I've been avoiding thinking about how soon we're leaving for Paraguay. But I made myself count the days so I could have a title for this post.
Brian and I are working hard to get ready for the trips ahead. We just sent out our newsletter for the summer (if you didn't get one and would like one, send us an email). I'm trying to have a good, positive outlook on this summer. And I'm beginning to get more excited about traveling, but I'm still quite overwhelmed.
This past weekend we were able to get away to Bellingham, Washington for a few days. It was nice to leave computers and cell phones behind, return to the mother land, and walk around Target and Super WalMart. All I could think was, "I love America." I found some little tooth brushes that don't require water! I stocked up on those. I can now brush my teeth whenever I feel like it even though I'll be stuck in the middle of the row of seats on the 8 hour flight!
I also stocked up on Goldfish. We always take a huge Costco size box of granola bars and chewy fruit bars with us, but this time I get Extreme Cheddar Goldfish, too!
Another thing I love, anything mini or travel sized. Seriously. If it's baby-sized, I need it. Because of this, I love the travel section in Target. WalMarts are hit-and-miss, but Target's travel section is great.
Another thing I love, words that sound like bad words. ;o) I don't cuss, so if someone thinks they heard me drop an s-bomb (especially in the office), I usually get the high-eyebrowed, open-mouthed, head jerk. I know this because last week I discovered Ship Happens. So, in the midst of the hair-pulling fiascoes of the last few weeks, I would sporadically (or frequently) announce, "Oh well! Ship happens!" I also threw up my arms and proclaimed "Serenity now!" That got a few laughs. It was all I had left to do before breaking down into tear.
My friend introduced me to Ship Happens. I can get packages shipped there (just across the border from us in the US) and save a bundle on international shipping costs! And it was only $4!
Please keep us in your prayers as it seems that whenever we chop one thing off of our to-do list, two more grow back. I am constantly reminded that I can't do this job. I cannot make things happen. I cannot cause someone to do something or even feel something. I cannot force things. I am simply being used by God. My strength is too weak. My mental capacity is too small. What a relief.
5.26.2009
5.15.2009
it looks like we made it
I've been feeling like maybe I was a little too harsh in my last blog. I've always been a what some may call a softie or a push over, though, and I don't want to be any more. So I don't think I was too harsh, but either way I'm glad this week is over. Although I know the stress won't leave until I know the girls are in Paraguay. I just want to get home and play some Lego Star Wars on the Wii!
In the mean time, enjoy this video :o) ...oh I love Canada.
(FYI, dropping the puck is equivalent to the tip off in basketball or singing the Star Spangled Banner at a baseball game.)
In the mean time, enjoy this video :o) ...oh I love Canada.
(FYI, dropping the puck is equivalent to the tip off in basketball or singing the Star Spangled Banner at a baseball game.)
5.11.2009
it's just another manic monday
Today was a very tough day.
I think that's why I enjoyed the little clip (below) that I found on CNN.com. It's 6:26 and I'm ready for bed. I'm in my sweatpants (okay, Brian's sweatpants) and a t-shirt, lovingly dubbed our uniform. Brian has just declared that he quits.
We've had a heck of a time this year getting our students to do what they are supposed to in order to get ready for tour. I don't like to complain or even think about this stuff outside of work, but I'm expecting to hear from an angry mom sometime soon. Mom, how do you do it? How do you deal with angry parents who get frustrated when they have to do some extra work because their kid didn't do what they were told? Even though they've been told at least once a week via phone calls and emails and even facebook, I have yet to see every girl's passport information or health insurance information (I could go on). That means they aren't supposed to travel with us. They leave in one week. I'm starting to wonder what it will feel like when/if it all gets done.
With every generation of college student that passes through our tours, they seem to be getting less and less responsible. Is it because they played kiddie kickers and were told, "It doesn't matter what the score is. Just enjoy the game." Well, what is supposed to keep them responsible to their team? Why should they play hard and hone their skills? How are they going to deal with the mental stress of an angry coach down the road who lays into them for messing up the easy lay-up?
When did it become okay to just text or email your leader and tell them that you can't make it 15 minutes before you're supposed to show up? I guess that's another topic all together. Or maybe not.
Any way, I've learned a lot about how I want to raise my kids. I want to teach them to honor their word. How to read (instructions) with understanding and follow through on any action points. But most of all, how to make wise decisions based on God's perspective and enjoy the opportunities God presents to their fullest. I'm still learning this one myself, but hope to pass it down.
By the way, we're taking students who were born in 1990. 1990! I remember that year! I feel oddly old. ;o)
I think that's why I enjoyed the little clip (below) that I found on CNN.com. It's 6:26 and I'm ready for bed. I'm in my sweatpants (okay, Brian's sweatpants) and a t-shirt, lovingly dubbed our uniform. Brian has just declared that he quits.
We've had a heck of a time this year getting our students to do what they are supposed to in order to get ready for tour. I don't like to complain or even think about this stuff outside of work, but I'm expecting to hear from an angry mom sometime soon. Mom, how do you do it? How do you deal with angry parents who get frustrated when they have to do some extra work because their kid didn't do what they were told? Even though they've been told at least once a week via phone calls and emails and even facebook, I have yet to see every girl's passport information or health insurance information (I could go on). That means they aren't supposed to travel with us. They leave in one week. I'm starting to wonder what it will feel like when/if it all gets done.
With every generation of college student that passes through our tours, they seem to be getting less and less responsible. Is it because they played kiddie kickers and were told, "It doesn't matter what the score is. Just enjoy the game." Well, what is supposed to keep them responsible to their team? Why should they play hard and hone their skills? How are they going to deal with the mental stress of an angry coach down the road who lays into them for messing up the easy lay-up?
When did it become okay to just text or email your leader and tell them that you can't make it 15 minutes before you're supposed to show up? I guess that's another topic all together. Or maybe not.
Any way, I've learned a lot about how I want to raise my kids. I want to teach them to honor their word. How to read (instructions) with understanding and follow through on any action points. But most of all, how to make wise decisions based on God's perspective and enjoy the opportunities God presents to their fullest. I'm still learning this one myself, but hope to pass it down.
By the way, we're taking students who were born in 1990. 1990! I remember that year! I feel oddly old. ;o)
5.03.2009
hmm
Okay, before I write this blog, I have to admit that I was Googling myself. There, I said it. But it was because Brian wanted me to find some random picture for me to use as my facebook profile pic.
Anyway, I found this website using one of my pictures! http://blogs.bnet.com/intercom/?p=695
What do I do with that?
Anyway, I found this website using one of my pictures! http://blogs.bnet.com/intercom/?p=695
What do I do with that?
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