FORE!

Our church had it's annual golf tournament Saturday benefitting the youth group's Mission Fund. I didn't play, as golf isn't really my thing, but I did enjoy riding alongside Rick and his team. They were a really fun group of people!

The course was short - 9 holes. So they played it twice. What was nice about the course was that all of the holes were pretty short. Most were par 3, and it seemed to allow all levels to play and enjoy the day. Hamburgers and hotdogs followed, and a good time was had by all.

All in all, I think we cleared in excess of $3,000 for the Youth Mission Fund. That's great! It allows our kids to serve in Honduras at the House of Hope, and to go to Austin for a mission trip working in Soup Kitchens, and to pass out food and necessities to the homeless in Ft Worth.

"Asleep at the Wheel" Lawn Concert

"Asleep at the Wheel"

Lawn Concert at the Dallas Arboretum

We met Ronnie and Patsy (Rick's brother and his wife) at the Dallas Arboretum for a fun-filled event on the lawn. One of our favorite bands "Asleep at the Wheel" played amongst a sold out lawn audience! (Western Swing)

Here is one of my favorites! http://sg1.allmusic.com/cg/smp.dll?link=5g08rvhr17qc6t7wpcl8it9&z=cmt&r=20.asx

Patsy had prepared an awesome picnic basket for us and they arrived early enough to save us seats on the lawn that couldn't be beat! Having just eaten dinner at S&D's Oyster Co for Rick's special B-day dinner, we we quite full... but we still found room for some caramel corn! Then we had to work it off by joining the crowd for some good old fashion three-stepping!

Family is something to be treasured - no matter what. Thanks, Ronnie & Patsy for the fun evening!

Two monkeys?

Yesterday was Rick's birthday!

The above picture was at Katrina's house in Honduras. She has several monkey's that live in the trees outside her home. They are friendly little guys, and we all had a blast holding them and watching them play.

That excursion proved to be one of the highlights of the trip - We were pretty emotionally stressed, and getting out to "monkey" around was just what the doctor ordered!

Happy Birthday, honey. I love you!

Left part of our heart behind...

We've returned. I needed a few days before writing anything, and to be honest, still need a few more.

People ask "How was your trip? Did you have a good time?"

Oh... please don't ask that unless you really want to know! A few words to describe it:

Horrible

Disturbing

Uncomfortable

Frightening

Hopeful

Perspective-shifting

Loving

Life-changing

Rewarding

Faith inspiring

God was there. He dwells in the most remote places, and is closest to those we think are the most forsaken.

I want to go back.

House of Hope

Yesterday evening, we had our last "team meeting" before 10 of us head out to the "House of Hope" in Puerto Lempera, Honduras.

This is an orphanage that our church supports. This particular trip involves 4 Senior High Youth (Taylor is going!) and 6 adults (Rick and myself included.) We'll be focusing on continued construction for a building that will house volunteers that go regularly to help out. Until that house is complete, volunteers stay in the orphanage, with the children. (see picture) I'm sure it adds a strain to the children's routine...and the workers. So it will be good to have this completed.

We'll also be spending lots of time with the children (about 30 of them currently) and shower them with love and physical affection. Many of these children have physical deformities due to malnutrition.

I am anxious about going for two reasons:
1. I'll be out of my comfort zone - physically! Conditions will be uncomfortable, as running water is limited and electicity is not something you can count on. The HEAT and HUMIDITY is said to be very difficult as well.
2. Emotional strain - I can only imagine the emotions we'll be dealing with as we embrace these children. Children who are so innocent, and yet have so many difficulties to overcome.

Website is www.send-hope.org if you want to check it out.