Deja Vu

As part of our moving process, I've been going through all the boxes we've had stored in various closets. One such box contained a stack of papers and mementos I've been saving since childhood.

While going through it, I was shocked and delighted to come across a postcard from Germany that someone (it might have been my dad, but neither one of us remembers for sure) had given me, and for some reason I kept all these years. The back is blank, but the front has a picturesque scene that looked remarkably familiar. I ran to the computer and scrolled through the pictures from our time in Germany during the World Race in 2006.

Yep, I've been there! What are the odds?

Not in MY house!

Since July, we've probably visited three dozen different houses before landing on our new home. I always looked with camera in hand, to record the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's always interesting to see the personal touches people add to their homes. So, here's a photo blog to share some of our most memorable moments from the hunt.

Who wouldn't want a stairway to nowhere?


...or a mural of parrotfish, quite literally?


Who wants an indoor garden?


As Gary investigated this skylight, I couldn't help but imagine an alien abduction!


After years of cigarette smoking indoors, evidence was captured in the stained walls. (If this was the damage to the paint, I can't imagine what your lungs would look like!)


This pic is one of my faves: isn't so much about the house, but capturing a beautiful moment.


It was definitely fun to look, but I am more excited about the home that will be ours. One more week until we move!

Destination: Uganda!

I'm excited to announce that next summer, Gary, Molly, and I will be co-leading a youth mission trip to Uganda with Adventures in Missions. The trip is part of AIM's Ambassador program, designed for students ages 14-18 who want to serve God on trips that vary in length from one to four weeks. We will be ministering in Busia, Uganda (right across the border from Kenya) from June 30, 2010 to July 30, 2010.


According to AIM's website:

Much of the ministry will be will be in partnership with Helping Hands Ministry. The team will be ministering at a school for orphans. There will be opportunities to provide friendship, bible studies, education and the gospel to the children. In addition to the children, you will have a chance to minister to young adults in the area with outreach events working alongside Ugandans who are trying to reach their peers.

The team will assist and learn how to best minister with and to the people of Uganda. There may also be opportunities for the team to work with local churches "in the bush" once a week. The opportunities to join God in what He is doing in Uganda will be many and full of variety.

When I left Africa in 2006, I felt as if I left a piece of my heart there. I have been asking God since that time if it might be in His will for me to someday return and love on orphans in His name. I am thrilled for this opportunity, and am looking forward to four weeks of discipling teenagers while serving together.

AIM is accepting applications now for students who would like to participate in this trip. If you would like to join us, we would love to have you! Click here for more information about the trip!