I know I've mentioned before how much I adore Christine Caine and her A21 ministry. Well she was one of the speakers this weekend, as well as Charlotte Gambill. Both amazing ladies. There were so many things that really spoke to me, but the one that I feel like writing about has to do with where I have been the last 4 years. Because of my past, I have been feeling like my effectiveness in ministry was over with. Like I was disqualified, if you will. But I think it was Charlotte who talked about life being a relay race, with those people who are going before you and those coming up behind you. I dropped my baton. So what. I need to pick it back up, get back in my lane and continue the race. Seems simplistic, but it was something that I guess I really needed to hear.
To that end... I have decided to go to Greece in April with the A21 team. I asked for confirmation from God by way of delivering the money the week it was due, and He did. So I'm going. And I'm very excited about it. I haven't been on the mission field in a very long time.

I will not, only by the grace of God, screw up this second chance.

Meet Calton, our new sponsored child from Xai Xai. I have always wanted to help out one of our children in Africa, but the time was never right, until now. He has both parents and siblings and is a smart little boy, we are just helping his parents to feed and educate him. (He attends our school and church campus there.) Sounds like he fits right in with us.    :)

I had my hearing test and I do have below average hearing. It's especially below in the higher frequencies and when other noise is present. This is not a surprise as the word "what?" is used a lot in my vocabulary. Next test he ordered is Tuesday where they pour hot and cold water in my ears and make me dizzy. Good times.
Last week I spent way too many hours apartment hunting in Paris. Virtually of course. Turns out they are cheaper than a hotel and a whole lot bigger. And hotel rooms for 4 are hard to come by there. Well so are Available apartments apparently. Didn't realize you had to book so far in advance there. I have found one, but waiting on a  reply from another I like better  before deciding on Monday.

I need to write a separate post about the women's conference this weekend, but I have to get to ballet right now, so later.

I used to hate Valentines Day, I thought it was forced and cliche. But over the last few years (after our horrible ordeal) I have come to appreciate a day set aside to honor our loved ones. I know we should every day of the year, but it just doesn't happen much because life just gets in the way.
I made Josh a craft I found on Pinterest, and he absolutely loved it!
And he got me the most beautiful diamond necklace ever. I love him, and I'm so glad he's home.

*My MRI came back clear. Praise God!! Now we have to keep trying to diagnose the dizziness. Next step - audiologist.
*Jordan was home for the weekend, and on her way home she was rear ended by a driver who couldn't stop in time and skidded right into her. Her car isn't too bad, but the other one was pretty messed up. I hate that I wasn't there to help her. Her neck is pretty sore, so please join me in praying for quick healing and no lasting problems for my girl.
*I miss my husband. He's been gone for a week now. He'll be home in a coupla days..

I did it! All by myself. Just left my MRI/MRA. One hour in the tube with a cage on my head. I feel a great sense of accomplishment. I'm stronger than I think I am, and that feels good.

For all concerned, my appt for my MRI is having to be rescheduled. I'm not sad about that.     :)
Don't know when yet.
I haven't had to take the dizziness meds the last 2 days...   :)

*I just booked four tickets to Paris for our vacation this summer!!!
* I am no longer working at the travel agency. Thinking of starting my own, but also looking for other job opportunities. Undecided.
*Remember that dizziness thing I got last summer? Well it's back and my neurologist has decided for me to have an MRI to get to the bottom of this thing once and for all. (tuesday morning)
* Josh is leaving this weekend for Berlin. :(
*Hannah graduated from physical therapy on her hands and is healed!
*Who knew that Lowe's has a clearance section in their garden department?? I discovered it yesterday and came home with 10 new plants. Each one was between $2 and $5! Including 3 orchids for $2 a piece! I love plants and am thrilled with this new find..
*As of today we are completely free of credit card debt! Probably for the first time ever in our marriage.  We have a mortgage and a couple of loans, but that's it. This is an exciting milestone for us. I now want to get the loans paid off and just have a mortgage. It's a great feeling.