She is a Christian and is worried about her ability to stay strong when she gets out. We prayed and she said she might write the ministry for a prayer warrior. I pray she does.
Today Marlon is golfing with some friends of ours. The parade is at 10:30 I think. I love that it passes right by our house! Very nice. Then we have a cook out with some of our buddies from church and then also at my Grandma's house. If that sun stay out I am gonna have to swim again---so we'll see how the day plays out.
Remember our brother and sisters in the military today...specifically those that have died for our continued freedom. Whatever your personal opinions about war---know that we have our liberties and freedom because someone else believes in your choice and right to have the opinion. You should be thankful for that. And for those of you who are against our continued presence in Iraq. As long as we have troops there---Al'Qaeda isn't here. May we never experience another 9-11. I am proud to be the wife and daughter of Marine vets and proud to be part of this country. It's a privelege we should not waste.