Flashback to the Philippines...

As some of you know, Marlon went to the Philippines this summer.
This picture shows a family that the ministry visits each week.
The father was incarcerated and had recently gotten out. The
family lives very far out and away from any city. The ministry
visits with them, brings them money and food, shares the gospel
with them.
In our culture and way of thinking, there is no way to explain
the extreme poverty that this family experiences. Marlon learned
that many of the prisoners in the Philippines are incarcerated in
horrible conditions.
More about this later...just wanted to share this experience.

My First Day...

So today was my first day at Elmbrook, I must say that
it was wonderful! So inviting, so fun, so open...such
a different environment from where I came from at Lad
Lake. To start the day with prayer...to end meetings
with prayer...to see passion and respect in people's
eyes...very awesome. Will it be perfect-of course not!
But it will fill me up with the Lord and with His love,
challenging me to strengthen my walk and be that light.
On my way home, I got a little teary eyed, thinking of
how proud Granny would be that I was working at the
church and how she told me before she died that I was
supposed to do ministry full time. Little did she know
how soon that would come to pass.
My job is going to be very full, which I love because it
helps the day go faster. There is just always something
to do. As the next few days and weeks come to pass, I am
sure that I will encounter feelings of being overwhelmed,
but it so reassuring to know that if I need to stop to
pray or need to ask someone to pray with me, I can without
any issues.
And thanks, thanks, thanks to the Lord for giving me this
opportunity when He did, because I found out today that
there were some major changes at my old job that would
have made staying there unbearable for me.
On another note-Saturday is the big day!! Marlon and I
will be speaking at Elmbrook for the Coulple's Retreat.
Keep us in your prayers as we finish up our preparations.

The Kids...

Aren't they cuties? Jordyn, Isaiah, Elijah and Israel with their Auntie DeeDee. You can see the Pitchford in her with that great smile!

These are some pictures from Marlon's sister's wedding. Erin got married Labor Day weekend. Marlon is with his dad and Grandfather and with Erin and Yolanda his sisters in the other. It was a really pretty wedding and it was so special to be a part of her day.

Adios Charm!!

So we''ve had a cat for a little over 5 years. She initially
started out as a substitute for a dog...since we weren't quite
ready to get a dog yet. Also, Jordyn really wanted one. She's
been a little bit of a pain. Because we finally did break down
and get a dog she still has her claws. So furniture is her
favorite scratching post. Also, she loves being outside. So
she loves to run out when the door opens and hang around until she
decides she's ready to come in. She has made friends with all of the
neighborhood street cats. To the point that they have even come on
our porch calling for her. Since she decides to come home long after
we've gone to bed-this has meant dozens of torn
screens in the years we've had her. Marlon has become an expert at
replacing screens. She also is not much a people cat...what cat is
actually? But with her it's to the point that you'd barely know we
had a cat!
So today, we are taking her to our friend's farm and
she is going to get to be a loved farm cat!
Between the outdoors, other cats and the chase of little rodents...
I think she's gonna be in heaven!
No more litter box-yeahhhhhhh!!

Time just flies...

I tell you, trying to leave a job with not much unfinished is very tiring...lol. The past few days have been very hectic.
Work-it is very exciting to know I am leaving and quite honestly, I feel it is going to open another chapter in my life. Not that Elmbrook won't have it's stress and conflict as well, but I am really anticipating working in a positive, healthy environment!
Home-there just never seems to be enough time, between activities, meetings, ministry, cleaning...I just pray that I am doing it all in as loving and caring of a way as I can.

Tonight the boys move into a new sport-basketball. Elmbrook is having a basketball league this year and although practices and games don't start until Jan., they being skill evaluations tonight. They are very excited. So far we've stuck to the soccer and baseball, so this will be new for them. Marlon will coach--by the time they are all in high school, he probably will have coached for every sport there is!! But it's so great to see him out there with the boys teaching and training.

Jordyn has Outtasight tonight. This is Elmbrook's high school ministry. It is held in different "sponsor" homes and the youth are divided by their school. She really loves her group and it has been wonderful to see her faith grow and her conviction for her beliefs be strenghtened.

You know that means for Momma?? Woohooo I get some peace and quiet!

Just a fun, relaxing Saturday...

Although Marlon had a Brother Bob's Outreach board meeting
early in the morning on Saturday, there was nothing else
to do than help celebrate my Aunt Annie's birthday. Her
4 kids and boyfriend threw her a great suprise party on
Saturday night. It was so special, complete with a really
beautiful portrait for her with all 4 kids and 7 of her
grandkids...her closest cousin visiting from Texas and her
son's band playing. For as large as my family is, and as
different as we all are...as I looked around the room on
Saturday there was nothing but love there. How blessed to
have a family that comes together and enjoys each other's
time and shares in each other's triumphs.
This picture is of my Aunt Annie and her daughters. Becky
is on the left and Jackie on the right. Becky and Jackie
decided to party like their mommy used to in full disco
style!

Some of what we do....

Go to a prison, you say?? How scary! How sad!
How empty the souls must be! The liars there,
the sinners there, the evil that must exist!!
Look at this picture...and see them...praying,
full of hope and with faith for what their Lord
can do. Amazing, life changing things. Marlon
and I are blessed beyond measure with the great
privelege of ministering to these men and women.
This is a minimum security facility for women
here in Wisconsin. We were given permission to
take some pictures for footage on the website and
for Marlon to use for outreach. Once a month,
Marlon and I go together to lead service for
this facility. God is doing amazing things in
the hearts and lives of these women.
I think the most special thing is after they have
gotten out and I might see them on the street
or in church and they come up to us with a big
smile or hug and thank us for the love and care
we showed them while they were incarcerated. It
is more than enough reward to know that it makes
even a little bit of difference!

Kind of exciting...

November 18th and 19th is when Elmbrook is having their in house Couple's Retreats. Marlon and I have been part of the committee for two years now and it really is a fun group of people to work with. This retreat will be our first where we will be speaking. We are leading a seminar topic called "Marriage in Chaos". How fitting, huh? It is going to be such fun and has really been a bonding experience for us so far. You can see all about it www.elmbrookcouples.org
Check it out! Also, please keep us in your prayers as you know Satan will be even more alert with this coming up.

On another note, the kids and I had a busy week at Harvest Fest. I really enjoyed serving and they always love going and hanging out with their friends. Find a church. Not just any ole church...but one where there is impact being made for God's kingdom and one where there is a family atmosphere and compassion for others. I know that has been a monumental piece of my growing in Christ.

Saying Goodbye...

It has been an interesting week at work...you don't always
realize the impact you're making. So many of my clients
are really upset that I am leaving, but at that the same
time really happy for me that I am getting to move on to
something that is important to me. There are a number of
them that I will keep in touch with, especially the New
Mexico group. (8 of us went to a conference in New Mexico)
I really tried to assure them that there are other people
out there like me...who will encourage them, care about
their lives and futures...they just need to open up once
in awhile.
I am honored and proud that they would have the mature
responses that they have had.
If anyone would like to see an article about a couple of
our clients and what their lives are like after foster
care there is supposed to be an article in this Sundays
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. I say supposed to because
initially they told us it would be in last week-so you
never know. We've been told that it will be on the front
page!
The exciting thing for me I guess is that I can still help
these youth. I can volunteer, donate needed items, send
emails or encouraging letters...it doesn't have to end with
my "9 to 5". I encourage each of you to challenge yourself
to leave your comfort zone and really get in somewhere to
make a difference. Not just giving your money. That, of
course, is needed and valued, but find something or even
someone that touches your heart and make a personal impact.
Work at a shelter or food pantry, join project angel tree and
deliver gifts to the children of Wisconsin inmates, visit
with the elderly in nursing homes that nobody else comes
to see. The country is full of people in need of love,
compassion and help. It is not just taken care of by
social service agencies. Funding and staff are certainly
lacking and there is always more to be done.
Okay, off my soap box now...lol. Have a blessed day!!

your heart