A Sign of the Times

This sign appeared in our school hallways this week. Please note that it is not directed at students but at parents and visitors. Just can't believe that you have to spell it out so clearly for people!

Random Things I'm Thankful for

Several times this summer I've been reminded of some random things that I'm thankful for. Some of them have been really huge things but others have been kind of funny. Like yesterday when I was walking through the grocery store I passed the DOVE deodorant and I was reminded of a SAM's shopping trip prior to leaving for Niger in 2004. I had been using DOVE and planned on buying it in bulk at SAM's before I left. They didn't have any so my friend Amy suggested Degree which I ended up buying and it's a good thing, too. I took one stick of DOVE which promptly began evaporating in the heat. Imagine if I hadn't had the Degree....so I just want to say, "Thanks, Amy for your most helpful suggestion. If it wasn't for you, I would have been STINKY!"

To Meet or not to Meet...

I'm all for meeting new people (a few at a time :) but I can do without MEETINGS. Today was my first day back to school and guess what I did all day? Yep, I sat in meetings. I don't know what it is about meetings but they just drive me crazy. Of course, meetings at elementary school are even worse because you get to sit on the round cafeteria stools which is a form of toture in itself. Tomorrow will be bliss...a whole day in my classroom without one meeting.

The FAB FOUR

I was just going through my newly discovered email account and found this picture of my FABOULOUS friends in Toronto. I had to post it as the expressions on our faces just crack me up! I love these amazing women. They have been my friends since high school and they are each unique and wonderful. Thanks Chellaine, Jennifer and Michelle for the many ways that you have blessed me!

Home, Sweet Home

I am SO ready to get home. I've been gone for six weeks. In those six weeks I have...

• slept in four different beds
• had tons of information crammed into my brain
• been encouraged to see what God is doing in His world
• met gazillions of new people
• become a SIM appointee

I am SO ready to get home. I need some time to process it all.

My Summer Adventures - Toronto

It seems like a couple years since I've gotten to spend a summer in Toronto but I guess it's only been one. I have to say this was one of the most pleasant summers I've spent in Toronto weatherwise. It was beautiful...not really all that hot and definitely not humid. I got to spend lots of quality time with my parents and with my friends. Here are some of the highlights...

• Walking & Shopping with my Mom


• Helping my Dad at Work


• Sharing with a group of Seniors who have been praying faithfully for me


• Having a picnic with several of the SIM retirees including my 2nd grade teacher


• Seeing my friends, the Borodies, from Niger


• Going to church with Michelle & getting to see how happy she is there


• Making buns and pie crusts with Jennifer...she made an awesome pie


• Going to two of Chellaine's football games...she is the athletic therapist for the Hamilton Ti-Cats and she is amazing!

Here's Chellaine helping an injured Ti-Cat Player & observing the action on field with several players.

My Summer Adventures - TCK-PFO

Huh? TCK-PFO??? What in the world? That stands for Third Culture Kids-Pre-Field Orientation. Those who participated fondly referred to it as TICK-FO. Anyway, this was the conference which I attended for two weeks in Houghton, NY. I think that there were just under 200 teachers and future dorm parents who participated in this conference which focused on the specific needs of children who grow up overseas and also delved into the experience of transitioning from one culture to another. Even though I've already been overseas, I thought it was a very valuable experience. I had several moments where things that I had experienced in Niger came into a clearer focus and I was able to understand what was really going on. It was so encouraging to see what God is doing around the world and how He is using Third Culture Kids to reach families from around the world with the gospel. It was also amazing to share the experience with so many others who are dedicated to making an impact in the lives of TCKs!

These were my roomies...Linda, Marcie, Me & Sandra.

Marcie & Rebecca Being Goofy! Rebecca was practically our roomie too! Marcie, Rebecca and Sandra are all headed to Morrison Academy in Taiwan.

Linda and Bonnie are headed to Faith Academy in the Phillipines. We are standing at Letchworth Falls.

Marion & Kris are also headed to Morrison Academy.

(Marion plays a mean guitar and watch out for Kris' Kung Fu Fighting Skills!)

While we were at Letchworth Park we saw a hot air balloon. I think that's the first time I've ever seen a hot air balloon in person so I had to take a picture. At $200 a pop, I wasn't about to take a ride!